KOTO radio to move up the dial

KOTO radio will be coming in loud and clear, thanks to a change in its frequency. Norwood listeners have been battling interference when listening to the Telluride station on 89.3 FM, because of its proximity to KVNF’s 89.1 FM signal. That should change today, July 16, said KOTO Executive Director Steve Kennedy, when KOTO moves up its signal to 89.5 FM.
“We requested this change from the FCC two years ago in order to improve our West End reception. We were experiencing  occasional interference on 89.3 and the change to 89.5 on Wednesday will provide our West End listeners two clear options for receiving KOTO, including 91.7 which gives a good signal to some residents now.  89.5 in Norwood should be louder with less interference, with greater effective power,” said Kennedy.
KOTO also asked the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for a new full power transmitter that will boost the station’s output in San Miguel and western Montrose Counties. The station hopes to get its construction permit early next year.

Tucker withdraws annexation application

After months of asking the Town of Norwood to annex 50 acres so he could develop the Homestead East and West subdivision, Daniel Tucker has formally withdrawn his request.
Norwood Water Commission initially supported Tucker’s application with a letter stating that the town had the necessary 175 water taps needed to serve the development. The commission retracted their letter when an updated engineering report suggested that the town’s water system only had 83 water taps in reserve.
Tucker is a member of the water commission, but was recused from voting in the matter.
Tucker said he crafted his development proposal to be affordable, and in keeping with the town’s desire to cluster development around existing residential areas.
In a letter to town officials, Tucker stated that he was withdrawing his application “due to the Town of Norwood’s incapacity, at this time, to implement and service its Master Plan.”

Skate ramp in the works

A skateboard park is at the top of the wish list for kids in town, but until an actual park gets built, they might be able to start with a ramp.
Norwood’s Town Board of Trustees voted last week to look into the prospect of acquiring a skate ramp owned by John Fahnestock. Fahnestock offered the 12X26 foot ramp to the town, with a tent, and asked for $1,200 reimbursement for the materials used to build it.
Town Administrator Patti Parker said she would make sure that the structure could be accommodated on the town’s land and by the town’s insurer. She also suggested that volunteers could help set up the ramp.


Habitat for Humanity gets final OK

Norwood Town Planner Amy Levek had two words for the Town Board regarding the final plat for the Habitat for Humanity development:
“It’s done.”
The board unanimously approved the plat amid cheers and clapping, and the project is set to break ground this summer.
The project includes six home sites, subsidized financially for families who make less than 50 percent of the median income in the area. For a family of three, that means earning less than $32,100 annually. Each adult in a qualifying family must also put in 200 hours of labor. The residences will be built on Pine Street, between Naturita and San Miguel Streets. Construction is supposed to take place in two phases, with three homes being built this summer, and three next summer.
The planning process has also taken multiple years, and project manager Mike Dorsey said that he appreciated the efforts of town officials and staff in helping the project move forward.
“I think everyone’s worked really hard on this. Thank you,” said Dorsey.