A new type of development focused on integrating future RTD transportation plans around residential and commercial needs could change the face of southwest unincorporated Adams County.
The proposed Clear Creek Transit Village development calls for the construction of no more than 1,125 residential units and 250,000 square feet of space for commercial or industrial uses on 21.11 acres along Federal Boulevard.
The development at 6001 Federal Blvd. is part of a plan adopted in October 2009 to guide future land-use regulations, public improvements and partnerships near the two RTD Gold Line transit centers in unincorporated Adams County.
These plans include the development of a “mixed-use village center” around the Federal Station, a “light industrial area” around the Pecos Station and a “business park” between the two stations.
John L. Renne, the TOD Group managing director said, this type of transit-oriented development “would incorporate a mix of residential and commercial uses, including restaurants, cafes, retailers, apartments and condos designed to maximize walkability and accessibility to public transportation and natural amenities.”
“We feel that we are very well positioned over the next five to 10 years as the market ripens to the north and people are looking for new opportunities for a number of uses that are not just residential but a number of commercial, retail and office as well,” Renne said.
The Adams County Planning Committee considered the Clear Creek Transit Village’s preliminary development plan and rezoning request during a Sept. 27 public hearing that included a mixture of approvals and concerns from area residents.
Some proponents say the development will create jobs, spur economic development and become a catalyst for cleaning up Federal, while opponents say it is incompatible with the surrounding area.
David Swanis, an unincorporated Adams County and Historic Goat Hill Neighborhood co-chair, said residents and neighborhood group members have supported the project since it was first proposed nearly three years ago.
“We could be ‘not in my backyard’ obstructionists, but we’re not,” Swanis said. “We believe it will greatly upgrade the image and the utility of the Northwest Denver area.”
Concerned Citizens for Compatible Development, an unincorporated southwest Adams County grassroots coalition, is one of several neighborhood groups who expressed opposition to the project during the Adams County Planning Commission hearing. Group representative Tom Stevens said the proposed development’s maximum 95-foot-high densities along Federal Boulevard are incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Those opposing the massive heights and densities of the project were labeled as anti-economic, anti-development or selfish, but those of us opposing the project are anything but that,” Stevens said. “We have brought many improvements to the area, and like most people, we hope to see improvement along Federal with intelligent, responsible development.”
The planning commission continued the case to sort out water availability and traffic concerns and will reconsider it on Oct. 25.