68th & Carr: Hope, Petition, Application Status

There is Hope At the July 18th City Council meeting/public hearing, Council reviewed a proposal to rezone a small lot just 10 blocks south of 68th & Carr, at 58th (Ralston Rd), and to build a drive-thru coffee shop on the site. The proposal was accompanied by the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve: 4 in favor, 1 against, with 2 members absent. Dozens of Arvada residents attended the July 18th Council meeting/hearing, and many spoke against the proposed rezoning and building, arguing negative impacts to traffic and to neighboring properties, among others. Council added several questions about the proposed building. In the end, supporters of the coffee shop were unable to convince Council that the proposed rezoning/building was appropriate. Council unanimously denied the rezoning, as well as the proposed building, which was based on rezoning. Council denying the coffee shop does not guarantee its denying the townhouses at 68th & Carr, of course, but it is proof that Council may. And the coffee shop proposal has many similarities to the proposed townhouses. A summary of the City Council meeting is linked below. Scroll down to "Public Hearings: Coffee Shop." https://www.facebook.com/groups/554403894677126/permalink/998018033649041/ Petition Signatures The total signature count between the online and paper petitions is 565, with no duplicates. I will submit these to the City. Application Status The application materials remain in "Under Review" status on Arvada's eTRAKiT site, with comments having been provided to the developer to address. Once complete, Arvada Staff will submit it and their recommendation (approve, approve with conditions, or deny) to the Planning Commission for review, public hearing, and vote. Attendance at that public hearing may have a strong influence on the vote. I'll send notice when it's scheduled. Best regards, Michael ArvadaHills@gmail.com