Wheat Ridge City Council Held two public study sessions in March.
The March 4 study session reviewed the amendment to the cooperation agreement between the city and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority, and U.S. Retail Partners, the developer of the former Applewood Village Walmart.
To incentivize the redevelopment of the property, in 2019 the city agreed to a sales tax pledge. The 2020 pandemic resulted in a shortfall of the revenue originally estimated. U.S. Retail Partners is requesting a 10 year extension of the sales tax pledge.
The council also reviewed final design plans for The Green at 38th, a community gathering space in front of Stevens Elementary. Construction on the project is slated to begin June 1.
The project is the result of an agreement between the city and Jefferson County School District to exchange the property for The Green for the city constructing a new parking lot for Stevens Elementary.
The March 18 study session was largely a legislative update session, with Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Monica Duran in attendance. Colorado Municipal League Legislative Advocacy Manager Heather Stauffer provided a legislative update to the council regarding several bills that have pertinence, particularly regarding amendments and regulations around short term rentals and accessory dwelling units, rezoning and housing opportunity goals around transit corridors, and Senate Bill 174 which seeks State-supported sustainable affordable housing.
City Manager Patrick Goff provided the council with an update on the Lutheran Legacy Campus and the Carr Street Urban Renewal Plans, which create two new urban renewal areas for the city. The city has moved forward with the required studies and analysis and is prepared to advance to next steps before the council adopts a resolution galvanizing the plans.
The next regular city council meeting is Monday, March 25.
