Attendees will tour including walking. four urban renewal areas in Commerce City (Mile High Greyhound Park, Derby Downtown, Victory Crossing, and 72nd Avenue and Colorado Light Rail) to understand the challenges and successes for revitalization. These four areas needed political support and funding, with incentives to successfully achieve community goals.
In Mile High Greyhound Park, the first step was to rezone as a PUD. Planners worked closely with the Urban Renewal Authority to prioritize projects and reviews and act as champions for the project’s outcome.
For Derby Downtown, the city created a master plan and design guidelines for redevelopment. The City Council has directed an update of those plans.
Victory Crossing is under federal mandates that do not allow residential development due to the proximity to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. This does not achieve mixed use.
For the 72nd Avenue and Colorado Light Rail project, affordable multi-family housing is being developed in proximity, mixed use is desired, and walkability is a challenge.
Learning Objectives:
Understand different tools for urban renewal and redevelopment.
Recognize challenges and opportunities posed by differing surrounding areas and make sure development is compatible.
Recognize the unique needs of minority communities surrounding urban renewal areas and take their desires and history into consideration.
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