The Stapleton Development Plan (often called the Green Book) was written with significant citizen input and approved by City Council in 1995. Citizen input about ongoing development has continued through the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB obtains development information from Forest City and each year sets goals appropriate to the current stage of development.
Following is a brief summary of CAB’s 2014 annual report to the Stapleton Development Corporation’s board, based on a draft available at the time Front Porch went to the printer.
Parks
A major Parks Advisory Group goal accomplished in 2014 was getting the Uplands designed along with Westerly Creek Park.
Partially accomplished was Forest City presenting recommendations to SDC and PAG for review and to get PAG’s recommendations on developing the remaining parks and open space.
Participating in discussions about the development of Stapleton in Aurora and construction of the 26th Ave Park were a goal for 2014. Status of that project is not known. Hearing a strategic plan for the completion of the 26th Ave Park is a goal for 2015.
Zoning and Planning
Communications worked well to get community and stakeholder input on the Section 10 plan. It worked less well for Eastbridge Town Center.
Forest City representatives attended ZAP and other community meetings and made very clear statements of their positions as the master developer
A shift from brownfield to infill development requires more, not less community outreach.
Forest City has become very resistant about presenting any concept plans for planned development, with the result that communications are limited.
Forest City declined to engage in specific discussions about planning for an integrated town center design.
The King Soopers and Evergreen plan for Eastbridge has divided the community over the designs, retail mix, environmental impacts, etc.
The project does not reflect the goals of town center design as presented in the Green Book.
Goals for 2015, work on Aurora planning (housing mix, open space, etc); Revisit zoning districts with the city, especially gas stations.
Housing Diversity
Stapleton has emerged as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the state and does not meet the income, age, or cultural diversity goals outlined in the Green Book
Pacing is far behind on overall number of apartments and affordable for sale.
Need more for-sale homes in $200-300K range