Denver City Council OKs 7-story development in Cherry Creek North

“The Denver City Council approved zoning Tuesday night that will allow a controversial seven-story development in Cherry Creek North that some residents said was too tall, doesn’t have enough parking and will wreck existing home prices.

The building at 245 Columbine St. will replace a former post office, now vacant.

Councilman Albus Brooks urged opponents to see the wisdom of redevlopments that put residents close to jobs and shopping, like the one approved Tuesday night by an 11-0 vote.

“My vision is for infill development, smart development,” he said, adding, “Cities ae not static. They are dynamic.”

Supporters at the public hearing said the site and the neighborhood need economic revitalization.

“This building is an eyesore and has no reason to sit vacant and unused,” said Jonathan Albert, who supported the rezoning.
The meeting began in the early evening and lasted until after 9:30 p.m., with 37 speakers in line to argue for or against it.
Senior city planner Kyle Dalton told council members before the public hearing that the proposal met the standards for a rezoning. Opponents said the scales were tipped toward development.”

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Bunch, Joey. Denver Post 19 February 2013.