A controversial annexation of a 21-acre parcel to develop commercial and multi-family buildings near Roger’s Grove and Fairgrounds Lake, was unanimously approved by the Longmont City Council Tuesday.
The approval for the Rivertown annexation came after residents spoke up against the proposed concept plan for the land and council members sought to keep the development buffered by green space and its open space preserved.
Rivertown is located at 21 S. Sunset Street, immediately south of the St. Vrain Creek and is currently zoned for industrial uses in unincorporated Boulder County. The property is also east of Rogers Grove and Fairgrounds Lake, extended along the St. Vrain Greenway.
Rivertown developers told the council they want to put in mixed-use development on the parcel, which is now considered blighted. “This is an area that will be a long-term commitment for us,” said co-developer Anthony De Simone, adding $100 million will be invested into the property.
A wide range of employment-related land uses are permitted on the land including small-scale manufacturing, processing, wholesaling, storage, office flex space and commercial services, according to a city staff report.
Also allowed on the property is 334 high-density residential units, which will most likely be apartments, developers said.
De Simone said the added housing will help Longmont deal with its lack of affordable housing.
Residents told the council that Rivertown’s high-density housing was not compatible with the wildlife habitat in the area. “You should send this … back to the drawing board,” Nadine Lester told the council.
Councilmember Aren Roderiguez asked for amendments to the concept plan that would not allow a roadway to access the open space surrounding the property and that a multi-tiered buffer be added on its west side.
Mayor Joan Peck also said she was disappointed that the concept plan did not include homes and condos.
City staff members said a detailed site plan would have to be submitted for approval before any construction could begin.
