December 10, 2015 VO LUM E 1 1 | IS S UE 28
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J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Uncertainty causes disconnect with Arvada Triangle development
Panthers take silver trophy
Change is coming, but timing an issue for local businesses By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com Development plans that have yet to come to fruition are causing concern around the uncertainty of time for Arvada Square businesses, and figuring out when they may be forced to move. “It’s been affecting our business for a long time,” Lori Mayo, owner of Super Pet Cuts, 9415 W. 58th Ave. “Making our clients feel stable when we’re in an unstable environment is difficult … My clients want to schedule for the year, so that’s been a struggle.” Nine years ago the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA) purchased the land off of Ralston Road and Independence Street as part of the Ralston Fields Urban Renewal area, with plans to purchase its neighbor — the once thriving Arvada Square shopping center — and develop it into a revitalized modern marketplace. Today, the center, now part of the urban renewal area known as Ralston Creek North, remains undeveloped, leaving the project and business owners in limbo. “I’ve lost a lot of customers,” Robert Scull, owner of 1 Stop Thrift Shop said of his move from the Arvada Plaza to the Square and the limbo his business has been in for multiple years. “I do better business here, but I’m going to have to move again by the end of next year — but I can’t look until I know the exact date of when we close here.” In early 2015, after six months of no movement from the project’s original developer, AURA decided to Development continues on Page 5
In the state title game, Pomona’s Max Borghi (21) is wrapped up by Valor Christian’s Cole Baker (16). See PAGE 22
Jeffco K-12 student art on spotlight Foot X Foot exhibition displays student work at Foothills center By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
REDEVELOPMENT PLANS
IF YOU GO
This map shows the areas AURA is looking to redevelop. Phase 1A — Set to begin development in summer 2016, with Loftus looking to bring new restaurants to the area. Phase 1B — Demolition or revitalization of the Safeway building. Loftus is currently seeking a tenant for the space. Begining late 2016. Phase 2 (green) — AURA purchases Arvada Square Shopping Center in mid-late 2016. Businesses are given six months’ notice before Loftus Development would begin construction.
Donations event boosts nonprofits Colorado Gives Day focuses on local efforts By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com Six years ago, Arvada’s Community First Foundation had an idea — what impact would it have if they could enact a fundraising movement that would help connect Coloradans to their local community nonprofits? Today, the idea lives on as Colorado Gives Day. And the impact — measured both financially and awareness — is huge. “It’s truly a give-where-you-live event,” said Dana Rinderknecht, director of online giving for Community First foundation. “You can put in your ZIP code, and find one (a nonprofit) in your back yard that you didn’t know about … it’s all about getting the nonprofit and the donor together.” In that time, Colorado Gives Day has raised more than $83 million for 1,800 nonprofits across the state, including 23 in Arvada. This year’s date was Dec. 8. “We’ve presented the foundation in a way that’s commensurate to what we’re
Sammy McConnell has always loved candles. So, candles, and his brother, were the inspiration for his photograph. And, surprisWHAT: Foot X Foot ingly, the senior exhibit, which features at Golden High artwork from Jefferson School said, his County’s K-12 students brother was a good model. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “They came Tuesday through Friday, out really Nov. 1 - Dec. 28 good,” McCoWHERE: Community nnell said, Gallery of the Foothills “which makes Art Center, 1510 Washme proud to be ington Avenue, in Golden able to take a picture of that COST: Free and open to quality.” the public McConnell’s For more information: photograph, www.foothillsartcenter. titled “Happy org; 303-279-3922 Birthday,” is one of more than 40 pieces of art on display for the Foot X Foot exhibit currently at the Foothills Art Center.
Art continues on Page 5
Nearly 20 percent funded, the Two Ponds Preservation Foundation schoolhouse is coming to fruition. The organization uses Colorado Gives Day to raise money for education and preservation efforts for Arvada’s Two Ponds National Refuge. Courtesy image all about,” Roger Johnson, a member of the Two Ponds Preservation Foundation, said of his group’s involvement with Colorado Gives Day. “It’s a very good venue for where we can reach out to the community and share our story.” The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation, which saw $2,566 in donations in 2014 — an 88 percent increase in dona-
tions from 2013 — is not alone. Other nonprofits, such as the Carin’ Clinic and the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, have also seen growth in donations, with a 179 percent year-over-year increase for the clinic, and a $91 average Donations continues on Page 27
Golden student Sammy McConnell’s photograph, titled “Happy Birthday,” is one of more than 40 pieces of art on display for the Foot X Foot exhibit currently at the Foothills Art Center.