January 2, 2014 Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 9, Issue 32 A publication of
arvadapress.com
The Arvada Plaza, the site for Arvada’s second Wal-Mart location. Construction is set to begin this year. Photos by Crystal Anderson
Year oF chaNge For arvada Compiled by Crystal Anderson canderson@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
The past year was a busy one in Arvada — marked with record flooding, new development projects stirring up controversy, key Arvada players moving on to new careers while welcoming new people to fill their roles, and bans on marijuana. Here are our top 10 stories of 2013:
Fall flooding
The Olde Town TOD project along Grandview Avenue was a big topic throughout Arvada in 2013. Plans for the new development of a parking structure, train station and new additions in Olde Town were discussed and will soon be underway.
In September, a week of torrential rainstorms created around $1 million dollars in damage throughout Arvada. Alkire Street, Quaker Street and Indiana Street were closed due to substantial flooding done throughout those areas, including the streets, ranches, homes and schools in the area. Several students from Thomson Elementary and Swanson Elementary Schools were affected during a trip to the Mount Evans Outdoor Lab facility. The roadway leading to the site in Evergreen became impassible leaving students, volunteers and Outdoor Lab staff stranded until they could be evacuated. Following the flooding, city staff reported due to several city and community projects, such as the Ralston Central Park Project, aided in protecting neighborhood homes and business from receiving flood damage.
Zenzinger to Senate
Late in the year, Councilmember Rachel Zenzinger left the council after being appointed to the Colorado Senate District 19 seat. Zenzinger made her interest in the seat known following the departure of former Sen. Evie Hudak, who resigned Nov. 27 in the midst of a potential recall. Zenzinger was sworn into office Dec. 13, leaving her Arvada City Council District 1 seat vacant. Council is now seeking District 1 applicants and will fill the seat in early January.
This year the Arvada Center and the Arvada City Council created a task force to come up with a new master plan in regard to the Arvada Center. The task force has recommended the Arvada Center become an entity separate from the city. The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA) has been working with Industrial Reality Group (IRG) to form a publicprivate ownership, which will refund $5.8 million to IRG to fund the $9.1 million improvement project. Development of the site will begin in 2014.
New chamber president
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce welcomed in a new president, Kami Welch, in December after former president Dot Wright stepped down. Wright worked at the chamber for five years, increasing its membership and retaining businesses through a tough economy. Wright left after accepting a position
Wal-Mart
Kami Welch became the Arvada Chamber of Commerce president Dec. 1. She comes to Arvada from the Brighton Chamber of Commerce.
In July, the city council approved the plans for the redevelopment of the Arvada Plaza, 9611 W. 58th Ave., which will include a full Wal-Mart store. More than 340 residents with the Stop Arvada Walmart opposed the plans, which passed in a 6-1 vote, with former Mayor Pro Tem, Rachel Zenzinger, voting against.
Change continues on Page 2
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