22 Centennial Citizen
July 29, 2021
SOUTHGLENN FROM PAGE 1
Area residents in 2019 primarily voiced concerns about the potential for more traffic around the outdoor mall in Centennial, which sits at East Arapahoe Road and South University Boulevard, a major intersection in the south metro area. They also objected to the possibility of apartment buildings sitting across the street from the less-dense neighborhood nearby. Roughly 400 people filled the seats at a November 2019 meeting at Powell Middle School in a second community meeting about the plans, an unruly gathering that underscored the continued frustration some residents feel toward the project. Developers want to revitalize the mall, which has fought recent vacancies and is facing the expectation that its Macy’s store could close in coming years. Because the developers want to change the mix of types of properties allowed, their plans need the city’s approval. The mall is a top source of tax revenue for Centennial, but it’s pulling in a smaller proportion of funds than it used to. With the redevelopment plans now formalized, the public can review the developers’ proposal and give feedback. Ultimately, the plans must undergo scrutiny from the Centennial Planning and Zoning Commission, a body of citizens who make development recommendations to city council. Then it faces a city council vote, an event that could be months away. Here’s a look at what may change and what a study says about SouthGlenn traffic concerns. History of changes SouthGlenn was originally the large, indoor Southglenn Mall built in the 1970s, and Sears and Macy’s were components of that mall. SouthGlenn’s outdoor shopping center layout replaced the former mall in 2009. The Sears closed near the end of 2018. The Macy’s isn’t likely to close in the immediate future, but
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p o a u T a a o A woman walks two dogs past diners at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar at The Streets at SouthGlenn in an Oct. 9, 2020, file photo. PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Because the City of Centennial approved a master development plan in 2006 that deviates from normal zoning, Northwood and Alberta need the city’s approval to make certain changes at SouthGlenn. Generally, the city’s planning and zoning commission — and, if it gives the green light, then city council — must base the decision
on whether they feel it will benefit the public and if it “will not materially and adversely affect existing development on adjacent properties, or measures will be taken to substantially buffer or otherwise substantially mitigate any incompatibility or adverse impacts,” according to the city website. The proposal must be consistent with the mixed-use concept of SouthGlenn’s master development plan and must not conflict with the requirements of the
master development agreement or financial obligations regarding the project. The city entered into the 2006 master development agreement with the developer to establish the process by which SouthGlenn was redeveloped, and the MDA is tied to the master development plan. The proposal also must be consistent with the city comprehensive plan, Centennial NEXT, which sets goals for future development and land use in the city.
SEE SOUTHGLENN, P23
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