RIVALRY GAME
September 15, 2016 VOLUM E 128 | IS S UE 8 | 75¢
Arapahoe clashes with Heritage in high school football action on PAGE 24.
LittletonIndependent.net
A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Plans taking shape for future of canal Trail has challenges but is beloved by residents
By Kyle Harding kharding@coloradocommunitymedia.com Over the decades, the High Line Canal has been transformed from a utilitarian agricultural irrigation canal into a recreational draw, and the High Line Canal Conservancy says that work needs to be done to preserve it in the future. One of the longest continuous urban trails in the country, the canal meanders 71 miles, from its start at Waterton Canyon to
Green Valley Ranch, south of Denver International Airport, passing through the heart of the metro area along the way and connecting several parks. The trail, a repurposed maintenance road, is a popular route for cyclists, runners, dog walkers and horseback riders. “People use it as a natural place of beauty and refuge,” said Harriet LaMair, executive director of the conservancy, which was started as a nonprofit foundation in 2014 to lobby for improvements and maintenance for the trail. The trail is nearly unusable in some parts near its end, LaMair
said, and in many places the canal goes under busy roads in a culvert while trail users must find ways to cross. The conservancy presented its draft vision of a plan for the canal’s future at three open house meetings on Sept. 7 and 8. The meetings were the third step in a process of developing a plan, which will culminate with a presentation of a final plan next month. In earlier meetings, trail users said they wanted more connectivity in the trail, as well as safety and wayfinding improvements Canal continues on Page 7
Cyclists take a morning ride along the Highline Canal south of County Line Road. The 71-mile canal’s future is being planned by the High Line Canal Conservancy. Photo by Kyle Harding
DOGS RULE THE POOL
Council says no to zoning code update Plan to limit residential development in community business district fails By Kyle Harding kharding@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Dozens of dogs chased tennis balls around the pool at the Yappy Hour on Sept. 10 at Holly Pool. Trooper, a German shepherd owned by Steve Tringle, sported a flotation vest and goggles at the Yappy Hour.
As the summer draws to a close, Holly Pool in Centennial threw one last party for a different type of swimmer. Dozens of dogs paddled around the pool or chased tennis balls at the “Yappy Hour” on Sept. 10. Formerly called the “Puppy Paddle,” the event gives canines a chance to get in a swim before the South Suburban Parks and Recreation facility is closed for the winter. Jody Fliedner brought her chocolate labradoodle, Casey, to the pool on her break from work. “Casey needed a swim,” she said as he emerged from the pool and shook vigorously.
PHOTOS BY KYLE HARDING
A proposed update to Littleton’s zoning that would have restricted residential development in the community business zoning district failed by a 4-3 vote by the city council after a public hearing on Sept. 6. The ordinance would have required conditional-use permits for residential uses in the district, also known as the B2 district, which covers 264 acres scattered across the city, concentrated along Broadway, Littleton Boulevard and Main Street. The city’s code allows residential development as a use-by-right as long as it does not make up more than 50 percent of the floor area of a structure. The planning commission had recommended in July that the council not approve the ordinance, saying that residential uses do not have the same effect on neighbors that other conditional uses do. Council continues on Page 7
Free Cocktails, Food and Swag Bag. RSVP now for September 29th. 303-945-2080 David Verebelyi, MD
See page 5 for more information
LITTLETON INDEPENDENT (ISSN 1058-7837) (USPS 315-780) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Littleton, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 2550 S. Main St., Littleton, CO 80120. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LITTLETON, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 5 p.m. | Classifieds: Tue. 8 a.m. | Obits: Tue. 11 a.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.