March 12, 2015 VOLU M E 1 49 | I S S UE 1 4 | 5 0 ¢
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Scott Carlson, a representative of the development team under contract from Molson-Coors, answers residents’ questions about the development at Applewood Golf Course during the first community meeting on March 3. Photos by Clarke Reader
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Applewood neighbors jam golf course meeting Course closure talk fills school past capacity By Clarke Reader
creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com POSTAL ADDRESS
GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Golden Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.
The first public meeting about the development of Applewood Golf Course was called off after less than an hour because the more than 300 people in attendance filled the auditorium at the Manning School to a “dangerous level of over-capacity.” The announcement was met with loud boos and signs reading “NO redevelopment of Applewood Golf Course” being held aloft. At that point in the meeting, only about 10 people who were lined up to speak and ask questions had the chance to address Scott Carlson, a representative of the development team under contract from Molson-Coors, and Alan Tiefanbach, a planner with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning. “The property was zoned industrial and agricultural by Coors in 1973, and they built the golf course as an interim use — it was never meant to be permanent,” Carlson said during the presentation portion of the meeting. “Coors has determined the property is surplus land, and it will be sold. What we’re trying to determine is
what the most appropriate use of the property is.” The 145 acres owned by Molson-Coors is zoned primarily industrial, with some agricultural zoning and commercial use. While a full rezoning proposal has not been submitted to the county, developers are expected to submit an application for the mixed-use development, which would include 454 homes and duplexes. “If the rezoning isn’t approved, the property will be sold and developed under its current zonings,” Carlson said, to audible sighs and scoffs from the audience. “Several years ago there were efforts made to sell the property to Wheat Ridge and the county at a lower price, and the golf course operator had first opportunity to purchase the land and declined.” Carlson said they have found two primary impacts of the rezoning — the loss of the course as a community amenity and traffic in the area. If the proposal moves forward, there will be no changes to the course’s operations this year, and Carlson said he wouldn’t expect to see any changes until 2016. He went on to add that the clubhouse is an integral part of the community, and the developers have had early talks with the Prospect Recreation and Park District about donating the clubhouse land to the district. Golf continues on Page 12
Park land has no current plan, or funding By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Residents in and around the Heritage Dells subdivision convened for a city sponsored community meeting on Tuesday, March 3 to discuss future uses for the Bachman property that was purchased by the city in 2009. The meeting provided feedback from residents to city staff and parks and recreation board members about any possible trail and park development on the property. Jeffco Open Space and the city of Golden came together to purchase the 17-acre Future continues on Page 12
Portable toilets to be added near rail station Golden, Jeffco work to provide facilities for W Line By Amy Woodward
awoodward@coloradocommunitymedia.com
POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 722 Washington Ave., Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401
Portable toilet facilities are planned near the W Line light-rail station at the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden. “It can really be a problem after a long trip from downtown Denver,” said Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan. City staff has received numerous concerns from citizens regarding the absence of toilet facilities at the RTD light-rail station, which is the location for the end of the W line on the west end of the Denver area, Sloan said. Golden decided to initiate a request with the county to add restrooms near the station.
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P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Debating Bachman’s future
The completely full auditorium and long line of neighbors wishing to comment on the proposed development to Applewood Golf Course on March 3.
Toilets continues on Page 12