March 12, 2015 VOLU M E 31 | I SS UE 37 | 5 0 ¢
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A publication of
Board approves new high school
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
Planned 7-12 facility coming to Jefferson Area By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com
Applewood neighbors jam golf course meeting Course closure talk packs gathering By Clarke Reader
creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com POSTAL ADDRESS
WHEAT RIDGE TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 1089-9197)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Wheat Ridge 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
Board 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
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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
The Jeffco Board of Education has approved a new 7-12 school for the Jefferson Area, yet some teachers and students are left in limbo. At the March 5 Jeffco Board of Education meeting, the board approved part of the Jefferson Area Plan. The board voted unanimously to approve the creation of a new 7-12 high school at Jefferson High School, moving the current seventh and eighth grades from Wheat Ridge 5-8 to the school, and the fifth and sixth grades to Stevens Elementary. Principal Warren Blair of Wheat Ridge 5-8 said “7-12s are not unusual in many areas.” He added: “By eliminating one transition, and being able to know the kids from seventh through twelfth grade, and they can see the high school experience — that really helps support this whole piece, of we are a family.” This move would extend dual language options for students in the articulation area, increase resources for students and teachers, utilize problem-based learning in all classes, allow staff to become a true, heavy professional learning community (PLC) and create more secondary pathways, such as obtaining a certificate of workforce readiness or a seal of biliteracy for students. “It’s a better opportunity for us to grow there, to get more relationships with the
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