ARVADA, CO -- For folks living in Arvada, Colorado the past few months have felt like David and Goliath as commercial giant Amazon began planning for a 112,485-foot distribution center dubbed "Project Indiana." The project, which is estimated to bring in around $1,000,000 in one-time funds and around $277,000 in yearly taxes, would stamp out wild habitat in the Maple Valley Park corridor.
The industrial warehouse would have a large parking area with over 1,000 parking spaces for employees. There are major concerns around the traffic that would be coming and going from this facility, a concern that Amazon recognizes. Amazon has agreed to only begin shipping items out after rush hour has ended in the morning and they will stop shipments before rush hour begins in the afternoon.
On April 20th the city planning commission voted to submit Project Indiana to the City Council for further consideration. This is despite a ground swell of speakers coming out against the proposal during the meeting. Former City Council candidate T.O. Owens commented that this was the best attending meeting that he could recall, although all of the public attenders voice their opposition to the plan and none supported it.
Although Amazon has made a strong case to the city planning commission it has also drawn fierce opposition in the form of around 5,700 residents who have joined together to petition against the annexation and rezoning of Maple Valley Park. These residents have been circulating petitions throughout the Arvada area and have drummed up support through social media and their website.
These residents believe that this land could be used for something other than an homage to American capitalism, they have suggested that the city leave this space as is, natural habitat and corridor for wildlife. By doing so they believe that this would preserve the land for future generations and preserve local property value.
There have also been more ambitious calls to create a pedestrian-friendly shopping and community area that would also create jobs and revenue that stays within the city rather than being shipped out of Arvada. The folks at Protect Maple Valley Park have suggested that this could be like an Olde Town Arvada or even a Pearl Street Mall but in West Arvada. These ideas have included creating an amphitheater for bands to play, mixed-use housing complete with restaurants, breweries, and shops, and even community parks.
Opponents of the plan have argued that Project Indiana doesn't fit within the city's plan for increasing community engagement and developing communities that are filled with vibrant arts and culture. They argue that if the city goes forward with the plan they will be acting in direct opposition to their own directives. This is also the type of development that could cost Councilmembers an election as so many will be following this closely.
There doesn't seem to be many in the public who are in support of this plan as the author could find no evidence of supporters outside of the city planning commission. Project Indiana would create many jobs in the area although many people are questioning whether it is always best to add jobs just for the sake of adding jobs.
One thing is for sure, this is the most controversial issue in Arvada since the city decided to provide a single hauler trash pickup option. However, unlike the trash issue, most Arvadans are on the same side, against Amazon, on this issue.
If you would like to add your voice on this issue or if you would like to stay engaged you can do so by tuning in on June 14th when the City Council will be voting on the issue and listening to public comment. To add your voice use this link.