HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-2024 - Study Session Agenda Packet STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO August 5, 2024
6:30 pm
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Municipal Building. City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign up to speak upon arrival. 2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on
August 5, 2024) 3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
• Click here to pre-register and provide public comment by Zoom (You must
preregister before 6:00 p.m. on August 5, 2024)
4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by
the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in
participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance.
Public Comment on Agenda Items
1. Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure
2. Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Update
3. Overview of Roundabouts Effectiveness and Application
4. Staff Report(s)
5. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager Jerry Dahl, City Attorney Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director DATE: July 26, 2024 (for August 5 study session) SUBJECT: Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure
ISSUE:
The Lutheran Legacy Campus (LLC) Master Plan was adopted in 2021, and implementation of the plan’s vision requires that the City Charter be amended to modify the building height limitations in the interior of the campus. Such amendment requires a ballot measure, and Magellan Strategies has recently obtained input from Wheat Ridge residents to measure support for or against a proposed ballot measure. A first round of polling occurred in early May, and a
second round of polling was conducted from July 17 to July 28, 2024. The purpose of the August 5th study session is:
• To review and discuss the results of the July polling; and
• To review, amend, or approve the proposed ballot question. PRIOR ACTIONS: On April 8, 2024, City Council provided direction to staff to advance a charter amendment,
legislative zone change, and a first round of public polling. On May 13, 2024, the results of
Magellan’s first round of polling were shared in a study session, and City Council provided direction for staff to continue educating the public about the LLC Master Plan and a potential charter amendment ballot question. There was also consensus to conduct a second round of polling. On July 15, 2024, staff presented a draft zoning framework; height was discussed
briefly, but consensus on height allowances was deferred to the August 5th study session.
BACKGROUND: Charter History On November 2, 1976, the residents of Wheat Ridge voted for the creation of a Home Rule
Charter Commission and selected a diverse group of residents to draft a proposed Charter. The
twenty-one elected members of the Charter Commission submitted to the voters of the City their proposed Home Rule Charter in 1978 which was approved by a majority of voters. The Charter has been amended multiple times since it was approved. In 1983, voters amended
the Charter to add Section 5.10.1 which established height and density restrictions. Since then,
new development has been limited to 35 feet for residential uses and 50 feet for non-residential uses. The most recent Charter amendment in 2009 exempted certain areas of the City from the
Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure August 5, 2024 Page 2
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height and residential density limitations of Charter Section 5.10.1. Those two areas included a portion of Wadsworth Boulevard (generally from 35th to 45th Avenues); and the majority of the I-70/Kipling Urban Renewal Area including Kipling north of 44th Avenue, Clear Creek Crossing, and the area surrounding the Wheat Ridge · Ward commuter rail station. The areas were
excluded from the Charter height and density limitations entirely, and both limitations were established through zoning. Lutheran Legacy Campus The Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan describes three key expectations which represent the
central tradeoff associated with future redevelopment: 1. The perimeter should serve as a buffer and transition between the campus and existing adjacent neighborhoods, 2. Future development should integrate existing assets to the greatest extent possible (such as the chapel, blue house, and trail along the Rocky Mountain Ditch), and in exchange,
3. The interior will be afforded more flexibility in terms of land use and height. This approach is summarized in the plan’s framework map shown below. At the July 15, 2024 study session, staff noted that the fundamental intent of the Master Plan is to taper the height of development, so shorter buildings and/or larger setbacks ring the perimeter of the campus, and
taller buildings are clustered toward the middle of the site. To that end, staff recommended a height limit of 30 feet or 2.5 stories along the perimeter, which is lower than the 35-foot limit that exists in all other residential zone districts, including the adjacent neighborhoods.
This development framework diagram
from the Master Plan (page 51) illustrates in yellow the expectation of
lower density and lower intensity uses
on the perimeter. By contrast, the
purple shading represents a flexible mix
of uses that could be taller and more
dense in the interior of the site.
The asterisks identify some of the
existing buildings and potential reuse
opportunities. This map along with the
text of the Master Plan informs the
proposed zoning regulations and the
proposed ballot measure.
Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure August 5, 2024 Page 3
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Public Feedback Magellan Strategies polling has helped to inform maximum height allowances. While the public expressed support for taller heights in the middle of the campus during the 2020 planning
process, several years have elapsed and many voters are not aware of the LLC planning efforts. The polling completed by Magellan Strategies in May 2024 was intended to gauge resident awareness of the Master Plan and to gauge support for a ballot measure. Over 1,000 voters responded, and key insights from the May polling included the following:
• Most people (85% of respondents) knew the hospital is moving.
• Only 27% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with the LLC Master Plan.
• Just over half (59%) of respondents were aware of Charter height restrictions.
• When initially asked about a Charter amendment, 42% of respondents said they would definitely or probably approve such amendment.
• Levels of support for a ballot measure increased as respondents learned more:
o 48% were more likely to approve after learning about the central tradeoff
o 49% were more likely to approve after learning the increased height allowance would not apply to the perimeter o 52% were more likely to approve after learning more specifics about the Charter limitations and current hospital height
o 62% were more likely to approve after learning new buildings would not exceed the height of the hospital
o 64% were more likely to approve after learning community amenities such as open space and civic uses would not be possible without a Charter amendment.
In short, the May poll clearly demonstrated that support levels increase as knowledge increases, and the poll results highlighted an opportunity for education. As a result, a public education campaign has occurred throughout the summer; past and upcoming communication and engagement opportunities include:
• April 16 Let’s Talk Open House
• June 6 Let’s Talk Open House
• June 29 Ridgefest booth
• Mid-July postcard mailing to every residence in Wheat Ridge
• July 20 Lutheran Hospital Open House booth
• August 8-11 Carnation Festival booth
• September 17 Let’s Talk Open House
• Monthly Mayor’s Matters Newsletters
• What’s Up Wheat Ridge e-Newsletters
• Quarterly Connections Newsletter Magellan’s second round of polling included 1061 respondents and indicates increasing public awareness with 87% of residents aware of the hospital move and 39% aware of the master plan,
up 2% and 12% respectively. Key insights from the July polling include the following:
Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure August 5, 2024 Page 4
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• Most people (87% of respondents) know the hospital is moving.
• Only 39% of respondents are very or somewhat familiar with the LLC Master Plan.
• Almost three quarters (70%) of respondents are aware of Charter height restrictions, an increase of 11% from the May polling.
• When initially asked about a Charter amendment, 59% of respondents said they would definitely or probably approve such amendment, an increase of 17% from the May
polling
• Levels of support for a ballot measure increased as respondents learned more: o 53% were more likely to approve after learning about the central tradeoff. o 55% were more likely to approve after learning the increased height allowance
would not apply to the perimeter.
o 61% were more likely to approve after learning community amenities such as open space and civic uses would not be possible without a Charter amendment. The May and July polls included similar questions, but the July poll tested support for various
building heights. The May poll gauged the level of support for building heights less than the existing 91-foot hospital. The July poll gauged the level of support at 90 feet (7 stories), 80 feet (6 stories), and 70 feet (5 stories). The level of support and height are inversely related, with higher support for lower heights. Sixty (60%) percent of residents support 70 feet (5 stories).
Feedback from Potential Buyers Throughout the summer the owner of the Lutheran Legacy Campus, Intermountain Health (IMH), has solicitated proposals from potential buyers. Several interested buyers met with City staff to learn about the LLC Master Plan and the community vision. Three potential buyers confirmed directly to staff that they do not envision development of any new structure taller than
5 stories. While IMH has not shared the specifics of any buyer proposals, they have confirmed the same conclusion—that no interested buyer is seeking to develop above 5 stories.
Staff Recommendation Based on the direction of the LLC Master Plan, public polling, and developer feedback, staff is
recommending the following ballot question that modifies the Charter height restrictions in two ways: In order to implement the City’s 2021 Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, shall the Home Rule Charter of the City of Wheat Ridge, specifically Section 5.10.1
regarding building height, be amended for the former Lutheran Hospital campus:
• To lower the maximum allowed height for residential structures to 30 feet (2.5 stories) when in proximity to adjacent residential neighborhoods east,
west, and south of the campus; and
• To limit all structures to a maximum height of 70 feet (5 stories) in the interior portion of the campus south of 38th Avenue between Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West including an area southeast of Lutheran Parkway?
Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure August 5, 2024 Page 5
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While the 2009 ballot measure exempted certain areas from the Charter height restrictions without establishing new height limits in the Charter, there are several reasons to include the specific limitations in the ballot measure. Public polling indicates increased support for the measure with more specific height limitations. Polling indicates increased support for the Charter
amendment when the tradeoff and lower perimeter height is shared. Lastly, amending the Charter to include the lower height on the perimeter memorializes the intent of the LLC Master Plan and reflects the tradeoff that is so central to the plan.
A draft ordinance with the ballot question as well as the full text of the charter amendment is attached. The approach is depicted in the image below. While images cannot be included on a ballot, this kind of imagery will be made broadly available to help explain the ballot measure. A
similar approach was taken in 2009.
CITY COUNCIL FEEDBACK REQUESTED: At the August 5 study session, Magellan Strategies will be present the July polling results, and staff will present the proposed ballot measure and draft ordinance. City Council is requested to
amend or approve the draft ordinance. Below is a proposed summary of next steps:
• August 12, 2024 – First Reading on Ordinance
• August 26, 2024 – Second Reading and Public Hearing on Ordinance
• August 27, 2024 – Last day to sign an IGA with the County Clerk for the coordinated election
This image summarizes the ballot
measure proposal to:
1. Lower the maximum height on
the perimeter of the campus
from 35 feet to 30 feet (2.5
stories) as shown in yellow, and
2. Allow up to 70 feet (5 stories) in
the interior, shown in purple.
A draft ballot map is provided as
Attachment 2.
Lutheran Legacy Campus – Draft Ballot Measure August 5, 2024 Page 6
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• September 6, 2024 – Last day to submit ballot question to County Clerk
• September 9, 2024 – Resolution giving notice of and calling for a special municipal election
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Ordinance 2. Draft Ballot Measure Map 3. Ballot Measure Survey Topline Results (July)
4. Ballot Measure Survey Presentation (July)
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER _______
Council Bill No. ________ Ordinance No. ____ Series of 2024
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE SUBMITTING A BALLOT QUESTION TO
THE VOTERS OF THE CITY AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION, TO AMEND THE WHEAT RIDGE HOME RULE CHARTER RELATED TO BUILDING HEIGHT AT THE LUTHERAN LEGACY CAMPUS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Charter Section 16.8 and C.R.S. 31-2-210, the City
Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado has the authority to refer ballot questions
amending the City’s Home Rule Charter to the electorate; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan (“Master Plan”) after a public hearing on October 25, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Master Plan documents extensive public input and community
goals and describes a vision for the future of the campus that includes public open
spaces, a mix of housing options, multi-modal amenities, and the repurposing of structures with historical value; and
WHEREAS, the Lutheran Legacy Campus is currently subject to the height restrictions of the City Charter which limit residential development to 35 feet and
commercial development to 50 feet both of which are significantly shorter than the existing
91-foot hospital; and
WHEREAS, the Master Plan vision for the Lutheran Legacy Campus cannot be realized without amending the height limitations on the campus; and
WHEREAS, the amended height limitations would restrict heights on the perimeter
of the campus to 30 feet in exchange for allowing heights of 5 stories or 70 feet in the
interior of the site; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to refer a ballot question amending the Charter to modify such height limitations on the campus; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to set a ballot title for the same.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
ATTACHMENT 1
2
Section 1. Ballot Question Referred and Ballot Title Set.
The following ballot question is hereby referred to the electorate of the City at the November 5, 2024 special municipal election:
CITY-INITIATED PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT
In order to implement the City’s 2021 Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, shall the Home Rule Charter of the City of Wheat Ridge, specifically Section 5.10.1 regarding building height, be amended for the former Lutheran Hospital campus:
• To lower the maximum allowed height for residential structures to 30 feet
(2.5 stories) when in proximity to adjacent residential neighborhoods east, west, and south of the campus; and
• To limit all structures to a maximum height of 70 feet (5 stories) in the
interior portion of the campus south of 38th Avenue between Lutheran
Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West including an area southeast of Lutheran Parkway?
Yes/For: __________ No/Against: ___________
Section 2. Full Text of Amendment. The full text of the amendment referred to the electorate is the addition of subsection (h) to Section 5.10.1 of the City Charter:
Sec. 5.10.1. - Building height and density limitations.
(a) Height limitations. The city shall not, by ordinance, resolution, motion, permit, or
other action, or variance except as provided in subsection (e), allow the construction
of buildings or other structures which exceed the following maximum heights:
(1) Thirty-five (35) feet for the following: All residential, planned residential and agricultural districts, including any created after passage of this amendment; residential buildings when built in nonresidential districts; the hospital-one district;
and the restricted commercial-one district.
(2) Fifty (50) feet for the following: Any other commercial, planned commercial, industrial or planned industrial districts; the public buildings and facilities district; commercial and office buildings constructed in the hospital-two district; and any nonresidential district created after passage of this amendment.
(3) Sixty-five (65) feet, but in no event more than six (6) stories above grade, for new
hospitals in the hospital-two district, on a minimum lot area of fifty (50) acres; however, additions attached to existing hospitals in this district may be built to a height not to exceed the height of the existing building.
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The height limitations established shall not apply to the following: Church steeples, silos, decorative domes and cupolas not used for human occupancy or any
commercial, business or industrial use, nor to windmills, chimneys, ventilators,
transmission towers, solar heating and cooling devices, water towers, antennas, or necessary mechanical appurtenances normally carried above the roofline, but the city council may, by ordinance, establish height limitations for these structures.
(b) […]
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section 5.10.1, the limitations upon building height contained herein shall be amended for the former Lutheran Hospital campus to restrict residential structures to a maximum height of 30 feet (2.5 stories) when in proximity to adjacent residential neighborhoods east, west, and south of the campus and to limit all structures
to a maximum height of 70 feet (5 stories) in the interior portion of the campus south of 38th Avenue between Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West including an area southeast of Lutheran Parkway (as shown as “Mixed-Use” on page 51 of the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, adopted October 25, 2021). This shall not modify any current zoning on any property and shall
preserve existing height and density limitations in the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws unless and until modified through future ordinances approved by city council after public hearings.
Section 3. Safety Clause. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and
declares that this Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City of Wheat Ridge, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and welfare of the public and that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The City Council further determines that
the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be
attained.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon
adoption at second reading and signature by the Mayor as permitted by Section 5.11 of
the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED by a vote of ______ to ______ on this 12th day of August 2024 and ordered published by title and in full on the City’s website as provided by the Home Rule Charter, and Public Hearing and consideration on final
passage set for Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in the
Council Chambers, 7500 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by a vote of ___ to ___, this 26th day of August 2024.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this ______ day of __________ 2024.
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Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
Approved As To Form
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication: August 13, 2024
Second Publication: August 27, 2024
Effective Date: August 26, 2024 Published: Jeffco Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
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Lower height
limit to 30 feet
(2.5 stories)
Allow up to
70 feet
(5 stories)
Learn more at www.whatsupwheatridge.com/lutheran
In 2021, the City adopted the
community-driven Lutheran Legacy
Campus Master Plan, which calls for
open space and lower intensity
development at the edge of the
property and clustering taller
buildings in the interior of the site.
The City Charter limits new
residen�al development to 35 feet
and new commercial development to
50 feet. This height limit needs to be
amended to realize the vision for the
campus.
The ## ballot measure proposes
amending the charter to:
1.Lower the maximum height on
the perimeter of the campus
from 35 feet to 30 feet (2.5
stories), as shown in yellow, and
2.Allow up to 70 feet (5 stories) in
the interior, as shown in purple.
For reference, the exis�ng hospital
building on the site is 91 feet tall.
The Charter amendment is specific
to height. Future zoning will regulate
setbacks, architecture, land use,
historic structures, tree canopy, and
open space.
Wheat Ridge Ballot Measure ##:
Modifica�ons to the Charter Height Restric�ons for the Lutheran Legacy Campus
ATTACHMENT 2
Magellan Strategies
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey
Topline Results
Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 1,061 voters of Wheat
Ridge, Colorado. The interviews were conducted from July 17th - July 28th, 2024. This survey has
a margin of error of +/- 2.95% at the 95 percent confidence interval. The survey data were
weighted to represent the demographics of presidential election year turnout within the City of
Wheat Ridge.
T1. Could you please verify that you are at least 18 years old and a resident of Wheat Ridge,
Colorado?
Yes .................................................................................... 100%
Thinking now about the Lutheran Legacy Campus, located at 8300 W. 38th Avenue in the heart
of Wheat Ridge…
T2. Did you know that on August 3, 2024, the Lutheran Hospital is moving to the Clear Creek
Crossing development at I-70 and 40th Avenue?
Yes ...................................................................................... 87%
No ....................................................................................... 13%
T3. How familiar are you with the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan that was approved by
the Wheat Ridge City Council in October 2021, which lays out a vision for the future
redevelopment of the Lutheran Legacy Campus?
Very or Somewhat Familiar Combined ............................ 39%
Very Familiar ...................................................................... 10%
Somewhat Familiar ........................................................... 29%
Not Too Familiar ................................................................ 38%
Not Familiar at All .............................................................. 22%
Unsure/No Opinion .............................................................. 2%
T4. Did you know that the Wheat Ridge City Charter limits development height in most areas of
the City?
Yes ...................................................................................... 70%
No ....................................................................................... 30%
ATTACHMENT 3
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-052324 City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey Toplines
Field Dates: 7/17/24 to 7/28/24, 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Dr. | Broomfield, CO 80023
www.MagellanStrategies.com | (303) 861-8585
2
Before we continue, it is important to understand that the City has made no decisions to put a
ballot measure before Wheat Ridge voters this November asking them to approve or reject an
amendment to the City Charter. Your responses to the following questions will help the City make
that decision. Let’s continue the survey now.
As mentioned before, in October 2021, the Wheat Ridge City Council approved the Lutheran
Legacy Campus Master Plan. The plan is a collaborative effort that outlines a framework for
future development while taking into account community expectations and goals. It anticipates
that the site will include a mix of uses, including residential, office, civic, cultural, parks and open
space, and commercial.
However, the site is currently zoned as a Planned Hospital District, and permitted uses include
only hospitals, hospice care, and accessory uses associated with a medical campus. Therefore,
both the zoning for the site and the City Charter would need to change in order to realize the
community vision outlined in the Master Plan.
We will now ask you to read a potential amendment to the City Charter and indicate whether you
would vote yes and approve it or vote no and reject it.
Ballot Language Test
T5. The Wheat Ridge City Council is considering placing the following amendment to the City
Charter on the ballot this November:
The building height limitations of the Charter shall not apply to the middle of the Lutheran Legacy
Campus (that area described as mixed use in the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, adopted
October 25, 2021, specifically as shown on page 51 of the plan). This shall not modify any current
zoning on the property, and the building height for the area shall not exceed the current height of
the hospital.
If this amendment were on the ballot this November, would you vote yes and approve it or would
you vote no and reject it?
Total Yes, Approve ............................................................ 59%
Total No, Reject ................................................................. 30%
Undecided .......................................................................... 11%
Definitely Yes, Approve ..................................................... 27%
Probably Yes, Approve ...................................................... 32%
Definitely No, Reject .......................................................... 19%
Probably No, Reject ........................................................... 11%
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-052324 City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey Toplines
Field Dates: 7/17/24 to 7/28/24, 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Dr. | Broomfield, CO 80023
www.MagellanStrategies.com | (303) 861-8585
3
We will now share some information about the Lutheran Legacy Campus and why this
amendment to the City Charter is being considered. After reading the information, please
indicate if you are more likely to vote yes and approve the ballot measure or if you are more likely
to vote no and reject it. Let’s get started:
T6. The image below from the Master Plan shows a general description of the future uses at the
current Lutheran Hospital site. The charter amendment would allow for taller developments in
the mixed-use areas (shaded in purple) in exchange for keeping lower heights and open space
on the perimeter (shaded in yellow) adjacent to existing neighborhoods. Knowing this, are you:
Total More Likely to Approve ............................................ 53%
Total More Likely to Reject ............................................... 36%
No Opinion ......................................................................... 11%
Much More Likely to Approve ........................................... 25%
Somewhat More Likely to Approve .................................. 28%
Much More Likely to Reject .............................................. 25%
Somewhat More Likely to Reject ...................................... 11%
T7. This amendment to the City Charter would only apply to the interior of the Lutheran Campus
and would not apply to the perimeter of the campus or other areas of Wheat Ridge. Knowing this,
are you:
Total More Likely to Approve ............................................ 55%
Total More Likely to Reject ............................................... 32%
No Opinion ......................................................................... 13%
Much More Likely to Approve ........................................... 27%
Somewhat More Likely to Approve .................................. 28%
Much More Likely to Reject .............................................. 22%
Somewhat More Likely to Reject ...................................... 10%
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-052324 City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey Toplines
Field Dates: 7/17/24 to 7/28/24, 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Dr. | Broomfield, CO 80023
www.MagellanStrategies.com | (303) 861-8585
4
T8. The Master Plan calls for a number of community and civic-focused amenities such as open
space, parkland, restoration of historic structures, and other civic uses that were deemed highly
desirable by the community.
It will not be financially feasible to provide these types of amenities without allowing taller
development in the interior of the property. Knowing this, are you:
Total More Likely to Approve ............................................ 61%
Total More Likely to Reject ............................................... 30%
No Opinion ........................................................................... 9%
Much More Likely to Approve ........................................... 33%
Somewhat More Likely to Approve .................................. 28%
Much More Likely to Reject .............................................. 20%
Somewhat More Likely to Reject ...................................... 10%
Approval of Different Heights
T9. Based on what you know and what you’ve learned, how likely are you to approve a charter
amendment allowing for the following heights in the interior of the Lutheran Legacy campus?
Total
Vote Yes
Total
Vote No
Undecided
Definitely
Vote Yes
Probably
Vote Yes
Definitely
Vote No
Probably
Vote No
70 feet or 5 stories 60% 26% 14% 34% 26% 16% 10%
80 feet or 6 stories 47% 43% 10% 23% 24% 27% 16%
90 feet or 7 stories 42% 49% 9% 20% 22% 32% 17%
And now, we have a few questions for statistical purposes only.
T10. Are you registered to vote in the City of Wheat Ridge as an Unaffiliated voter, a Democrat, a
Republican, are you registered with another party, or are you not registered to vote?
Unaffiliated ......................................................................... 40%
Democrat ........................................................................... 39%
Republican ......................................................................... 20%
Other Party ........................................................................... 1%
Not Registered to Vote ........................................................ 0%
T11. How likely are you to vote in a local ballot measure election this November regarding a
potential amendment to the City Charter? Are you:
Extremely Likely ................................................................. 81%
Very Likely .......................................................................... 15%
Somewhat Likely ................................................................. 3%
Unlikely ................................................................................. 1%
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-052324 City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey Toplines
Field Dates: 7/17/24 to 7/28/24, 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Dr. | Broomfield, CO 80023
www.MagellanStrategies.com | (303) 861-8585
5
T12. Which gender do you most identify with?
Female ................................................................................ 52%
Male .................................................................................... 47%
Prefer to Self-Identify .......................................................... 1%
T13. Are you between the ages of:
18 to 34 .............................................................................. 25%
35 to 44 .............................................................................. 18%
45 to 54 .............................................................................. 13%
55 to 64 .............................................................................. 17%
65 or Older ......................................................................... 27%
T14. Which race or ethnicity do you most identify with?
White .................................................................................. 69%
Hispanic or Latino ............................................................. 14%
Black or African American .................................................. 1%
Asian ..................................................................................... 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native ...................................... 1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander ......................... 1%
Two or More Races ............................................................. 5%
Other ..................................................................................... 0%
Prefer Not to Say ................................................................. 8%
T15. Do you rent or own your home?
Rent .................................................................................... 37%
Own .................................................................................... 56%
Other ..................................................................................... 1%
Prefer Not to Say ................................................................. 6%
T16. How would you describe your annual household income?
Less than $34,999 ............................................................. 10%
$35,000 to $49,999 ............................................................ 10%
$50,000 to $74,999 ............................................................ 11%
$75,000 to $99,999 .............................................................. 8%
$100,000 to $124,999 ....................................................... 12%
$125,000 to $149,999 ......................................................... 8%
More than $150,000 .......................................................... 24%
Prefer Not to Say ............................................................... 17%
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-052324 City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey Toplines
Field Dates: 7/17/24 to 7/28/24, 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Dr. | Broomfield, CO 80023
www.MagellanStrategies.com | (303) 861-8585
6
T17. How long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
Less than a year ................................................................... 3%
1 to 5 years ........................................................................ 34%
6 to 10 years ...................................................................... 18%
11 to 15 years .................................................................... 13%
16 to 20 years ...................................................................... 6%
More than 20 years ............................................................ 24%
Prefer Not to Say ................................................................. 2%
T18. Looking at the following map, please indicate which City Council District you live in.
District I .............................................................................. 25%
District II ............................................................................. 25%
District III ............................................................................ 27%
District IV ............................................................................ 23%
Survey Methodology
This survey utilized an MMS text data collection method to contact voters within Wheat Ridge,
Colorado, and invite them to participate in the survey. The survey data were weighted to
represent the demographics of presidential election year turnout in Wheat Ridge. The interviews
were conducted from July 17th - July 28th, 2024. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 2.95% at
the 95 percent confidence interval.
City of Wheat Ridge
Lutheran Legacy
Campus
Follow-Up Survey
July 17th – 28th, 2024
ATTACHMENT 4
Methodology Magellan Strategies is pleased to present
the results of a survey of 1,061 residents of
Wheat Ridge. The interviews were
conducted from July 17th – 28th, 2024.
The overall survey responses have a margin
of error of +/- 2.95% at the 95% confidence
interval. Population subgroups will have a
higher margin of error than the overall
sample.
The survey results were weighted to be
representative of the city’s voter turnout
demographics for a presidential election
year.
2City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Wheat Ridge
Voter
Registration
and
Past Turnout
Demographics
3City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Thinking now about the
Lutheran Legacy Campus,
located at 8300 W. 38th
Avenue in the heart of
Wheat Ridge…
Respondent
Information
4City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
87%
13%
Yes No
Did you know that on August 3, 2024,
the Lutheran Hospital is moving to
the Clear Creek Crossing
development at I-70 and 40th
Avenue?
85%
95%
85%
80%
97%
95%
79%
89%
86%
86%
96%
91%
77%
88%
85%
15%
5%
15%
20%
3%
5%
21%
11%
14%
14%
4%
9%
23%
12%
15%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Yes No
5City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
10%29%
38%
22%
Very Familiar Somewhat Familiar
Not Too Familiar Not Familiar at All
No Opinion
How familiar are you with the Lutheran Legacy
Campus Master Plan that was approved by the
Wheat Ridge City Council in October 2021, which
lays out a vision for the future redevelopment of the
Lutheran Legacy campus?
6
Very & Somewhat Familiar 39%
16%
11%
9%
5%
14%
17%
6%
9%
13%
8%
7%
11%
12%
13%
8%
28%
30%
31%
29%
38%
28%
26%
29%
28%
30%
31%
29%
28%
31%
28%
34%
33%
40%
43%
26%
26%
47%
40%
37%
38%
39%
33%
40%
36%
39%
22%
26%
19%
21%
22%
28%
20%
21%
22%
23%
20%
27%
20%
19%
24%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Very Familiar Somewhat Familiar
Not Too Familiar Not Familiar at All
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
70%30%
Yes No
Did you know that the Wheat Ridge
City Charter limits development
height in most areas of the City?
69%
71%
74%
68%
86%
73%
63%
67%
67%
75%
72%
75%
66%
75%
67%
31%
29%
26%
32%
14%
27%
37%
33%
33%
25%
28%
25%
34%
25%
33%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Yes No
7City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Before we continue, it is important to understand that the City has
made no decisions to put a ballot measure before Wheat Ridge voters
this November asking them to approve or reject an amendment to the
City Charter. Your responses to the following questions will help the
City make that decision. Let’s continue the survey now.
As mentioned before, in October 2021, the Wheat Ridge City Council
approved the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan. The plan is a
collaborative effort that outlines a framework for future development
while taking into account community expectations and goals. It
anticipates that the site will include a mix of uses, including residential,
office, civic, cultural, parks and open space, and commercial.
However, the site is currently zoned as a Planned Hospital District, and
permitted uses include only hospitals, hospice care, and accessory
uses associated with a medical campus. Therefore, both the zoning for
the site and the City Charter would need to change in order to realize
the community vision outlined in the Master Plan.
We will now ask you to read a potential amendment to the City Charter
and indicate whether you would vote yes and approve it or vote no and
reject it.
Respondent
Information
8City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
The Wheat Ridge City Council is considering placing
the following amendment to the City Charter on the
ballot this November:
The building height limitations of the Charter shall
not apply to the middle of the Lutheran Legacy
Campus (that area described as mixed use in the
Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, adopted
October 25, 2021, specifically as shown on page 51
of the plan). This shall not modify any current
zoning on the property, and the building height for
the area shall not exceed the current height of the
hospital.
If this amendment were on the ballot this
November, would you vote yes and approve it or
would you vote no and reject it?
Uninformed
Ballot Test
9City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
59%
30%
11%
Total Yes
Total No
Undecided
Definitely Vote Yes 27%
Probably Vote Yes 32%
Definitely Vote No 19%
Probably Vote No 11%
Ballot Language Test
If this amendment were on the ballot
this November, would you vote yes
and approve it or would you vote no
and reject it?
57%
55%
57%
65%
47%
53%
66%
57%
59%
59%
59%
51%
63%
66%
52%
33%
34%
31%
23%
43%
35%
22%
35%
28%
30%
30%
36%
27%
25%
34%
10%
11%
12%
12%
10%
12%
12%
8%
13%
11%
11%
13%
10%
9%
14%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Total Yes Total No Undecided
10City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
We will now share some
information about the Lutheran
Legacy Campus and why this
amendment to the City Charter is
being considered. After reading the
information, please indicate if you
are more likely to vote yes and
approve the ballot measure or if
you are more likely to vote no and
reject it. Let’s get started:
Information
Questions
11City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
33%
61%
Total More Likely to Approve
Much More Likely to Approve
City of Wheat Ridge Survey Information Questions
12
The Master Plan calls for a number of community
and civic-focused amenities such as open space,
parkland, restoration of historic structures, and
other civic uses that were deemed highly
desirable by the community.
It will not be financially feasible to provide these
types of amenities without allowing taller
development in the interior of the property.
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
27%
55%
Total More Likely to Approve
Much More Likely to Approve
City of Wheat Ridge Survey Information Questions
13
This amendment to the City Charter would only
apply to the interior of the Lutheran Campus and
would not apply to the perimeter of the campus or
other areas of Wheat Ridge
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
25%
53%
Total More Likely to Approve
Much More Likely to Approve
City of Wheat Ridge Survey Information Questions
14
The image below from the Master Plan shows a
general description of the future uses at the current
Lutheran Hospital site. The charter amendment would
allow for taller developments in the mixed-use areas
(shaded in purple) in exchange for keeping lower
heights and open space on the perimeter (shaded in
yellow) adjacent to existing neighborhoods.
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Based on what you know and what
you’ve learned, how likely are you
to approve a charter amendment
allowing for the following heights
in the interior of the Lutheran
Legacy campus?
Approval of
Different
Heights
15City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
60%
26%
14%
Total Yes
Total No
Undecided
Definitely Vote Yes 34%
Probably Vote Yes 26%
Definitely Vote No 16%
Probably Vote No 10%
70 Feet or 5 Stories
Based on what you know and what you’ve
learned, how likely are you to approve a charter
amendment allowing for the following heights
in the interior of the Lutheran Legacy campus?
16
57%
52%
64%
69%
49%
48%
71%
48%
67%
61%
47%
56%
71%
61%
60%
28%
32%
24%
20%
38%
33%
17%
33%
20%
28%
33%
32%
18%
25%
27%
15%
16%
12%
11%
13%
19%
12%
19%
13%
11%
20%
12%
11%
14%
13%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Total Yes Total No Undecided
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
47%
43%
10%
Total Yes
Total No
Undecided
Definitely Vote Yes 23%
Probably Vote Yes 24%
Definitely Vote No 27%
Probably Vote No 16%
80 Feet or 6 Stories
Based on what you know and what you’ve
learned, how likely are you to approve a charter
amendment allowing for the following heights
in the interior of the Lutheran Legacy campus?
17
46%
39%
48%
56%
32%
43%
56%
39%
53%
45%
36%
40%
59%
55%
40%
44%
49%
45%
33%
57%
47%
35%
47%
40%
44%
49%
49%
35%
35%
49%
10%
12%
7%
11%
11%
10%
9%
14%
7%
11%
15%
11%
6%
10%
11%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Total Yes Total No Undecided
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
42%
49%
9%
Total Yes
Total No
Undecided
Definitely Vote Yes 20%
Probably Vote Yes 22%
Definitely Vote No 32%
Probably Vote No 17%
90 Feet or 7 Stories
Based on what you know and what you’ve
learned, how likely are you to approve a charter
amendment allowing for the following heights
in the interior of the Lutheran Legacy campus?
18
43%
34%
40%
49%
25%
39%
51%
41%
46%
38%
33%
32%
54%
49%
36%
49%
57%
51%
39%
65%
52%
40%
49%
46%
52%
52%
58%
41%
42%
55%
8%
9%
9%
12%
10%
9%
9%
10%
8%
10%
15%
10%
5%
9%
9%
District IV
District III
District II
District I
More 20 Yrs
11-20 Yrs
Less 10 Yrs
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Total Yes Total No Undecided
City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
52%
47%
1%
Female Male Prefer to Idendify As
18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
25%
18%
13%
17%
27%
Gender
Party AffiliationAge Range
Survey Demographics
40%
20%
39%
1%
Unaffiliated Republican Democrat Other
37%
56%
1%
6%
Rent Own Other Prefer not to say
Rent v. Own
19City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
Race-Ethnicity Survey Demographics
69%
14%1%1%1%1%5%8%
White Hispanic/
Latino
Black or
African-
American
Asian American
Indian or
Alaska
Native
Two
or
More
Races
Prefer
not to
Say
Native
Hawaiian or
Other
Pacific
IslanderIncome
Less $35K $35K to
$49,999
$50K to
$74,999
$75K to
$99,999
$100K to
$149,999
$150K to
$199,999
More than
$200K
Prefer Not
to Say
10%10%11%8%12%8%
24%
17%
20City of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Legacy Campus Follow-Up Survey, July 2024. 1,061n, +/- 2.95% MoE
3%34%
18%13%
6%
24%
Less than a Year 1 - 5 Years 6 - 10 Years
11 - 15 Years 16 - 20 Years 20+ Years
Tenure
Prefer not to say
Magellan Strategies
4800 Aspen Creek Drive
Broomfield, CO 80023
MagellanStrategies.com
(303) 861-8585
David Flaherty | Ryan Winger
Courtney Sievers | Katie Witt
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: Steve Art, Economic Development Director
DATE: August 5, 2024 SUBJECT: Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Update
ISSUE: The Economic Development Division of the City Manager’s office is actively in the process of creating an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan. This strategic plan is being branded as the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan (the Plan) and is being developed as a stand-alone document
to be used by the City Manager’s Economic Development Division (as well as key partners). The
City has contracted with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) to develop the Plan, who will provide an update on findings to-date and discuss the Plan’s emerging goal and objectives framework. A final Plan is anticipated to be delivered in September 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wheat Ridge’s last economic development plan was created in 2009. This updated 2024 Plan uses current market data and community aspirations to develop priorities for decision-making, investments, and strategic partnerships over the next decade. The Plan evaluates a range of market dynamics, including employment, business activity, demographic changes, local and
regional commercial real estate trends, and investments and incentives, as well land development
and redevelopment opportunities. The Plan will include a detailed, tactical implementation section as well as “quick wins” that can be accomplished within the first two years. To date, more than 300 local stakeholders have been engaged as part of this planning process, including City staff and leadership, residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, employers, developers, and key
organizational partners. The Plan will be additive to and coordinated with other concurrent
planning efforts, including the City Plan. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW: The P.U.M.A. team’s presentation and discussion with City Council is intended to share key
conclusions from the market analysis and community outreach, and to introduce the four
emerging goal areas (as well as corresponding objectives): 1. Corridors, nodes, and redevelopment opportunities 2. Jobs, innovation, and light manufacturing 3. Attainability and quality of life
Item No. 2
Study Session Memo – 2025 Partner Budget Requests July 15, 2024 Page 2
4. Business support ecosystem RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff is seeking consensus that the four goal areas and objectives align with the Council’s vision for the Wheat Ridge Economic Development Strategic Plan. The final recommended plan will be adopted by City Council at a future date.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. PUMA presentation
WHEAT RIDGE PROSPERITY PLAN
City Council Study Session – August 5, 2024
Progressive Urban Management Associates
ATTACHMENT 1
I.Recap
•Outreach
•Market Analysis
II.Key Takeaways
III.Goals Framework
IV.Emerging Objectives, Strategies
V.Discussion & Next Steps
AGENDA
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Lowrey Burnett, WRBA
Tyler Downs, Wazee Partners
Tom Fox, Optic Nerve
Patrick Goff, City Manager
Brett Hall, Timeless Travel Trailers
Stephanie McGee, Chamber of
Commerce
Tadd Overstreet, Stylus & Crate
Paige Piper, Localworks
Lindsay Reinert, Intermountain
Health
Heidi Sheard, Swiss Flower + Gift
Jim Shpall, Applejack Wine +
Liquor
Celeste Tanner, Renewal WR
| Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
•300+ individuals engaged
•Roundtables with small businesses, developers, residents
•Interviews and focus groups, including Wheat Ridge Business Association,
Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Localworks, JeffCO EDC, Lakemont Owners
Association, Wheat Ridge Business District, Intermountain Health
•Interviews w/ City departments: Community Development, Economic
Development, Administrative Services, Renewal Wheat Ridge (URA), City Council,
Mayor and City Manager
•City Plan open houses
•Online survey
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
•Site visits to corridors and nodes, urban renewal
projects, and economic drivers
•Compilation and analysis of demographic and
employment data, and regional market trends
•Review of city records including sales tax,
building permits, and past plans & reports, and
analysis of vacant developable land
•Commercial real estate comparison to peer
communities
•Interviews with business owners,
entrepreneurs, developers, commercial
property brokers, and other subject matter
experts.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Rentable Area by Type
Commercial Real Estate
•Low vacancy rates
•Added relatively (vs. Jefferson County) more space in 2018-2023 in the Restaurant, QSR/Fast Food and MOB categories
Employment
•Health Care (6,250 jobs) the largest sector and net importer of jobs
•Increase of 860 jobs (2011-2021) followed by Professional, Scientific, Technical jobs (600) etc.*
Sales Taxes
•I-70
•Wadsworth
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
$35,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Revenues
*Construction saw 1,000 jobs increase
followed by Health Care, Professional
Scientific
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Wheat Ridge’s distinct competitive
advantages (such as location, quality
of life, amenities, historic character)
underpin a strong market outlook
and opportunities looking ahead.
Businesses desire Wheat Ridge’s location in relation
to Denver and to the mountains, and the quality-of-
life offerings afforded to its residents.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
The city’s demographics are
slowly shifting, bringing new
opportunities to spur business
growth, entrepreneurial activity,
and investments in amenities.
Particularly as families are being priced out of other
markets locally, Wheat Ridge has seen a surge in
younger residents in recent years, putting to test its
reputation as an aging, bedroom community.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Wheat Ridge is a city of corridors.
Corridors are where the community’s
commercial activity occurs and the driving force
behind the City’s revenue. These historic
corridors and nodes should be preserved and
invested in. There are opportunities to create
more walkable business corridors along 38th,
and parts of 44th and 29th.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Landlocked and built-out: Wheat
Ridge has very few large parcels left to
accommodate manufacturing uses, but there are
opportunities for smaller-scale industries and infill
redevelopment (e.g., Lutheran redevelopment).
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Many organizations currently
provide economic
development and business
support in Wheat Ridge, which
is both a strength and
challenge. There is a key opportunity to
create stronger partnerships and more well-
defined roles among the City (Economic
Development) and partner organizations, such
as the Chamber, the Business Association, and
Localworks.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Corridors, Nodes & Redevelopment Opportunities
•Reliance on retail-based sales tax revenue
•Widespread desire among the community and a
market opportunity to meet (some) of the demand
for unique retail, restaurants
•Mix of chains/franchises and independent
businesses – responsive to market demands and
provides a robust and diverse sales tax base
•Promote additional density on corridors while
preserving single-family character in neighborhoods
Goal
Area 1
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Corridors, Nodes & Redevelopment Opportunities
A.Maintain and enhance the small business mix along corridors.
B.Continue supporting walkable, neighborhood-serving, dynamic destinations (38th & 29th).
C.Implement the vision for 44th Avenue– a corridor of opportunities.
D.Support the City’s vision for the redevelopment of the Lutheran campus and encourage
innovative flex uses.
E.Invest in opportunity sites along key arterials and interchanges, including Kipling/I-70.
Goal
Area 1
Engage commercial property owners to make investments, building upgrades for business tenants.
•Carrot/stick approach: code enforcement, targeted incentives
•Re-orient incentives to update aging buildings (e.g., commercial area north of I-70).
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Jobs, Innovation, Light Manufacturing
•Industrial real estate limited in Jefferson County,
significant demand – esp. “flex” real estate.
•Focus on delivering smaller-scale flex spaces for
entrepreneurs that do not require a traditional large-
format industrial space.
•I-70 corridor: concentration of mid-sized industrial
uses (with several larger industrial anchors), providing
important jobs for the community.
Goal
Area 2
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Jobs, Innovation, Light Manufacturing
A.Preserve and improve existing industrial areas.
B.Expand Wheat Ridge’s inventory of flex space for innovative firms.
C. Attract small, niche service-based firms.
Goal
Area 2
Offer grants and technical assistance for innovative start-up concepts.
Consider forming a focused apprenticeship initiative, centered around the industrial / employment hub north
of I-70, co-led by Localworks.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Attainability & Quality of Life
•Desire for continued investment in place-enhancing
elements that make Wheat Ridge a unique, distinctive,
and accessible place to shop, dine, and live.
•Disconnect between the types of jobs and affordability
of housing -- directly impacts ability to retain talent.
•Need more households – to support business vision.
Goal
Area 3
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
A.Enhance multi-modal access to Wheat Ridge’s business districts
B.Public art and gateways
C.Housing
D.Sustainability
Goal
Area 3 Attainability & Quality of Life
Implement recommendations from existing and forthcoming plans including the Housing Plan, City Plan, and
Sustainability Plan.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
Business Support Ecosystem
•Multiple organizations supporting economic
development – creates some confusion, fragmentation.
•More straightforward communication about processes
and resources for new businesses desired.
•URA (Renewal WR) successes, transformative
investments – but may need additional structure,
parameters to define priority projects moving forward.
Goal
Area 4
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
A.Refine the City of Wheat Ridge economic development function.
B.Streamline permitting processes
C.Refine Renewal WR (URA) priorities and core values
D.Strengthen business development partnerships
Goal
Area 4 Business Support Ecosystem
Define a set of core values for the URA and revisit scope to bring greater focus to priority projects.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan – 2024
WHEAT RIDGE PROSPERITY PLAN
City Council Study Session – August 5, 2024
Progressive Urban Management Associates
ITEM NO. 3
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Maria D’Andrea, Director of Public Works
DATE: August 5, 2024
SUBJECT: Overview of Roundabouts Effectiveness and Application
ISSUE Roundabouts are increasingly being used as an effective traffic management solution at intersections. They are designed to improve traffic flow and safety by reducing the number of conflict points and the potential for high-speed collisions. This report provides a comprehensive
overview of roundabouts, including their benefits, operational guidelines, and best practices for their use.
BACKGROUND A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic travels counterclockwise around a central
island and entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic. Roundabouts are designed to control
vehicle speeds through the roundabout, typically 15 mph to 25 mph. Roundabouts should not be confused with traffic circles. While the terms "roundabout" and "traffic circle" are often used interchangeably, there are some important differences between the two. Most notably, traffic circles are typically smaller and can be placed within the right-of-way limits of an existing,
standard intersection without the need for major construction modifications. Vehicles are required
to divert from a direct path through the intersection because of the physical barrier caused by the traffic circle, thus forcing vehicles to travel at a slower speed. Traffic circles are typically delineated only by paint, signage, and vertical traffic control devices such as flexible delineators. Roundabouts have standardized design guidelines, allow for better pedestrian and bicycle
movements, and have clear signage and road markings to guide drivers on how to navigate them
safely. However, they require a much larger “footprint” which typically requires the acquisition of property to allow for their installation.
Single-lane roundabouts designed for low-speed operation are one of the safest treatments
available for at-grade intersections1. Drivers have no lane use decisions to make. Pedestrians cross one lane of traffic at a time. Roadway speeds and widths are low enough to allow comfortable mixed bicycle and motor vehicle flow. Other benefits of roundabouts include:
•Reduced Crash Severity: Roundabouts significantly reduce the likelihood of severe crashes
compared to traditional intersections as they provide for fewer conflict points and lower
2
vehicle speeds. Crashes associated with roundabouts are typically rear end or side swipes as opposed to broadside or right-angle crashes at a typical intersection.
• Enhanced Traffic Flow: Roundabouts reduce delays and improve traffic flow by
eliminating the need for stop signs or traffic signals to assign the right-of-way for those entering an intersection; it’s not necessary for traffic to come to a complete stop when no conflicts are present. Vehicles entering the roundabout yield to circulating traffic, which maintains a steady flow and reduces congestion.
• Environmental Impact: Reduced idling at roundabouts lowers vehicle emissions and fuel
consumption, contributing to better air quality and reduced environmental impact.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial construction of roundabouts can be higher than traditional intersections, they often result in lower long-term maintenance costs due to the absence of traffic signals and related infrastructure and the associated electrical usage and maintenance costs of these components.
The safety performance of a roundabout is a product of its design. At roundabouts, vehicles travel in the same direction, eliminating the right-angle and left turn conflicts associated with traditional intersections. In addition, good roundabout design places a high priority on speed control. Speed control is provided by geometric features, not just by traffic control devices. Because of this, speed
control can be achieved at all times of day. It is difficult for drivers to speed through an appropriately designed roundabout that forces vehicles to physically change direction. Lower vehicle speeds should provide the following safety benefits:
• Provide more time for entering drivers to judge, adjust speed for, and enter a gap in
circulating traffic, allowing for safer merges;
• Reduce the size of sight triangles needed for users to see one another;
• Increase the likelihood of drivers yielding to pedestrians (compared to an uncontrolled crossing);
• Provide more time for all users to detect and correct for their mistakes or mistakes of others;
and
• Make crashes less frequent and less severe, including crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrian Safety at Roundabouts
Compared to two-way stop-controlled intersections, roundabouts typically make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the major street2. At both roundabouts and two-way stop-controlled intersections, pedestrians must judge gaps in the stream of traffic. At roundabouts, sighted pedestrians must only look in one direction at a time, within a relatively small sight angle. At traditional intersections, unless a raised median provides a refuge, pedestrians need to look in both
directions before entering the street. They must also be aware of vehicles turning off of the side streets, so their field of vision must be wide. Pedestrians with vision impairments can have difficulty assessing gaps at roundabouts and two-way stop-controlled intersections. By reducing stopping distance, the low vehicular speeds through
a roundabout generally reduce the frequency of crashes involving pedestrians and increase the
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likelihood of vehicles yielding to pedestrians. All-way stop-controlled intersections normally have low incidence of severe pedestrian crashes
due to the fact that motorists generally stop or at least slow down significantly before going through the stop signs. However, all-way stop controlled intersections do not provide positive geometric features to slow vehicles and instead rely entirely on the authority of the traffic control device. The roundabout geometry physically slows and deflects vehicles, reducing the likelihood of a high-speed crash due to a traffic control device violation.
Challenges & Solutions
• Capacity Constraints: In some high-traffic areas, roundabouts may become congested. Solutions include designing larger or multi-lane roundabouts.
• Complexity for Large Vehicles: Roundabouts can pose challenges for larger vehicles such
as semi-trucks, fire vehicles and buses. Design considerations such as wider entry and exit points and truck aprons can help accommodate these vehicles.
• Public Perception: Public resistance to roundabouts may arise due to unfamiliarity or misconceptions. Effective public education campaigns can address concerns and facilitate acceptance. As more roundabouts are installed across the country, motorists’ experience
increases along with their acceptance of such devices.
• Increased Space Requirements. Roundabouts often require more space in the immediate vicinity of the intersection than comparable stop-controlled or signalized intersections. While increased land is required at the intersection, typically the need for additional right-of-way between intersections can be reduced or used more effectively to accommodate
parking, wider sidewalks, planter strips, and/or bicycle lanes on the approaches.
• Delay to Vehicles on Higher Volume Streets. Roundabouts tend to treat all movements at an intersection equally, with no priority provided to major movements over minor movements. Each approach is required to yield to circulating traffic, regardless of whether
the approach is a local street or major arterial. This may result in more delay to the major
movements than might otherwise be desired. This problem is most acute at the intersection of high-volume major streets with low- to medium-volume minor streets. Careful engineering evaluation needs to occur before considering a roundabout at these types of intersections.
• Vision Impaired Pedestrians. At roundabouts, the sound of circulating traffic masks the
audible cues that blind pedestrians use to identify the appropriate time to enter the crosswalk. It may be impossible to determine by sound alone whether a vehicle has actually stopped or intends to stop. Also, pedestrians with vision impairments may have trouble finding crosswalks because crosswalks are not located in the “typical” extension of the end
of the sidewalk. A landscape strip or other detectable edge treatment between sidewalks
and roundabouts can help lead all pedestrians to a crosswalk. Evaluation and Implementation Not all locations are necessarily feasible for a roundabout. As mentioned previously, traffic
volumes, right-of-way constraints and other factors need to be considered before implementing a
roundabout in a particular location. A thorough traffic study and feasibility analysis must be performed to assess traffic volumes, potential benefits, and design requirements. Design criteria
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need to be considered carefully so that positive speed control through the geometric features of an intersection are achieved. It is also critical to engage with the community to address concerns and gain support for the project.
City staff are currently working with the City of Edgewater to design and install a roundabout at the intersection of 26th Ave and Harlan St. Edgewater has undertaken extensive efforts to address speeding and enhance opportunities for bicyclists and pedestrians on city streets. This roundabout is a continuation of those efforts. This intersection borders both Wheat Ridge and Edgewater,
therefore Wheat Ridge will participate in approximately 50% of the design and construction costs utilizing 2J funding. A schematic of the proposed design is attached. Construction is anticipated to begin in the late-winter or early-spring of 2025. Another location where city staff are proposing a roundabout is at the intersection of 38th Avenue
and Parfet Street. There is currently a traffic signal at this location. As a part of the 38th Avenue West Study, citizens in the corridor expressed concerns about speeding traffic on 38th Ave. Conclusion Roundabouts are a viable alternative to intersection management and can significantly improve
traffic safety and efficiency if designed appropriately. They offer numerous benefits including improved traffic flow, enhanced safety, and environmental advantages. By carefully considering design elements, addressing challenges, and involving the community, municipalities can effectively implement roundabouts and achieve positive outcomes for their road networks. DISCUSSION This item is intended to be informational only. Therefore, there are no specific recommendations from staff and no specific direction is requested of Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 26th Ave & Harlan St. Roundabout Schematic 2. FHWA Roundabout Brochure
References:
1. National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 672: Roundabouts: An Informational Guide, Second Edition (2010)
2. NCHRP Report 572: Roundabouts in the United States
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ATTACHMENT 1
Roundabouts
A Safer Choice
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Education is key.
Education is vital to the acceptance and success of a roundabout.
Navigating a roundabout is easy. But because people can be
apprehensive about new things, it’s important to educate the public
about roundabout use.
There are just a few simple guidelines to remember when driving
through a roundabout:
1.Slow down.
2.If there’s more than one lane, use the left lane to turn left,
the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through,
unless directed otherwise by signs and pavement markings.
3.Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
4.Yield at the entry to circulating traffic.
5.Stay in your lane within the roundabout and use your right-
turn signal to indicate your intention to exit.
6.Always assume trucks need all available space —
don’t pass them!
7.Clear the roundabout to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Design standards for roundabouts continue to evolve, and not all features of existing
roundabouts meet current recommended practice. Please refer to FHWA’s web site
for recommendations on current design practice.
Original source photo by Lee Rodegerdts. Photo has been altered to illustrate
roundabout and updated signage.
“Personally, I love them, and I’ll tell you
why. You only have to stop one lane of
traffic, then go to the middle and wait.
The cars can’t go much faster than 20 mph
through the roundabout so the crossing
aspect is great.”
Denise Haltom
School Crossing Guard, Suamico, Wisconsin Green Bay Press-Gazette February 6, 2001
“We have had a lot of people not very
happy about the idea of roundabouts, but
after they are constructed, those fears
mostly go away.”
Brian Walsh
Washington State Department of Transportation
Seattle Times
June 5, 2002
“We all know people speed up to get
through a yellow light. But at the
roundabout, all the vehicles have to slow
down ... we have almost 50 roundabouts
now, we have a lot [fewer] personal
injuries. We have fewer fatalities.”
James Brainard
Mayor, City of Carmel, Indiana
www.nbc17.com
November 8, 2007
Visit safety.fhwa.dot.gov to learn
more about roundabouts
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ATTACHMENT 2
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout is a type of circular intersection
with yield control of entering traffic, islands on the
approaches, and appropriate roadway curvature to
reduce vehicle speeds.
Modern roundabouts are different from rotaries and
other traffic circles. For example, roundabouts are
typically smaller than the large, high-speed rotaries
still in use in some parts of the country. In addition,
roundabouts are typically larger than neighborhood
traffic circles used to calm traffic.
A roundabout has these characteristics:
Why consider a roundabout?
Compared to other types of intersections, roundabouts
have demonstrated safety and other benefits.
Roundabouts:
> Improve safety
• More than 90% reduction in fatalities*
• 76% reduction in injuries**
• 35% reduction in all crashes**
• Slower speeds are generally safer for pedestrians
Source: Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. Federal Highway Administration,
Washington, D.C., latest version, except as noted.
Walk around the
outside; don’t
cross through
the middle
Ride your bike
as a vehicle or
walk your bike
as a pedestrian
Tips for safely walking and biking
through a roundabout
No need to
change lanes
to exit
Can have
more than
one lane
Yield signs
at entries
Geometry
that forces
slow speeds
Counterclockwise
circulation
Generally Circular Shape
[ Traditional intersection ][ Roundabout ]
* “Safety Effect of Roundabout Conversions in the United States: Empirical Bayes
Observational Before-After Study.” Transportation Research Record 1751, Transportation
Research Board (TRB), National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Washington, D.C., 2001.
** NCHRP Report 572: Roundabouts in the United States. National Cooperative Highway
Research Program, TRB, NAS, Washington, D.C., 2007.
Research is ongoing on additional treatments
and design considerations to address the needs of visually impaired pedestrians.
> Reduce congestion
• Efficient during both peak hours and other times
• Typically less delay
> Reduce pollution and fuel use
• Fewer stops and hard accelerations, less
time idling
> Save money
• Often no signal equipment to install, power,
and maintain
• Smaller roundabouts may require less right-of-
way than traditional intersections
• Often less pavement needed
> Complement other common community
values
• Quieter operation
• Functional and aesthetically pleasing
With roundabouts, head-on and
high-speed right angle collisions are
virtually eliminated.
Potential vehicle conflict point