The Thornton City Council is expected to decide tonight whether to fast-track a Wal- Mart-anchored shopping center through the development approval process.
If the council decides the center at 128th Avenue and Quebec Street is of “economic significance,” the project would bypass the lengthy approval process involving the city’s Development Permits and Appeals Board.
Instead, the project would undergo administrative review, a speedier process that city spokeswoman Heather Lammers estimated could shave as much as four months off the approval process.
That would allow the city to begin collecting sales-tax revenue from the center that much sooner. Wal-Mart spokesman Gray McGinnis said a typical Wal-Mart can generate more than $1 million a year in sales-tax revenue.
The city has granted administrative review to five projects, including the Sportsman’s Warehouse at Interstate 25 and 84th Avenue, and both phases of the Larkridge shopping center at I-25 and Colorado 7.
The Wal-Mart-anchored center is being developed by Southwestern Investment Group LLC. It is not receiving city financing.
The development has been highly controversial since its inception. It is located in a largely residential area, causing neighbors to worry that the center will increase noise and congestion and reduce property values.
City voters were given the opportunity to repeal the zoning that allowed a big-box center on the site last November. Voters kept the zoning in place, allowing the project to move forward.
Residents who initially opposed the project said they will be present at tonight’s City Council meeting to continue voicing their opposition.
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-954-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
