open space or hybrid streetIn light of aesthetic improvements slated to begin in the Cherry Creek North Business District, a contentious issue residents thought was resolved years ago is coming back to life.
The Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District is examining whether to keep Fillmore Plaza between East First and East Second avenues on Fillmore Street as is — a pedestrian-oriented open space — or change it to a hybrid street, which allows for two-way vehicle traffic and can be closed off for events.
As in 2006, the overwhelming majority of residents in the Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association and some businesses would like the plaza to remain closed off to vehicles with a resurgence of community events, said Wayne New, CCNNA president.
But perhaps spurred by economic conditions, some business owners on and off the plaza believe that turning it into a street would boost visibility and help drive traffic to their businesses.
The plaza is mostly a mix of vacant space and upscale national retailers.
The property owners of either side of Fillmore Plaza, Western Development and The Sturm Group, are two of the businesses leading the charge for the change.
The Business Improvement District is hosting an open house for public input about Fillmore Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 100 Fillmore Place, 100 Fillmore St. For details, call 303-394-2904. Kathryn Richert,
