COMMERCE CITY — Local cities are taking the first steps in planning for future train stations.
Though a definitive timeline and funding availability remain in question, officials are still moving forward with plans for the new North Metro Line through Adams County. The 18.5-mile commuter rail line, part of the FasTracks program, will eventually feature eight train stations.
A master plan for a station at East 72nd Avenue and Colorado Boulevard is being finalized and city council is expected to vote next month on its approval, said Steve Timms, planning manager for Commerce City. The plan details a land-use strategy for the area over the next 20-plus years, he said.
In the short term, the city plans to upgrade basic infrastructure around the train station, including installation of sidewalks, curb and gutters and streetlights, Timms said. Officials recently held a community meeting to discuss plans for the station and safety was listed as a top priority, he said.
“We heard over and over that safety is paramount,” he said. “Both pedestrian and vehicle safety.”
Though many cities use future light-rail stations as an opportunity to stimulate residential and commercial growth, the city’s master plan does not entail any major changes.
“This is not proposing a complete transformation of the surrounding neighborhoods,” Timms said. “Our plan envisions keeping a strong employment and industrial base in these key areas.”
As it stands, the North Metro Line is fully funded up to the Commerce City station. The remainder of the line, meanwhile, is being put up for bid and proposals are due by Sept. 23.
City planners in Thornton, however, are developing studies for the stations at 88th Avenue and Welby Road, and 104th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
“City planning staff anticipates completion of this work by the middle of 2014,” Thornton senior planner Rob Larsen said.
In addition to those studies, the city has also secured funding for the 144th Avenue and York Street station area plan, Larsen said. That plan is scheduled for completion in 2015, he said.
Joey Kirchmer: 303-954-2650, jkirchmer@denverpost.com
