City faces FAA threat over airport development plans

During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a proposed ordinance for the Modern West Two development, located south of Rogers Road and east of Airport Road. Principal Planner Jennifer Hewitt presented the first reading of the ordinance, emphasizing the complexity of the project, which encompasses 27.14 acres near Vance Brand Airport. The development aims to integrate residential and commercial uses alongside a greenway section that will contribute to the city's primary greenway system.

Hewitt highlighted the need for amendments to the airport influence overlay zone, which were previously discussed with the council. She noted that while development proposals are currently subject to existing code requirements, conditions may be imposed based on review criteria. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided guidance on land use compatibility with airports, which includes considerations such as noise, airspace, and development density.

The council was informed that the FAA and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) had issued strong letters expressing concerns about the compatibility of the proposed development with airport operations. City Manager Dominguez explained that these letters threaten the city's eligibility for federal and state airport grants, which are crucial for funding airport improvement projects. He emphasized the importance of adhering to land use compatibility obligations, as failure to do so could result in the loss of grant eligibility, significantly impacting the airport's maintenance and improvement budget.

The council is set to hold a public hearing on the ordinance on August 27, 2024, where further discussions on the review criteria and the implications of the FAA and CDOT's concerns will take place. The outcome of this meeting could have significant ramifications for the city's airport funding and future development plans.