[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6343962,"mediaKeyId","2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac","parentId",2251249,"title","Loveland council OKs first reading of Millennium GDP amendment to allow thousands of homes at Centerra South","audioSeconds",540,"startMs",7200000,"endMs",7740000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac&start=7200&end=7740","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac/thumbnail_7200000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6343962/Loveland-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Loveland-council-OKs-first-reading-of-Millennium-GDP-amendment-to-allow-thousands-of-homes-at-Centerra-South","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343962-ac4b4e189922addd291254fee5f43b3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184071&Signature=op1ewn~Ux1r1UPC8tX~JIChESycEEH-HdRed1QCrgwN43XKeHzNMwrwsupow4aoAUW1GXMbIk268efwj6FOTHo68kvcHfK1Dw2nPQGK7exgRE02iAPNaT2BF0LQ4d~J5LJTbXgBGg8miEg5OAklQfeSNiq2f3twlXS7zZqiGzJBEu0jZtiPLNYT2B6fP7effZs3hDkZfVk08nfDe4Z291dNcgCf2jxULMZ7zh-NzDti2Bv77YY3-2MeZlZuG4CGrVkI-L0cwzm4eMc9nMPG09OQxPMU~PiAWUxPAnpZ2ncy9ss8ac-9OgDXISX~vrimCFATz~vuqf~P4jkwo-QPKpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Loveland City","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","A divided Loveland City Council approved on first reading a major amendment to the Millennium General Development Plan (GDP) on Feb. 5 that adds residential capacity to Parcel B and extends unified vested rights for that parcel through 2050.

The amendment allocates up to 2,277 new residential units for the 150‑acre Centerra South property (often described in briefing materials as B‑13), and updates numeric limits in the GDP that will let the developer proceed with the mixed‑use project that includes housing, retail, office and infrastructure. The council voted 6‑2 to send the ordinance to second reading.

Why it matters: The GDP amendment is the land‑use step that proponents say is necessary for the Centerra South vision — a walkable, mixed‑use center anchored by a grocery store and office employers — and to unlock shared infrastructure such as a large sanitary‑sewer lift station. Opponents raised concerns about traffic, the scale of new residential units, the fiscal math for the city, and the length of the requested 25‑year extension of vested rights.

Council and staff said the change is consistent with Loveland’s comprehensive plan and the previously approved Sentara South urban renewal plan. Staff also noted a Planning Commission recommendation (6‑1) in favor of the amendment. Developers and their partners during the council hearing described a plan with multifamily apartments, for‑sale townhomes/condominiums, retail (including a grocer), and an office campus; Hensel Phelps confirmed it will locate its corporate headquarters there.

Opponents at the meeting and in written comments pressed the council on several points: whether the city will be saddled with additional traffic on U.S. 34, how tax‑increment financing (TIF) used by the urban renewal authority affects general‑fund revenue, and whether a 25‑year vesting period is appropriate. Staff and the developer said the project will pay for required road and utility improvements and that the developer will construct a lift station and other infrastructure needed to serve both the Centerra and neighboring Schmeer farm parcel. The developer and a tied‑to‑it partner said that, without the amendment, the adjacent King Soopers grocery proposal could not proceed.

What’s next: The ordinance passed on first reading and will return to council for a second/final reading; the amendment also requires follow‑up site development plans and infrastructure agreements before vertical construction can start. If the amendment is adopted, subsequent permits and master‑plan phases will specify the mix of for‑sale versus rental units and project phasing.

Council vote: First reading approval, ordinance 67556 — 6 yes, 2 no. Motion by Councilor Sampson; second by Councilor Olsen.

Ending: Councilors and the developer said they will continue to refine traffic mitigation and utility plans as the project advances, with the developer committing to build several of the upfront utilities and to participate in intersection improvements identified by staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Loveland City Council Meeting February 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A divided Loveland City Council approved on first reading a major amendment to the Millennium General Development Plan (GDP) on Feb. 5 that adds residential capacity to Parcel B and extends unified vested rights for that parcel through 2050.","taxTitle","Loveland City, Larimer County, Colorado","taxId",4546,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343953,"Council adopts updated boards and commissions handbook; appointments to several commissions produce split votes",1020,2880000,3900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac&start=2880&end=3900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","/articles/6343953/Loveland-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-adopts-updated-boards-and-commissions-handbook-appointments-to-several-commissions-produce-split-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343953-20faadc191398e970911c6deaf5785af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184071&Signature=ahxnTUdPalmrH5Edb-PhubkKqGCD8Bfr-6XinH0jeslcpKe-JC12N2uJ6gU4PVaL1gnLIgUT7fQnuFay9CZX3OYA9PHoW99FL~dY3TQGYdMUBIkE1omyIwp7LB4IEHbC2~xSjH-s~gzCUM5vNRhXoBXwcYJeCszxa94KosA6t~Q8vG~nTLf0FooIgxIv1NCUr6pNRt9VAUXiZRW2TDaruMNlTIAO9OD2t6tHDCqO9u8eHsf4rHR~vlH1CUEwePR2yr0-Hgyb8eEE4rLi2~HHulWLOh6o014ND5wFtSXwLVC2zd4hPwzIXHU9lBUitPF5Ci1~CswnDQ~mAuK12~jDsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","(Note: This article covers two related items that the council discussed together: adoption of the city’s boards and commissions handbook and multiple commission appointments.)

On Feb. 5 the Loveland City Council adopted an updated handbook for city boards and commissions (Resolution R‑9‑2025) that tightens language on conflicts of interest and clarifies procedures for interview committees when a board chair or liaison has a conflict. The resolution passed 7‑1 amid council calls for a larger rewrite. Several council members asked staff to compile suggested edits from council and return with a comprehensive update later this year.

Why it matters: The handbook governs appointment and interview procedures, conflicts of interest, and orientation for citizen volunteers who sit on advisory bodies. Councilors said clearer standards could prevent future procedural disputes like those that prompted recent re‑examination of planning‑commission and PCAB appointees.

Appointments and discord: Council then considered appointments for multiple boards and commissions. For planning commission seats the council split on two nominees after earlier direction to re‑advertise and re‑interview prompted debate about process and whether council liaisons were properly included. A motion to appoint Sarah McKeen for a planning commission seat resulted in a 4‑4 tie and failed; a separate motion to appoint Lena Thompson also failed 4‑4. Council discussed returning the items to staff for re‑advertisement and reinterviewing with updated procedures; staff had previously noted a plan to re‑advertise and re‑interview after council asked for changes.

Council directions: Council approved the handbook but asked staff to return later with a wider rewrite that incorporates measurable interview rubrics, standardized interview questions, and expanded guidance for youth participation on commissions. Several councilors requested a June–July timeline for an expanded handbook draft. Council also directed staff to follow the handbook procedures for filling vacant seats and to re‑advertise or re‑interview where the process had been questioned.

Ending: The handbook resolution passed 7‑1. The council tabled or split on several specific appointments and asked staff for follow‑up; planning commission vacancies remain open pending the re‑advertising process and any subsequent council action.","On Feb. 5 the Loveland City Council adopted an updated boards and commissions handbook clarifying conflict and interview rules, and debated appointments to several citizen advisory bodies after concerns about the interview process.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343941,"Council selects special prosecutor to review charter allegations regarding a council member",1800,8100000,9900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac&start=8100&end=9900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac/thumbnail_8100000.jpg","/articles/6343941/Loveland-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-selects-special-prosecutor-to-review-charter-allegations-regarding-a-council-member","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343941-ed2f43d9e655046ae24d605f8dd8958d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184071&Signature=lDUswNfm1OXJNU8aHgNdwRk9emcmnKThp2hXbQf3Z0bTpgdTbnrhc-PyKQwSPje9qbCeeH8hCWE-sMGGlDRny91uSdP1GvHMkQ6cPI0kh--0~5ljO~-KSlc1IM-5KOxGDd50cmGciUAUHRohR~Rlf9WVGnu8TQ3gsmAle0d7Qc7OVKy8TywYEzdHxBEQt01MKfZLjA8qae5cATofgAUuehOjphOZ43VOPUXMiUB1rT77Uk1yDMlowSmHOKHp~tJtVqx36jlexu-1L27zH2~heGqS7yePMkEDJHUex6o-mEu96-TNxkQukG1wogI7FKGiclpUktas3RCglCYHCIk6bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Loveland City Council voted Feb. 5 to retain an independent special prosecutor to review potential violations of the City Charter (Section 8.5) by a member of council.

Background: City staff and an outside investigator had prepared work product that the council discussed in executive session earlier; following public comment and legal briefings, council debated whether to name a special prosecutor to make independent prosecutorial decisions about alleged Charter violations. The city attorney advised council that his office must remain at arm’s length on any prosecution of an elected official and recommended an independent special prosecutor be appointed to make charging decisions.

Council action: After discussion the council voted to retain a special prosecutor and selected attorney Kathy Haddock by council motion to perform independent prosecutorial review related to Section 8.5. The council considered an alternate candidate but that motion failed. The selection drew robust public comment both for and against proceeding. Council clarified the scope: the special prosecutor will focus exclusively on allegations under Charter Section 8.5 and make prosecutorial determinations independently from the city attorney’s office. The city attorney will continue to oversee budget and contracting matters related to the engagement but will not direct prosecutorial decisions.

Context and controversy: The item was politically charged and drew many public speakers. Several citizens and councilors argued for consistency and urged council to apply any process even‑handedly; others urged the council to step back and seek alternative dispute resolution rather than formal prosecution. Multiple councilors noted a previous investigation in 2024 had led to a separate special prosecutor and emphasized precedent and fairness in following the same process now. The city attorney cautioned council about conflicts and said the independent counsel must make prosecutorial decisions without direction from the city attorney or city council.

Next steps: The city attorney will contract with the selected special prosecutor; the prosecutor will file any subsequent charging decision publicly if charges are sought. Council asked that the city attorney maintain an arms‑length relationship and update the council on budget and process matters only.

Ending: The council vote to appoint Kathy Haddock carried; implementation steps (contracting, scope document and budget checks) were assigned to the city attorney’s office.","The Loveland City Council voted Feb. 5 to retain an independent special prosecutor to evaluate potential violations of the City Charter (Section 8.5) by a council member, specifying the prosecutor’s scope and directing the city attorney to arrange the engagement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343957,"Council approves first reading of Heart Improvement Plan funding for downtown ‘Hip Streets’ revitalization",0,6300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac&start=6300&end=6300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251249-781f77050f86c340bbae2acefc02cbac/thumbnail_6300000.jpg","/articles/6343957/Loveland-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-approves-first-reading-of-Heart-Improvement-Plan-funding-for-downtown-Hip-Streets-revitalization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343957-8f0c6dcb00db883831efb6b7498dab53/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184071&Signature=TtbzLxl4-2eo3GMvbg1zBVgJ-X2bGMgGwzyFSRxUDp1x-ERU4kxDRy3cGM7pJ0tbYykbbwlcb77ciZnVzeIXuIhJkd5-0eJNaYv94XV5DGQ04oupChfmouOco-NRJ9pmzW-qbzR2tv7FxRPHsYvnzmjUif04bw0Mjg6ddhcupAl7gkaDhjR-8HMDgFi0AnR48pQlxYSDzBCqBJ0CLAD0S8~FPwxeELfg83lrcK3vz-cqdXDAhXVxUppVmAXQbrMoBZtwzTUYbo93962cZvUFd7~dEfN7Q~YNxFJjHiy99tWrSFcqR63geGRuu1a2gL0Or-8oiSO-qDmGNvyLXu~MDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Loveland’s City Council voted 7‑1 on Feb. 5 to adopt on first reading an ordinance that enacts a supplemental budget and appropriation to finance the Hip Streets (Heart Improvement Plan) downtown revitalization.

The Hip Streets project combines utility replacement (water, storm, sewer) already planned by enterprise funds with a larger surface and streetscape package — pavers, trees, Tivoli lighting, benches, event‑friendly curbless street sections and public art foundations — intended to transform Fourth Street into a pedestrian‑oriented civic corridor. The council approved the ordinance on first reading; budget and financing details will proceed through the city’s financial processes before final adoption.

Why it matters: Supporters say the project will improve downtown experience, expand event capacity and support economic activity by making the street more walkable and safer. The project includes developer and DDA contributions and will rely on certificates of participation (COPs) — lease‑style debt instruments — to fund roughly $12.5 million in surface/aesthetic improvements tied to the larger utility package.

Questions and concerns: Several members of the public and some councilors raised questions about financing, TABOR considerations, the long run cost of COPs (interest and total repayment), and whether tax‑increment financing diverts general‑fund dollars from other city services. City bond counsel and the city attorney presented legal precedent to the council showing COPs and similar lease‑financing have been upheld in Colorado courts in cases post‑TABOR; the city attorney also noted bond counsel had reviewed the COP approach.

Councilors and staff emphasized that the DDA’s incremental revenues will fund the annual COP payments and that the majority of utility replacement work is funded by enterprise funds (water/storm/wastewater). Supporters warned that delay could raise construction costs and complicate contractor availability.

Vote and outcome: The council approved first reading of the supplemental appropriation ordinance (Ordinance 67557) by a 7‑1 margin. The item will return to council for final reading and council will consider detailed financing documents from bond counsel and the DDA prior to final appropriation.

Ending: Staff said they will return with final financing documents and implementation steps; council asked for additional information on long‑term debt service expectations and maintenance costs for the streetscape features.","Loveland City Council approved on first reading a supplemental budget and appropriation to support the Downtown Hip Streets revitalization project, using certificates of participation and DDA tax‑increment resources to fund streetscape and aesthetic improvements alongside required underground utility work. Vote was 7‑1 on first reading.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Loveland council OKs first reading of Millennium GDP amendment to allow thousands of homes at Centerra South

Council adopts updated boards and commissions handbook; appointments to several commissions produce split votes

Council selects special prosecutor to review charter allegations regarding a council member

Council approves first reading of Heart Improvement Plan funding for downtown ‘Hip Streets’ revitalization