[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6534556,"mediaKeyId","3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4","parentId",3553453,"title","Thornton council approves first reading to replace planned multifamily with 174 for‑sale townhomes at East Creek Farm","audioSeconds",2361,"startMs",1694000,"endMs",4055000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4&start=1694&end=4055","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4/thumbnail_1694000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534556/Thornton-City/Adams-County/Colorado/Thornton-council-approves-first-reading-to-replace-planned-multifamily-with-174-forsale-townhomes-at-East-Creek-Farm","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534556-d762f85470a17b9ae0a60d95f192e902/orig.mp4?Expires=1770401283&Signature=IBHsPVu4F8JaPzJ4UV2RjrT0UJSUUq7JYP9dZrg4sFXi-aI0AzhECq9urQ3srQYFot~JPNmNwHiFv9xkbMgGnn~hkpDIIfdq~TOmV4I4WSQAVxS45b3fvgHic~qUCNnfCUq7m2RJioBax9MNUw~9k82mr7VFfMyP~Nk8nv8tYzM6a2y1sJAKhMb2b5dDBmxFnllFbIimJ8giNLa1ardt1uaNQ7OKMU28jBFc1Hqh05hLKd1n-2OAg9THGczdw0q6HhUTRozRLcacOyAuhMx2ol6QtR6MAI3mPRrOogrw0lrx0hyUk-ONbtCcxTi6FNizcG96Fchgx8QXtgtsOCS-PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Thornton CO","date","2025-05-28T18:03:23Z","article","Thornton City Council on first reading approved an ordinance amending the East Creek Farm overall development plan (ODP), conceptual site plan (CSP) and plan development (PD) standards to replace the previously approved multifamily building program with 174 attached, for‑sale townhome units on about 17.2 acres in Planning Area 3.

The change shrinks the previously approved multifamily allocation and reduces overall density. “We have a pretty significant reduction in density,” said Monica Krapichler of Henry Design Group, the project planner for developer Lennar, describing a drop from the approved multifamily count to 174 townhomes and saying the units will be alley‑loaded with frontages onto greenways and pocket parks. Ellie Hassan, senior planner for the city, said the site falls within a mixed residential future‑land‑use designation intended to expand housing types and that staff’s evaluation found the proposed amendment meets applicable development and design standards.

Staff and the applicant said the change lowers estimated trip generation. Matthew Koenig, project manager with Thornton Traffic Engineering, told council the traffic review shows a decrease in overall trips; the city plans preliminary design and budgeting for signalization at two intersections (150 Second Parkway and 150 Second Avenue at York Street) that staff expects will meet warrants at full build‑out of East Creek Farm. Koenig added the developer’s traffic numbers and the city’s evaluation agree that the amended plan will not create infrastructure absorption issues.

Council members asked detailed questions about the tradeoffs. Council member Martinez pressed staff and the applicant on how the city values amenities “in lieu” of the public land dedication requirement (the plan development standard showed a public land dedication requirement of about 4.9 acres). Staff responded that the municipal code permits land dedication, cash‑in‑lieu or a combination; the applicant will itemize amenities (play equipment, fitness equipment along paths, a picnic shelter and a larger pocket park with a multipurpose turf field) and pay cash‑in‑lieu for the remainder. Planning staff said they monetize the cost of proposed amenities, verify those values and apply them against the land dedication requirement.

On other questions, the applicant confirmed street parking will be allowed in parts of the development where private‑street widths meet fire access and parking standards; they said the project provides the minimum two parking spaces per unit, with one enclosed per unit, plus additional surface and guest spaces. The applicant and a representative for the owner said a metro district already exists for portions of the property and that Lennar intends to amend the district boundary later to include the townhome parcels; the metro district could finance eligible horizontal infrastructure and, if included, certain amenities, subject to bond capacity and statutory limits.

Public comment included two written submissions asking that previously approved higher density be retained and several in‑person speakers; one resident spoke in support of the application. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its hearing. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading.

Next steps: Because this action is an ordinance, it was approved on first reading; the applicant will need to amend or reconfirm school‑district agreements (Adams 12) to reflect the lower unit and school‑type assumptions prior to subdivision platting, and the council and staff noted that certain approvals (metro district boundary amendment, subdivision and final plats) and developer agreements will follow.

Votes: The ordinance passed on first reading with a unanimous roll call vote.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Thornton City Council Meeting - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Thornton City Council on first reading approved an ordinance to amend the East Creek Farm plan to allow 174 for‑sale townhomes in Planning Area 3, replacing a previously approved multifamily program and reducing overall density.","taxTitle","Thornton City, Adams County, Colorado","taxId",5596,"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},6534537,"Thornton council applauds Stargate robotics teams returning from VEX Worlds",165,4251000,4416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4&start=4251&end=4416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4/thumbnail_4251000.jpg","/articles/6534537/Thornton-City/Adams-County/Colorado/Thornton-council-applauds-Stargate-robotics-teams-returning-from-VEX-Worlds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534537-bf6b2178c9866d0d98ea43619c32a2a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770401283&Signature=I7Ppjol~q9jM3va2bmiAVOA~9YHXHUjKtwYVkbPR7MDLOHClj~v4N08MFLQMh49Z8Yx1HvtwrJLICEi0N-nf7E1ImY78o0cyJJ4lcSzcPgnD~v4QGAAHK7SHDb-egaStfLtUm1qC7oyKrXG7CiuOvZog-2ryS1dkpvG6fHn5R7qw7c2knHzQgjsDsiPOwgnDzCNA7K6rhBe65IR7EYnJoDmLo4uwH3pWLhCigCyMZafVccyJzWfihEMSHRDOLAg1aNObsBCDyiyFAEn7GvJqlMIHdgJi4j4dlKgwG42VZznqlg9h3LFsGFlgkOFyMeFOsqji3zeoUezobmgJGVCwJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students and program representatives from the Stargate robotics program addressed council during audience participation to thank the city for travel support to the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas. Multiple teams described competition results and international connections made at the event; one student noted the parade of nations and another speaker described their team’s performance and judged awards.

Eric House (representing Stargate) and multiple student teams spoke from the podium and thanked the council and city for their financial support to send teams to Worlds. Council members applauded the teams and requested a round of applause from the audience.

No council action was required; the remarks were part of audience participation.","Several youth robotics teams and program representatives thanked the council for funding travel to the VEX Robotics World Championship and described their experience; council offered public recognition.",{"_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},6534541,"Thornton finance directors warn of potential general fund shortfall after March report; sales tax up modestly but staff watching",258,6935000,7193000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4&start=6935&end=7193","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4/thumbnail_6935000.jpg","/articles/6534541/Thornton-City/Adams-County/Colorado/Thornton-finance-directors-warn-of-potential-general-fund-shortfall-after-March-report-sales-tax-up-modestly-but-staff-watching","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534541-cf25defc79c5892e953ea10183d320f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770401283&Signature=Jlj8iQ3aQlMrce5YGpXRRXhHRG32RcReKmVObyzzuL9BCKCeNKtK1SLk7GzoD0LOfmj0luabR7naPZZB0a0Aym5DtJgjz9ja9Z3DjCjJhltlHxxX7-SYYjDrOK6KSm9lgLUnW8lBDY5ziDhXpQx2oJvW80kWHuvOZJLuHXHn6WQ9MjFOktTSjB-V-wPbCsni86t62RWiIr9hYWBudYtZlY-gtfRK~d3LSI3C1xwxMT2EaWz0rVsO3QKtt4U02~0JXZfDKL~MyuXFG6LS5SyQknm7FpIaJs1y7KTH1uRbkrwYr8PXrwgxkMvFMq-LeSmXhpPSAbmvzXv2ChUCzWklxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff presented the March 2025 monthly financial update, saying revenues generally align with projections but flagged a potential $1.5 million shortfall in the general fund driven primarily by lower‑than‑expected sales tax collections.

Kim Newhart, finance director, said citywide sales tax receipts were up 0.6% in the first quarter compared with the same period last year but cautioned that if the trend continues the city could face a roughly $2 million year‑end shortfall. She noted mixed performance across sales‑tax categories: an “other” category (entertainment venues, subscription services and medical supplies) was up about $250,000 (14%), while construction and building materials were down about $270,000 (11.9%). Permit activity has rebounded as of April 30 and already exceeded 2024 totals, Newhart added, but total taxable value decreased, aligning with initial budget assumptions.

Erica Senna, budget and operations director, reviewed operating expenditures and said operating funds (general fund and utilities) are projected to be at or under budget at this early point in the year, though projections can change rapidly depending on conditions; she cited the water fund as an example where dry summer weather could increase chemical and treatment costs. Senna also said staff identified approximately $1.7 million in savings from completed capital projects in the governmental capital fund that can help offset revenue pressures in the general fund.

Newhart and Senna said staff will continue to monitor revenues and expenditures, update projections and return to council with a second‑quarter update in August. No action was required; the presentation was informational.","City finance staff reported first‑quarter results showing a potential $1.5 million shortfall in the General Fund driven by weaker sales tax receipts; permit activity has rebounded compared with 2024 but taxable value and some categories remain below expectations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534547,"James Baird sworn in as Thornton police chief; cites community focus and looks to engage council",167,301000,468000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4&start=301&end=468","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4/thumbnail_301000.jpg","/articles/6534547/Thornton-City/Adams-County/Colorado/James-Baird-sworn-in-as-Thornton-police-chief-cites-community-focus-and-looks-to-engage-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534547-51e010d4d679008d97487848d13fecb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770401283&Signature=MluhX~onhDO2srfz590kBo7oMPZvxZ8-lj5gIzADP50mgnkzPV3Ps8NjVImW6IkpU7utTVhvUDDhy2jcTlngpgq3t6I2om0OQ7X~m6tqOh9NQJfD9W0tjGOxceulaK8Pxsdzwdx-2kL~E9xthgzu7NK-rxWfNXYfQsHKx0lDjMZSm07T-7alOxIYXc4JtSxN7cqDeREVI3cksQsyN0RLR3zg2LbDPhyx1MLNocj~PuUPMlDbpnk-ag~Fdeymi39DPX0d48X~AuQ2g-Hvu73NbewALs~9q8rkUl6by9QsXpyWUldDl9lJA51K8peHCpP9QyU8i~bhjAMnHqH6mC7fxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","James Baird was sworn in as chief of the Thornton Police Department during a ceremonial presentation at the council meeting.

Tiffany Soares, the presiding municipal judge, administered the oath and praised Baird’s leadership background. “We all agree that Thornton PD will be in safe hands with Jim Baird steering the ship,” Soares said during the ceremony. Interim Chief Greg Reeves was thanked for his service as interim leader.

Chief Baird addressed the council and the audience, saying he was “very, very grateful to be entrusted with this role” and that he looks forward to learning each council member’s priorities and “hearing about all of the unique needs in each of your wards going forward.” He also thanked staff and the community for their turnout at the ceremony.

The council did not take a formal vote as the item was ceremonial; the chief’s oath followed standard procedures for municipal appointments.","James Baird took the oath to serve as Thornton police chief in a swearing‑in ceremony at City Hall; he thanked staff and said he looks forward to working with council on community policing priorities.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534552,"Council unanimously approves proclamations and ceremonial resolutions declaring Pride flag fly, Juneteenth and gun‑violence awareness month",383,1141000,1524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4&start=1141&end=1524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553453-379fdb1c026c5f2fbdfa2a7e968af4f4/thumbnail_1141000.jpg","/articles/6534552/Thornton-City/Adams-County/Colorado/Council-unanimously-approves-proclamations-and-ceremonial-resolutions-declaring-Pride-flag-fly-Juneteenth-and-gunviolence-awareness-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534552-3397eba87bb4050a974de1d1bfdd847e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770401283&Signature=X3jnYhLTS88M7wLQxfpBvVf1oSJ5TlppR0h1Amt4YG7obxeKYiafyJmrZUvGXT7Nuzr1PLvdd1N7ZekBALgBvyULyTM~MdLA4iRbHVWDs2DMn0oOyRGy9tgWpt82-XIFkRCK9JVFOKYg2NdxtorDWoL~aBLAt3jgNei0TQdRro2sxVNibrl1dacayG~1ztVQX53N4xtJDXI-SVQ10lxxNbCpNeEk6B-kC-5riLspN7kEcI0uKElHIHaQ6eNOOJ4ZX-88wGbjoUmAI8Toa6mcJcrmtDrA-gwp4Q4RkQrxlOwz6szr3RmaLRlvd1VL4M0S7UY24bGwYrjEiyS9rEfPVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thornton City Council unanimously approved a slate of ceremonial resolutions and proclamations during its meeting, including authorization to fly an updated intersex‑inclusive progress pride flag for the month of June, a resolution declaring June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth in the city, recognition of June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month, and a resolution conveying the council’s appreciation to city employee James “Jim” Kiser on his retirement.

Council member Ayala moved to authorize the city to fly the intersex‑inclusive ‘‘progress’’ pride flag for the full month of June, describing the flag as an update to previous Pride flag displays; the motion passed unanimously. Council member Russell introduced the Juneteenth resolution and urged the council to use the observance as an educational opportunity; the measure also passed unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow presented the gun‑violence awareness resolution, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics and urging safe firearm storage; council approved it unanimously. Earlier in the meeting the council adopted a resolution honoring James “Jim” Kiser for 17 years of city service, also by unanimous vote.

Votes: Each resolution passed by unanimous roll call; individual yes votes were recorded for council members present for each motion.

Details: The Pride‑flag motion substituted flying the intersex‑inclusive progress flag for the previously scheduled resolution recognizing Pride Month and was scheduled to begin June 1. The Juneteenth proclamation directs that the Juneteenth flag be flown and encourages participation in educational events on June 19. The gun‑violence resolution urges residents and institutions to engage in firearm‑safety and awareness activities during June, including Wear Orange Day.

","Thornton City Council unanimously approved resolutions to fly an updated intersex‑inclusive progress pride flag in June, to declare Juneteenth (June 19, 2025), and to declare June 2025 Gun Violence Awareness Month; the council also approved a resolution expressing appreciation for departing employee James \"Jim\" Kiser.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Thornton council approves first reading to replace planned multifamily with 174 for‑sale townhomes at East Creek Farm

Thornton council applauds Stargate robotics teams returning from VEX Worlds

Thornton finance directors warn of potential general fund shortfall after March report; sales tax up modestly but staff watching

James Baird sworn in as Thornton police chief; cites community focus and looks to engage council

Council unanimously approves proclamations and ceremonial resolutions declaring Pride flag fly, Juneteenth and gun‑violence awareness month