GREELEY, Colo. — City staff described a large, privately led project called Cascadia during a June 2 presentation and outlined how the city is positioning connectivity and funding to accommodate the proposal.

Winona McLaren described Cascadia as “a 300 acre, mixed use entertainment district” being developed in partnership with Water Valley company that would include an arena proposed as the home for the Colorado Eagles and an indoor water park. “It would increase the access to retail, restaurants, other opportunities that the city would then have,” McLaren said.

Why it matters: Commissioners and public commenters raised questions about whether a large West Side development could divert activity from downtown and whether planned city investments would adequately address East Greeley needs.

Key details: McLaren said city staff are studying connections such as mobility hubs and public-transportation access to large West Side projects and that mobility planning for US 34 interchanges at 30th/5th and 40th/7th is advancing. She outlined three funding pieces the city is considering for Cascadia-related infrastructure: (1) an entertainment district that captures development-generated revenue, (2) certificates of participation (a form of debt), and (3) a second debt instrument to be repaid over time.

Funding, timing and status: McLaren described the Cascadia funding model as a mix of an entertainment district and debt financing; she characterized the project as early in development and said the city is still working with state and regional partners on transportation and mobility components. “There are… three basic pieces that make up the funding mechanism. The first is establishing [an] entertainment district,” McLaren said.

Concerns raised: Commissioners and attendees repeatedly asked how the city would prevent large West Side investment from drawing activity and resources away from downtown. McLaren said the city views growth holistically and is developing area plans for East and West Greeley; she also said the city is trying to be proactive about shaping growth rather than reacting to it.

No formal action: The presentation was informational; no zoning, financing or approvals were taken at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to continue sharing information on funding models and transportation planning as Cascadia and related West Side proposals evolve.

Ending: Staff said they will continue coordination with state transportation agencies and return with further details as planning and funding progress.