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Planning commission recommends R‑3 rezoning for Thompson Thrift apartments at 10225 Chambers Road
Summary
The Commerce City Planning Commission voted 5–0 to recommend City Council approve a rezoning from agricultural to R‑3 for a 12.7‑acre Thompson Thrift apartment project that would include 283 units, with 10% deed‑restricted at 80% AMI and transportation and open‑space commitments from the developer.
Commerce City Planning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended that City Council approve a zone change from AG (agricultural) to R‑3 (multifamily residential) for the 12.7‑acre site at 10225 Chambers Road to allow an apartment development by Thompson Thrift.
The recommendation follows presentations from the applicant and city staff and a short public comment period. Staff found the rezoning consistent with the 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the city’s master transportation plan; the commission voted 5 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain to forward the matter to council.
Marcus Pockner, land‑use and community‑outreach consultant for Thompson Thrift, told the commission the proposal would build roughly 283 apartment units in nine buildings, at about 20 dwelling units per acre, and that the developer voluntarily will deed‑restrict 10% of the units at 80% of area median income (AMI). Pockner said the project provides about 25–26% of the site as open space (above the 15% minimum) and includes added tree plantings to create a buffer between the development and existing single‑family homes to the south. He also said the proposal reduces maximum height and provides more bike parking than the R‑3 baseline.
City planner Nathan Chavez summarized staff analysis and the related development applications. Chavez said the applicant submitted a concurrent development plan, final plat and a proposed Northern Infrastructure General Improvement District that staff is reviewing. He listed proposed transportation improvements including a full build‑out of East 100th/Second Avenue along the site frontage, a temporary 28‑foot wide asphalt extension to Sable Boulevard, and turn‑lane improvements on Chambers Road. He told commissioners that referral agencies listed no objections and that the 27J school district provided a letter saying it can accommodate the estimated student yield.
Two members of the public spoke. Cynthia Wood, who identified herself as the property owner of 10225 Chambers Road, expressed support for Thompson Thrift and said the developer had been “an absolutely amazing partner” in negotiations. Deborah Eggleston, a planning commissioner who spoke as a resident, said she worried the northern range already has a cluster of rental properties and suggested senior housing might be more appropriate; Eggleston also said she was concerned about impacts on neighboring property values. Marcus Pockner responded that the site is intended as a transition parcel adjacent to a major utility corridor and that the 10% deed restriction and design choices were meant to encourage long‑term ownership and neighborhood integration.
Following discussion, Commissioner Schechter moved and Commissioner Van Heusen seconded the motion that case Z25‑0002 (Thompson Thrift Development Incorporated) meets the Land Development Code criteria for R‑3 zoning and that the commission recommend approval to City Council. Electronic voting showed 5 yeses, 0 nos and 0 abstentions.
Because the Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation, City Council must take final legislative action on the rezoning. Staff noted related matters (development plan, preliminary/final plat, and infrastructure district) remain under review and could require additional approvals and conditions at later hearings.
The commission closed the public hearing and forwarded its recommendation to City Council; the council will consider the rezoning in a future meeting.
