Aurora commission approves ABC Crossdocking freight terminal and site plan in Ward 2

The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission on June 24 approved a conditional use permit and site plan for ABC Crossdocking, a proposed motor freight terminal south of East 38th Avenue between Helena and Jasper streets in Ward 2. Commissioners voted 7‑0 to approve the conditional use and, separately, the site plan with two conditions requiring resolution of outstanding technical issues and recordation of the Peterson subdivision and street vacation before building permits are issued.

Case manager Caitlyn Fortner told commissioners the request seeks approval "for the approval of a site plan and conditional use of a motor freight terminal in I1," and described measures intended to reduce residential impacts: the site was rezoned from rural residential in August 2022, the building was relocated away from adjacent protected lots, an additional 25‑ft setback (making 55 ft from the nearest house when combined with a 30‑ft right‑of‑way return), a 12‑ft landscape buffer and an 8‑ft opaque masonry wall on the southern edge. Fortner said staff recommends approval because the proposal "complies with the standards of the zone district" and is consistent with the industrial hub place type.

Neighbors urged the commission to reject or delay the project. A translator, Anya Avila, speaking for Aurora Banuelos said they "haven't really been...to agree with this...development" and described heavy truck activity, tight streets and safety concerns for children and local wildlife. Randy Walker, who said he lives about 2½ blocks from the site, said existing truck traffic has degraded air quality and safety and stated, "I'm the totally against it. It's awful." Armando Botello also testified that RVs and semi‑parking, trash and blocked streets are recurring problems in the neighborhood.

Andrea Morton, the project's architect representing the applicant, responded that the use is "connected to the highways" and that truck traffic will be limited to the two proposed entrances on 38th Avenue, with a gated parking lot for contract customers. Morton said the applicant "are supportive of the return of the right‑of‑way" and have worked with utilities—Xcel will remove overhead lines—and with staff to adjust the building location and buffering to lessen impacts.

During deliberations commissioners said they reviewed the traffic report and concluded ingress and egress limited to 38th Avenue, the extended buffer and masonry wall mitigate impacts, and the proposed design could improve the corner’s appearance compared with existing conditions. Commissioner Bush moved to approve the conditional use "based on the staff recommendation, the presentation, and discussions at this evening's public hearing;" Commissioner Riley seconded. The roll call vote on the conditional use was 7‑0 in favor. Commissioner Jachik later moved to approve the site plan subject to (1) resolution of outstanding technical issues prior to recordation and permit issuance and (2) approval and recordation of the Peterson subdivision filing number two and street vacation; Commissioner Becker seconded and the site plan passed 7‑0.

Per staff, both listed conditions must be satisfied before building permits can be issued. The approvals do not authorize construction until those technical and recordation conditions are met.

Timeline: staff presentation and findings; three members of the public testified in opposition; applicant's representative answered questions; commissioners voted to approve the conditional use and then the site plan with conditions.

What happens next: the applicant must resolve outstanding technical issues and record the subdivision and street vacation documents before permits are issued.