Council conditionally approves 276‑unit Pros Uplands development after debate over design and affordability

The Westminster City Council voted 6–1 on July 13 to conditionally approve the official development plan for Pros Uplands filing 3, a 276‑unit multifamily project the applicant says targets rents at 70% of area median income.

The project, presented by Alliance Residential, would deliver 276 attainably priced units ranging from studios to two‑bedrooms with dens, and includes a central community space, a dog park and other outdoor amenities. Ellie Reynolds of Alliance said the design aims to reach “attainable priced housing” and that the project would target roughly 70% AMI for rent levels.

Council and staff focused their questions on a package of exceptions the developer requested to Westminster design standards. Planning staff told the council the ODP meets most criteria but recommended conditions to address four outstanding design items — including roof articulation, a screening wall for parking, minimum landscaped area calculations and minimum patio/balcony sizing. The applicant agreed to provide solar on three buildings, add the required roof breaks on others, and work with staff on revised landscaping and screening.

Developer Andy Clay said the project is a market‑rate approach intended to serve ‘missing middle’ households such as first responders and teachers and that Alliance intends to both develop and manage the property. Clay and other representatives acknowledged there is no deed restriction guaranteeing long‑term rent limits; in response to council questions, Clay said “there’s no guarantee that it will stay at 70%” but said market targeting and management strategy aim to keep rents in that band initially.

Supporters at the public hearing said the project helps fill a gap for workforce housing. Eric Gardner, vice chair of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce, said the project would provide new housing choices for teachers and first responders and help employers attract staff. A housing coalition letter read into the record also urged approval.

Councilor Johnson moved to conditionally approve the ODP based on findings in Westminster Municipal Code 11‑5‑15 and the conditions in the staff memo; the motion was revised on the floor to specify which conditions applied and passed 6–1, with Councilor Ireland voting no.

Next steps: the applicant will return revised ODP materials to technical review to incorporate the agreed changes and staff will administratively review compliance with the stated conditions before final approval.