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Commissioners push for a broad definition of underutilized sites and question 0.25-mile transit buffer
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to limit strategic-growth analyses to a 0.25-mile buffer around transit or to map underutilized and vacant parcels citywide; staff said both low-tech and high-tech approaches are options and Englewood has parcel data available.
Commissioners probed staff on how the strategic-growth element will define underutilized and vacant parcels and where to set transit buffers.
When asked whether transit proximity meant light rail only or also bus stops, staff said both modes were included and noted initial GIS work clipped Arapahoe County parcel data to city limits. "So, it would be both bus stops and and light rail," Dylan McBride said.
Commissioner Noah urged a broader approach: "I think there would be value in seeing the analysis across the entire city rather than limiting it to those corridors," he said, arguing that Englewood’s compact geography and thoroughfares could cause a narrow buffer to miss potential infill opportunities.
Staff described common underutilized-site metrics (improvement-to-land value ratios) and recommended forming a core team and a technical advisory committee to develop local definitions that reflect zoning, public infrastructure and community benefit. Commissioners also discussed the fiscal role of auto-oriented businesses when evaluating community benefit.
