Thornton Council Unanimously Backs 508-Unit Affordable Housing

At a June 9 Thornton City Council meeting, council members unanimously advanced an ordinance to rezone almost 29 acres of land to make way for a new apartment complex. The land, on East 112th Avenue and York Street, is vacant. City council has long been searching for a way to fill it, especially as the nearby RTD rail station sees a decline in ridership. 

Hillpointe, a developer managing more than 12,000 units across over 10 states, hopes to build a new residential space geared towards providing affordable housing for what it calls the “missing middle,”  those who earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but too little to comfortably afford luxury apartments . The development would feature a three-story complex, 508 units, and amenities ranging from fiber internet and a 24-hour fitness center, to a dog spa and pickleball courtsHowever, the idea is being met with stiff opposition from locals. Prior to the meeting, seven petitions had been created with nearly 600 signatures in opposition. Of the 13 individuals who participated in the meeting’s public input portion, all opposed the project. Concerns were wide-ranging, but residents’ biggest beef revolved around traffic impacts, crime and safety, and wildlife. The city used an independent traffic consultant, Westminster-based SM Rocha, to conduct a study to determine how traffic might intensify.

The study found that York Avenue’s current capacity supports up to 10,800 daily drivers while 112th Avenue can carry 28,800. If the development were to move forward, projections into 2045 show traffic volume would only rise to 7,880 vehicles on York Ave. and 17,930 vehicles on 112th Ave. However, several residents disputed the veracity of the study, which was done last April. 

Though council members shared many of the same concerns with the public, they believe Hillpointe’s intentions represent an opportunity too valuable to forego.

“For years, we have been working to figure out what to do in this area,” Mayor Jan Kulmann said. She emphasized concerns won’t go unaddressed and moved to direct city staff to develop a comprehensive plan for community outreach related to the project. 

Representatives from Hillpointe were fervent in their intention to address these issues, stating that the project will include constructing improvements to the area’s walkability and lighting. 

Per city rules, at least one more community meeting is required. Hillpointe representatives reassured the city council they will attend as many meetings as needed.

“If there’s developers trying to hide, I can understand how it breeds that fear. I commit to any meeting,” Marcus Wiedower, Hillpointe’s vice president of external affairs, said.

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