Issue 88

The angst of the Eastbridge community continues to grow as finalized plans with King Soopers and the development of the Eastbridge town center move forward. According to the latest SUN Survey, only about 13% of Stapleton residents “strongly support” the current proposed plan by Forest City and King Soopers for the Eastbridge town center (I would like to see more info on this 13%–demographics, where they live in Stapleton, etc.). Another 13% don’t care, and about 25% somewhat support the current direction of the development (again, what parts does this group like and dislike). This leaves almost half of the respondents strongly opposing the current direction of the project, or somewhat opposing it. “I don’t understand who is excited about this current monstrosity,” said resident Brad Clark. “No one I talk to wants this.” Other residents agree. “Maybe non-Eastbridge people who can have the convenience of another grocery store, but not right in their own backyard,” said Kristi Bauer. “I can’t imagine anyone in Eastbridge likes this.” Eastrbidge resident Chris Williams disagrees. “I actually do support the King Soopers in the town center,” said Williams. “I mean, at least it is something. Now, I hate the gas station. Just get rid of the gas station and I think people will be a lot more open to the discussion.” Forest City is hard at work completing what they hope will ease minds of Eastbridge naysayers. “We are very close to completing a virtual reality tour of the new area,” said Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “People will be able to come to our office where they will put on a helmet and will be able to experience what the new town center could look like.” Ayers says that experiences will include “clutching tightly to the hands of loved ones” as you try to cross MLK which has become much busier because of the Soopers and the gas station. According to Ayers, some of the experiences feel so real, they will get your heart pounding. “We have a realistic scenario where someone rides their bike over to get a gallon of milk, and on the way home a homeless person tries to accost them. It is pretty cool.” Some other neat features of the tour allow people to try out the retail in the new town center. “If you need cash fast, you can virtually walk into the check in to cash which will most likely be centrally located in the center,” said Ayers. “Did you have a late night partying on your block, and are now a little hungry? Try the 24 hour drive through McDondalds which may end up going there. Have you been put out by driving all the way to East Colfax for an adult book store? Well, walk right over to the town center and look at what the new adult book store has to offer.” Ayers says the tour, which cost a little over $300,000, should get the residents used to the town center before it is even built. “The tour is free, and residents can come as many times as they want,” said Ayers. “We feel that if they do our virtual tour a few times, they won’t only accept the new concept, they will be excited about it.” ]]>

If you haven’t been over to see the Conservatory Green neighborhood, you need to go. Just drive safe, as there are several uncontrolled intersections, construction trucks, drivers not sure where they are going, and kids riding their bikes. In fact, the neighborhood has been built so fast, even the residents there don’t know what’s going on. “I’m just trying to enjoy the ride,” said Conservatory Green resident Blake Gibbs. “Our house was completed in three days, the road was done in two, and we had a complete block within six days. These teams are incredible.” [Read more…] about Entire Conservatory Green Neighborhood Being Built By “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

The recent Front Porch included an article discussing the proposed sports complex in section 10. The article discusses the plans for the 46 plus acre plot of land which is supposed to house a multi-use sports complex. There are no specific plans for the fields at this time, but there is some discouraging information available. [Read more…] about Unfunded Sports Complex Going to Have Multiple Iterations

It took a while, but the Stapleton trees are finally growing up. There was a time in Stapleton when the tiny trees looked anemic and residents wondered if they would ever see the day when the Stapleton trees would look like they would make it through a winter. Today, you can often see trees providing some shade on a lawn or even a patio. In fact, according to some, many trees have grown up too much and need to be taken down a notch. [Read more…] about Stapleton Runners Carrying Machetes to Clear Paths on Sidewalks

Most Stapleton residents have at one point been stuck at the intersection of Central Park Blvd. and Martin Luther King Blvd. during rush hour. The wait can be maddening as can some people’s lack of understanding of the legality of turning onto a one-way street. “If you get caught there at the wrong time, be prepared to wait a while,” said Stapleton motorist Tom Knudtson. “I usually call my parents, or read up on the news on my phone. It is frustrating and annoying, but I try to make the most of it.” Residents struggle to find an alternative route. “I could go all the way down and cross at Havana St.,” says resident Gloria Jepsen. “But, it just feels wrong to go that far past my place and come back. Plus, I hate going by the jail.” [Read more…] about At Times, CPB and MLK Give Stapleton “Big City” Feel

In conjunction with New Town Builders, Forest City is hoping to catch up on its original affordable housing promises. “Certainly, the market has dictated what we could do in the past,” says Forest City president Phil Dargossi. “We have been meaning to do some things for a long time, but we really couldn’t. You know, because of the market.” [Read more…] about Affordable Housing Update: Forest City Planning “Poor Section” North of I-70

Hunger is a serious issue and many residents throughout the Front Range could use some comfort heading into winter. Especially in need, are our new residents who moved to enjoy the Mary Jane outlets. Here are some creative ideas to donate to this worthy cause: [Read more…] about Join Fellow Do-Gooders, New Perspective Real Estate Company in Collecting Food for Food Bank of the Rockies