In an effort to retain and enhance Cherry Creek's character, the Cherry Creek Zoning Technical Task Force has made a number of recommendations designed to create opportunities for new housing and improving the pedestrian experience.
After eight months of analysis building on the 2012 Cherry Creek Area Plan, the task force's recommendations include:
- Building heights that transition down from Second Avenue to Third Avenue, respecting adjacent neighborhoods and retaining sunlight on Third Avenue
- Parking requirements comparable with other urban centers in Denver but adjusted in acknowledgement of Cherry Creek's status as a regional shopping destination
- Buildings required to have active storefronts, ground-floor transparency and setbacks to improve the pedestrian experience
- Incentives for providing publicly accessible open space
- Incentives and exemptions for small lots to encourage reinvestment in small lots and small buildings
- Allowing a more diverse mix of uses, including hotels and limited outdoor sales
The task force includes Cherry Creek residents, property owners, business owners, developers, architects and other stakeholders.
"These recommendations create a great path forward, balancing the need for reinvestment with the desire to retain and enhance what we all love about Cherry Creek," says District 10 Councilwoman Jeanne Robb, who convened the all-volunteer task force last June. "The task force members are dedicated to what's best for Cherry Creek, and together they devoted hundreds of hours to this project."
The public is invited to offer comments and questions on the recommendations before formal consideration by the Denver Planning Board and Denver City Council. To learn more about the project, visit
www.DenverGov.org/CherryCreek.
Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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