Orchard Station Subarea proposal goes to Greenwood Village voters

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Voters in Greenwood Village are deciding "yes" or "no" on a special election ballot question that calls for residents to review current city policies and make a decision on a development proposal.

The Orchard Station Subarea Plan proposes retail, business and residential development opportunities near the Orchard RTD light rail station. This area currently consists of of older office buildings.

Voters will consider amending the Greenwood Village Comprehensive Plan by adopting the Orchard Station Subarea Plan. The city Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the updated plan on October 18, 2016. City council amended the plan on March 20, 2017.

Those voting "yes" favor more development, taller buildings and an area where people can live, work and spend time in.

Those voting "no" want to keep the current city restrictions on building height, limits on the amount of development and required room for open space. Another concern of "no" voters is traffic buildup on Orchard Road near I-25.

Proponents state that the proposed comprehensive plan will not be approved unless it demonstrates that it will improve the flow of traffic. Under the current comprehensive plan, there is no requirement of traffic improvement.

Proponents also reached out to the Cherry Creek School District to learn more about the impacts this mixed-use development could potentially have on schools and class sizes. The district released a report stating, "Assuming development occurs in Orchard Station simultaneously over a seven to fifteen year period, the annual impact on the Cherry Creek School District is estimated to average 25 students."

Ballots will arrive at residences May 15-22. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6. Postmarks do not count. Residents may mail their ballots to the Village or drop them off at these locations.