During a study session on Tuesday, the Longmont City Council voted to bring a proposed plan for redevelopment to a future agenda. The redevelopment in question includes a proposed STEAM center and the area surrounding the Sugar Factory.
A plan to redevelop the 284 acres has been in the works for several years and is now at least a year behind schedule, according to Glen Van Nimwegen, planning and development services for the city of Longmont. The delay is largely due to a change in staffing who were vital to the project, he said. Those positions have since been filled by Van Nimegen and Tony Chacon, redevelopment specialist.
New developers have also announced plans to develop in these areas, which caused a pause while the city considered their proposals and plans, Van Nimegen said.
City staff have identified several barriers in both areas that could impact the redevelopment plan. Annexation for the Sugar Factory would have to be considered. Also, the area has some environmental contamination, mining, wetlands, rail tracks and the sewer treatment center that future development would need to consider.
The STEAM area would need to consider how it would connect to downtown Longmont, land costs and assemblage and potential environmental concerns.
The largest barrier for both areas would be development standards and codes that exist within the city’s code presently. Since the plan includes housing and mixed use, the zoning of the areas would need to be modified or addressed, Chacon said.
Height restrictions would also need to be addressed as several development proposals are asking to build up to create more density.
The staff stated that height restrictions could be modified only in this area and not be codified throughout the city.
Private investment would need to serve as the primary funding source for redevelopment in these areas, staff stated. However, one proposal to assist with infrastructure would be to create a special district, where the businesses that go into the area would agree to tax themselves.
Creating an urban renewal district in the area would allow the city access to new funding options from state and federal sources, staff said.
The city council agreed to bring the plan back for approval during a future city council regular session meeting.
