Despite another strong showing from concerned neighbors, Loveland City Council agreed to revisit an annexation request for the Sugar Creek subdivision, a proposed medium-density development that was defeated after a tie vote on Dec. 5.
The proposed Sugar Creek development comprises 171 acres just outside of Loveland city limits, between East 57th Street and East 71st Street east of U.S. 287. Surrounding it are subdivisions Vista View Estates, Horseshoe Estates and Bruns, which are zoned rural residential.
The most recent plans from Black Timber call for up to 1,100 housing units in a mix of single- and multi-family neighborhoods, with a small 10-acre strip reserved for commercial development. To accommodate the anticipated traffic, plans also call for extensions of Madison Avenue and East 65th Street.
To achieve these goals, Black Timber requested both annexation of the property and an amendment to the city’s 2016 comprehensive plan in order to designate it medium-density residential.
The density change was a sticking point for many of the dozens of nearby neighbors who showed on Dec. 5 to oppose the proposal. In a public comment session that lasted nearly two hours, several of them argued that the Sugar Creek development will bring too much congestion and traffic to an area that has historically been rural.
Four councilors ultimately sided with the commenters and went on to vote against the motion, though Councilor Dana Foley offered to table the issue to give the developer time to address concerns about the plan, an offer that Black Timber turned down.
However, with the mayor absent and only only four councilors in support, the annexation motion was defeated after a tie vote.
A few days later, Black Timber belatedly decided to take Foley’s offer and petitioned city staff for a do-over. They requested a second public hearing for Feb. 20, a decision subject to a City Council vote. In a letter to Loveland City Manager Steve Adams, the developer pledged to provide a more detailed site map, more information about its affordable housing intentions and plans to address traffic and safety concerns at the future hearing.
Nearby residents once again packed city council chambers to oppose the reconsideration, this time arguing that Black Timber had its chance for an extension on Dec. 5 and turned it down. Many also called the city’s process obscure and unfair.
Their arguments did not carry as much power this time around, however. After a short discussion, council went on to vote unanimously in favor of hearing the Sugar Creek annexation on Feb. 20.
