Article Contributed on: 3/14/2007 1:26:22 PM
The writer is an organizer of the Littleton Against Wal-Mart group. The group says they have gathered more than 6,000 signatures in their campaign to put the issue on the ballot. Go
here to visit their Web site.
On January 31st at 2:30 am the Littleton City Council chose to ignore the majority of the citizens and at least seven zoning codes and ordinances and voted 4 - 3 to approve a rezoning application for 23 ½ acres of land.
The applicant's plan violates a number of the city's own zoning codes and ordinances. For example, the noise ordinance clearly states there can be no truck loading or unloading between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am within 800 feet of a residential area. The applicant stated they would be not abide by that since they are a 24/7 operation and accept deliveries all day and night.
When asked about making some revisions to their plan the lawyer for the applicant stated that this parcel is "just barely" enough to accommodate the plan they submitted.
This land lies between two established neighborhoods, busy Santa Fe Drive and the South Platte Park/Mary Carter Greenway.
Clearly, this property is too small for this type of development.
· They do not have enough parking spaces based on the real square footage
· They do not have enough buffer on the north side of the property to meet code
· They are asking for exceptions to the building height
· They are asking for exceptions to the sign code
· They have admitted they will be in constant violation of the noise ordinance
This land abuts Littleton's pride and joy, the South Platte River and Mary Carter Greenway. Littletonians have a long history of protecting this park. This is why we oppose big box, 24 - 7 developments on this land. It is an inappropriate use of this piece of property.
This isn't about the applicant. It never has been. It is about the land. It's about a parcel of land that sits too close to the river for large commercial development. Littleton has over 160 acres that are better suited for large format commercial. We are not trying to deny people their Wal-Mart shopping - there are six Wal-Marts within eight miles of Littleton.
The issues of sales tax leakage and revenue need are highly exaggerated. A cursory look at the city budget proves the situation is not dire. Some members of city council have large shopping lists full of pet projects. Big boxes wave big dollars. This land should not be sacrificed.
We know this property will be developed. But this is not the right development. This rezone does not respect the South Platte Park or the neighborhoods. This development is too big and too commercial for this site. Littleton has one chance to get it right and a 24-hour operation is all wrong.
We are taking this to the voters. Our leaders are not in touch with the community. They have agendas that don't match the needs and wants of the citizens that elected them. And so, we will gather the signatures of our neighbors and take this to a public vote where we will finally be heard.
Debbie Brinkman
Protect Our Park
Preserve Our Community