Article Contributed on: 6/23/2009 5:08:40 PM
Plans are for valley to be Denver Tech Center West, stock show move only an idea
Close to 450 people attended a breakfast meeting June 23 at
Bandimere Speedway in
Morrison to promote the
Rooney Valley Association and update the public on its development progress and long-term plans toward making the scenic hogback a burgeoning mixed-use area and tourist destination.
Described as a public-private partnership, the RVA is a membership organization founded to help promote interest in Rooney Valley development. It is managed by the
West Chamber serving Jefferson County.
The valley lies along the C-470 beltway, between Interstate-70 and U.S. 285. After the development of the
Solterra residential community and the construction of Alameda Parkway in 2008, access to the area has expanded. According to Solterra, 19 new home sales have occurred since January on the 300-acres planned community east of C-470 and Alameda.
According to the Rooney Joint Project committee standards, the general goal is to integrate the topography with economic growth. Long-range plans include regional transportation and connectivity between centers and neighborhoods.
Host of the event John Bandimere Jr. said, "We are the best kept secret in town. This is our 51st year here in the valley and all of a sudden you are waking up to the fact of what we discovered 50 years ago."
Bandimere is among several individuals and businesses who formed the association. The West Chamber serving Jefferson County president Amy Sherman promoted the event.
Several panelists spoke including
Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy, who acknowledged the history of generations of Rooney family members, the original owners of the land.
He said "The area also is defined by its recent history - marked by cooperation of the governmental entities of Morrison, Lakewood and
Jefferson County. These along with the private sector and communities are what make up the RVA," said Murphy.
Murphy recalled serving on the first Rooney Valley Joint Task Force in the nineties with Morrison Planning Commission chair Jamee Chambers.
"We started talking about what a revolutionary idea it was. It's a vision that includes employment centers, residential and business development and respect for open space corridors," he said.
Chambers reminded the crowd that the town of Morrison was established in 1906, but platted in 1878.
"We are still trying to maintain that small-town atmosphere, and it's a challenge." she said.
"There are only 100 rooftops in the town. We are truly the mouse that can roar. We would like to see this valley developed to be as pristine and beautiful to enhance the small businesses that are in Morrison," said Chambers.
She said some business owners felt threatened.
"They think if something happens in Rooney Valley all that business will be going to businesses there. I see it as having a ripple effect and ultimately being good for Morrison. If we get more people here, they are going to want that kind of unique experience the town of Morrison offers. It's a matter of getting all the pieces and parts in place," Chambers said.
Jeffco Commisssioner Kathy Hartman said, "Jefferson County is a gorgeous place to live and recreate. We are looking forward to the finest office and mixed-use development in all the metro area. We are looking for this to be Denver Tech Center West," Hartman said.
Attendee Warren Dunkin asked Mayor Murphy about his opinion on the potential for the National Western Stock Show to move to the valley and said it seemed inconsistent with the overall plan.
Murphy said he thought it was a way to honor history with a low-impact event that happens only a few weeks a year.
Hartman emphasized that the concept was only an idea.
Bandimere said "Until there is zoning and money, it's simply a conversation, it's not set in stone. But, I think it's a great idea."
Another audience member asked if a new school would be built for the Solterra residential community to which Board of Education member Sue Marinelli said, "The last mil included a school building, but since it didn't pass it's on hold."
Although he was not at the breakfast, Morrison's
Red Rocks Cyclery owner Mark Flanagan said, "If a tech center goes in there, there is a possibility people will bring their business to town. It's hard to say how it will change the dynamics of business in Morrison. I haven't heard of anybody here not being on board with it."
Flanagan said he thought development would bring more people and more traffic.
"For me it's a tradeoff. It will bring more people and more traffic, but what if the rent goes up? It always seems like a good thing on paper."
For more information on West Chamber, visit www.westchamber.org. For more information about Rooney Valley Association, visit http://www.rooneyvalleycolorado.org.