DENVER | A last-minute bill on the state Senate floor today that would address tax issues for urban renewal projects on rural land has Aurora officials protesting, saying it could jeopardize the embattled Gaylord Hotel Colorado project.
Fearing the measure could become law, The Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the Aurora Economic Development Council have planned a press conference in front of the state Capitol for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in opposition to Senate Bill 284.
“It would kill 10,000 jobs, and be devastating for the economic future of Aurora and Colorado,” the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Monday said in an email promoting the press conference.
The measure targets urban renewal projects on agricultural land deemed “blighted,” a not uncommon tactic used by municipalities to provide incentives for development.
Critics of the measure say it’s squarely aimed at the Aurora Gaylord project. The bill would have to pass the Senate Monday, and then make it through the House in less than three days, to make it to the governor’s desk. It’s unclear how the measure might affect the Gaylord project.
“There will be commemorative T-shirts for those who attend,” the email stated.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, Senate Bill 284 had not been called for a floor vote. It passed 4-1 from the state Senate Judiciary Committee last week. If moved to the House, it would have to be heard and approved in at least one committee, and then passed twice on the House floor by close of business Wednesday, which is the last day of the legislative session.
Commemorative T-Shirts:
“I [heart] cronyism!”
“My council built a hotel and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.”
“Aurora is for RTA sweethearts!”
“Come for the blight, stay for the graft.”
“AEDC: trampling property rights for over thirty years.”