AURORA | A large-scale condo project near East Iliff Avenue and Interstate 225, with more than 150 homes spread out over seven buildings, has residents concerned that it would overly crowd neighborhood streets and are asking the city to reject the developer’s application. Some residents are even pointing to a flagging past project by the developer as supporting evidence.
“We feel the proposed project will not blend with the existing neighborhoods and therefore is not responsible development,” said Philip Volk, a resident of the Shamrock Park condominium complex that sits north of the proposed project.
The project would take up eight acres on now-vacant land on the east and west side of South Troy Street. The condos would extend south on Troy close to the Danbury Park townhome neighborhood.
At 19 homes per acre, Volk said the project would exceed the density of neighboring Shamrock Park and Danbury Park. In comparison, the two neighborhoods have eight homes per acre. Shamrock Park is a single three-story building, while Danbury Park consists of two-story homes spread across 17 acres.
According to parking plans submitted by Century Communities, the project would include 350 parking spaces and the developer would build a gate at South Troy Street where it connects with Danbury Park that could only be opened by Danbury Park residents to prevent thru-traffic on private roads.
Volk said that gate would make getting in and out of his Shamrock Park home nearly impossible as it would only leave him Iliff as a travel option.
A traffic study commissioned by Century Communities showed the project would add 895 more car-trips on Troy on an average weekday and that drivers already experience “significant delays” when turning left onto Iliff from Troy street.
“There are multiple issues that are of significant concern to us at Danbury Park and the surrounding homeowners’ associations about past performance issues with Century Communities,” said Danbury Park resident and HOA board member Frank Gunn in an email.
He pointed to a similar condo project Century Communities built in 2005 at East Tennessee Avenue and Sable Boulevard.
“When the units did not sell as expected by Century Communities, the project was shelved and 10 years later sits in decaying condition with, apparently, no intent by Century Communities to finish the project,” Gunn said. “I think it is a significant eyesore … Why the City of Aurora would allow an identical development to this abandoned development fewer than three miles away baffles us.”
Andy Boian, spokesman for Century Communities, said the developer is working with the city on resolving issues that include whether the project will meet the site’s open space requirements. Boian didn’t specifically comment on the project near Tennessee and Sable, but planning documents say the developer pointed to the recession as a reason the project wasn’t fully built.
“We’re not interested in anything that won’t make the community happy. We will be in full compliance,” he said of the Troy Street project. That project will go to Aurora’s Planning Commission on Jan. 28.
City of Aurora Spokeswoman Julie Patterson said the size of the Danbury Park project is not uncommon in Aurora.
“City code allows for up to 20 units per acre as long as the development meets code standards and specifications in the General Development Plan. The property in question has been zoned for this type of density since 1995,” she said.
A development of condos at 20 per acre will sell well to current low-income renters who are looking into home ownership, but I predict this development will see massive foreclosures during the next recession. That’s the time for investors to buy at half price.
Rental or Purchase prices are all relative in nature. Have you not seen the units on television that are 600 square feet, in larger cities, selling for 200,000 and up? Everyone middle income or lo-income look for units they can afford, even when you or others may not think they can. I remember buying first home in Ohio, with payments about $150 a month. In military, close to base and facilities, but income was much different in 1958-59. Reason Aurora was lucky that Paul and Kate Tauer was rejected for purchase in Longmont, but accepted in Aurora. And he presided over growth of Aurora from 3,000 in 1963 to close 200,000 as Mayor. Who knows what value will be on these properties when Fitzsimons and the I-225 corridor fills in during next few years. That is if we can regain our senses, and vote smarter in 2016. Mitt Romney knew business, and most of those he and partners bought are still in existence, much stronger, and in the USA. Not overseas as so much of our stimulus money ensured.
Let them build in Denver instead.
I am rather curious just who the neighbors would accept, without complaining. With the restrictions, fees to connect to utilities, roads and sidewalks, parking and housing, there have to be enough to sell, to cover cost of the development. And also earn a return to the developer and their investors. Size of housing effects numbers also. Also funds being available in future years for loans, have to be considered too. Know state requirements for condos or housing have been changed through the years too, with liability for repairs, or corrections. With changes in I-225 corridor in next few years, there will be much building of rental, lease, and properties for sale to be considered too.