Brighton Blade 041323 by Colorado Community Media

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VOLUME 120

Issue 15

WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2023

Rosy predictions for coming year

Land use bill authors stand by plan Opponents of proposal not swayed by claims of affordability, availability BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

mings, were the featured speakers at the Brighton State of the Address April 5. The event drew officials from Brighton’s neighboring communities, including Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally and Commerce City Councilor Craig Kim as well Adams County Sheriff Gene Claps, city staff and Brighton residents. Martinez outlined the past year’s accomplishments, noting that Brighton Police have started wearing body cameras, along with the software needed to archive and keep the data, other departments have upgraded their operating software a new Natural Grocers store opened on Bromley Lane.

According to authors of the land use bill making its way through the Colorado Legislature, the primary goal is stopping communities from exclusionary zoning that prohibits the construction of multifamily housing. Known as SB23-213, the land use bill was unveiled in March by Gov. Jared Polis and Democrats as a solution to the growing housing crisis. While municipalities statewide are voicing opposition to the bill, authors are saying the 105-page document is vital to the state’s future in providing an adequate supply of affordable housing. In this case, affordable housing does not mean more single-family homes, but instead duplexes, triplexes, other multiplexes, townhomes, condos and apartments. According to the authors of SB23-213, some Colorado cities and counties have implemented zoning policies that decrease or completely bar the construction of multifamily housing. Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, co-authored SB23-213 with Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Arapahoe County, and Majority Leader Sen. Dominick Moreno, a District 21 Democrat covering Adams County, Commerce City, Federal Heights and Westminster. Woodrow said while some communities have done an “exemplary” job at addressing affordability, others have not and state intervention is required to stop the growing crisis where housing costs are at an

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SEE BILL, P10

Brighton Mayor Greg Mills onstage at the podium, welcomes the group to Brighton’s State of the City address April 5 at the Armory PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR Event Center.

Brighton celebrates busy 2022, looks forward to 2023 in State of the City luncheon BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Answers to Brighton’s water concerns — resulting in a new water tank, work building a new treatment plant and efforts to replace thirsty grass fields with artificial turf in the city’s athletic fields — new businesses and street maintenance efforts were some of Brighton’s high points

from 2022, City Manager Michael Martinez told a lunch crowd at the Armory Performing Arts Center April 5. “Major projects that spent years in development are finally moving forward and our employees have a renewed energy and passion,” Martinez said. Transportation issues, community engagement and making the city a destination for cultural and recreational amenities will be some areas the city will address in 2023, Mayor Greg Mills said. “We’ve had a very successful year and we are well on our way to a great year ahead,” Mills said. The two, along with Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Cum-

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2023

• Council mulls another pot shop vote

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