NORTHGLENN 12.27.12
Northglenn Thornton
Sentinel
December 27, 2012
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
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Adams County, Colorado • Volume 49, Issue 20
Thornton considers mother-in-law houses By Darin Moriki
dmoriki@ourcoloradonews.com Thornton may be the newest city in Adams County to offer residents the option to build an additional housing unit on their existing homes. City Council discussed allowing home owners to build accessory dwelling units, sometimes referred to as mother-in-law houses, during its Dec. 11 planning session. Current city building codes define accessory dwelling units as a single, yet separate dwelling unit that provides “complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.” If amended by council, new building codes could provide residents with an option of building three different types of accessory dwelling units: An addition of a second floor above an existing first floor or garage or an attached addition on the first floor of a home, a converted basement or attic, or a standalone detached unit that is not connected to the home. City Development Director Chris Molison said some existing neighborhood are not designed to have dwelling units and noted that mandatory building code modifications, such as creating separate entrances, exits, heating, ventila-
tion and air conditioning units, may be costly for some homeowners. All neighborhoods in Thornton would be eligible for accessory dwelling units although houses with larger lots, garages that can hold three or more cars and smaller setback requirements would have more options to build accessory dwelling units. Those homes located in a covenant-controlled area would be subject to the neighborhood’s Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements and guidelines. Molison said one of the biggest challenges that some interested homeowners may face will be parking accommodations that
conform to current city codes. “We believe there may be additional complaints from neighborhoods — particularly those that have complaints about over parking — and that this may, in fact, exacerbate those complaints,” Molison said. Ward 3 Councilwoman Beth Humenik said she supported the ordinance because it provides a low-cost option for families care for aging relative or provide a home for relatives experiencing economic or financial hardships. “I personally believe this is a way to strengthen family ties, and this is something that will be greatly needed as we grow,” Humenik said. “Since we are moving
forward with our community and we’re trying to offer more housing options, I just think it’s time for us to consider this for existing residential units.” Mayor Heidi Williams said she was in favor of the measure but suggested that an additional parking requirement be added to the proposal to alleviate potential parking issues for residents. “My opinion is that we’re never going to keep the cars off the street,” Williams said. “People are always going to have more cars than they need — that’s kind of our mindset in this society — but let’s try to alleviate some of that with a requirement of having an extra parking space on the property.”
Trials conclude, longtime business closes It was a year of ups and downs in Thornton, Northglenn and Adams County. From iconic store closures and development, to budget cuts, to a murder that shook the north metro area, in no particular order here are the top 10 stories of 2012:
TOP TEN
Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing trials conclude The multi-year Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing scandal concluded this year following the convictions of four employees and county officials accused of bilking $1.8 million from Adams County taxpayers for work that was either never done or completed. Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing Vice President Dennis Coen was sentenced to 13 years in prison; former president Jerry Rhea was handed a nine-year prison term, but has appealed his sentence and is currently free on an appeal bond issued; former Adams County construction manager Samuel Vidal Gomez was given a four-year prison term and former Adams County public works chief Leland “Lee” Asay pleaded guilty in October to one count of theft and will be sentenced in January for his involvement.
Construction begins in Thornton on new Cabela’s site
St. Louis-based real estate developer THF Realty broke ground in November on The Grove, a new 63-acre retail development that will serve as Cabela’s third location in Colorado. The development, at the southeast corner of 144th Avenue and Interstate 25, is projected to have 290,000 square feet of hospitality and retail space in addition to Cabela’s 90,000-square-foot store. The store is scheduled to open in mid-2013 and will create about 200 new jobs. THF Realty co-founder Michael Staenberg said Cabela’s is expected to inject nearly $100 million into Thornton’s tax base within the first year alone. The retailer has a location in Grand Junction and another in the works in Lone Tree.
Lloyd Swaithes, former co-owner of Karl’s Farm Dairy and Karl’s Farm Market, and his family closed the doors on the family-owned business after 65 years in the community. Photo by Justin Sagarsee
Karl’s Farm Dairy closes
Karl’s Farm Dairy closed the doors to its Country Store in Northglenn, 1741 E. 120th Ave., and its smaller convenience store in north Denver, 6990 Pecos St.,
on June 20. Officials with the family-owned business said it was no longer economically feasible to keep the family-run business operating. The family had operated the dairy for 65 years, ever since Bud and Fern Hinkhouse bought the nearly 60-acre farm in Northglenn in 1947. Karl’s Farm ended its dairy production in 2005 and sold off its cows and had been ordering its milk from Morning Fresh out of Platteville for several years. Mrs. Hinkhouse died Aug. 8, 2012, at the age of 94. Mr. Hinkhouse died in 1998.
Adams 12 Budget cuts
The Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education cut $12 million to balance the 2012-13 budget, resulting in the loss of about 60 full-time employee positions, including at least 51 cuts to certified teacher positions. The plan also called for a $6.8 million reduction in compensation for employees through options such as furlough days and increased contributions to the school district’s retirement system.
An artist rendering of the new Cabela’s being built at 144th Avenue and Interstate 25 in Thornton. Submitted image POSTAL ADDRESS
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
Commissioner Alice Nichol cleared of wrongdoing
Adams County Commissioner Alice Nichol will not face any criminal charges following an extensive investigation that scrutinized her alleged involvement in the multiyear Quality Paving and
Quality Resurfacing scandal. Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey, the special prosecutor assigned to the case, officially ended his 21-month investigation in October. He said his office was unable to prove Nichol’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt. Allegations levAlice Nichol eled against Alice Nichol and her husband Ron primarily stem from work done on the couple’s residence in July and August 2005 by Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing. Nichol lost her bid to keep the District 2 seat as a commissioner after losing the Democratic Party’s nomination in the primary election.
Abduction and murder of Jessica Ridgeway On Oct. 5, 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway disappeared while walking to school in Westminster. Days later her body was found in the Pattridge Park Open Space area in Arvada. Police later received a call from the mother of 17-year-old Austin Sigg leading police to his arrest. Sigg is now facing 19 charges, including four counts of first-degree murder. He Top Ten continues on Page 3