Westsider Westsider 10-18-2013
North Jeffco
POSTAL PATRON
October 18,2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
North Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 41
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Hopefuls outline outlooks Forum shares views of Westminster candidates By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
The trees along the shoreline of Standley Lake in Westminster are beginning to change colors as the fall season continues. The park is open year-round and is open from sunset to sundown to shoreline fishing, hiking or just viewing the fall colors and wildlife. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Stadium name changes, brings in revenue By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Built in 2007, North Stadium is now 1STBANK Field. On Oct. 7, the Adams 12 Five Star School District signed a naming rights agreement with FirstBank Colorado for the field at 12500 Delaware St. in Westminster. “We’re fortunate to have strong partners who support student success in the Five Star District, from our parents to our staff and local businesses like FirstBank,” said Mark Clark, president of the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education. “This partnership further illustrates FirstBank’s commitment to investing in the local community.” The agreement with FirstBank, Colorado’s largest locally owned bank, will generate $1.2 million over the next 10 years to be reinvested into other athletic fields in the district, including Five Star Stadium and the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, both in Thornton, as well as continued improvement at 1STBANK Field. Superintendent Chris Gdowski said because of the many budget cuts needed over the years, one place the district struggles the most to invest in, is facilities and capital improvements. “We try to preserve as many assets as we can in the classroom, like keeping class size as low as possible, so that means making choices to not invest in other areas like athletic fields,” he said. “So this agreement is a great way to invest and make improvements at our athletic fields.” The district began their search for a partnership with a local
Wide receiver J.J. Pita breaks through a tackle during a game against Pinnacle Sept. 28 at the formerly-named North Stadium. Photo by Kate Ferraro or national company in June of 2012. Joe Ferdani, communications director for the district, said because of the location of the Stadium continues on Page 18
Westminster mayor and city council candidates shared their views and goals for the city during the Oct. 10 candidate forum at city hall. Hosted by Colorado Community Media, the publisher of the Westminster Window and the Westsider, candidates were asked a variety of questions giving the community an opportunity to get to know the candidates before making their choice in the November Election. For voters who were unable to attend the candidate forum, the complete program can be viewed on the city’s website, www.ci.westminster.co.us or on cable on Channel 8. With the three mayor candidates, Herb Atchison, Bob Briggs and Mary Lindsey, currently serving on council, the questions asked focused on how they will use their experience in their role as mayor and were asked about their thoughts on the development of the former mall site. The candidate with at least 40 percent of the vote will be elected mayor to serve a four-year term. If one candidate doesn’t receive at least 40 percent of the vote, a run-off election will take place between the two candidates with the most votes. When asked about the redevelopment of the former Westminster mall site, Briggs said he thinks the planning team is starting to move in the right direction, but thinks the plan needs a signature piece as part of the redevelopment. “I would suggest that we look at a signature thing like the River Walk in San Antonio in our downtown to give us that signature thing we are looking for,” he said. Atchison touched on the change of course the city has taken in terms of the planning of the former mall site. He said the city has failed twice to go with a master developer, and now the concept of breaking the proposed development into smaller blocks is a better opportunity to attract more developers. “We have to take action and look at different models, which is starting with the recent change of the outlay of the mall,” he said. Lindsey agreed with what both Atchison and Briggs spoke about in terms of the former mall site, and said she believes the city is on the right track. She spoke about the importance of recycling the demolished material of the former mall and said council has listened to the community to hear what they want for the new downtown. “We want to draw the people to our side of town to bring in more sales tax dollars,” she said. Seven of eight city council candidates appeared at the forum including Bruce Baker, Debbie Bergamo, David DeMott, A.J. Elserougi, Albert Garcia, C. Michael Litzau and Emma Pinter. Suzanne Ramirez was unable to attend due to Forum continues on Page 18
The Adams 12 Five Star School District signed a rights agreement with FirstBank changing the name of North Stadium in Westminster to 1STBANK Field. The agreement will generate $1.2 million over the next 10 years to be reinvested into other athletic fields in the district. The stadium was built in 2007 and can seat 2,500 people, not including the overflow seating in the grass area. Photo by Ashley Reimers
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