Another month has passed and once again it has been a very interesting education of your thoughts and concerns. Thank you to all that have posted and we look forward to hearing more of your opinions.If you are confused about how to post on the blog or feel more comfortable e-mailing me your opinion comments and concerns, please do so and we will post it for you.
E-mail: dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News and www.gatewaynews.org
*In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts.
444 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 444 Newer› Newest»Council MAN Dominick Moreno is NOT a "council kid". He is a highly intelligent leader that will do great things for this city.
In watching the City Council Vacancy Interviews, one can not help but be impressed with the depth of character and service CC citizens offer this community. We are rich in people with a heart to serve their community. But, the first thing one realizes is the gap between reality and the quality of communication city council offers to the public. Few knew our city budget and where our money comes from. Perhaps, feeling there was little they could do about it? Even though, Roger Tinklenberger just gave a full report to city council. Few knew the financial and educational disparity between Adams 14 and 27J School Districts (North and South.) and thought our financial soundness all depended on a grocery store in the North which is the least of our problems.
Adams 14 School District is collapsing into a heap of poor judgment and missed opportunities from the School Board down. We really need to start over in Adams 14. We have the same group of business investors that build across Colorado, but, as they approach CC boundaries they step over us or go around us. Why? Don't they trust us?
Paolo Diaz said that at this time we are having a huge turnover of leadership in city council and Adams 14 School District which is an understatement. He said, "We need more transparency." I think, we can clearly see what is going on. We need more honesty, integrity and trust in our leaders. He mentioned that the South was a "run down community." Since 2007, City Council has spent millions of dollars in development within the Core city: Pioneer Park, one of the largest in the State; Derby redevelopment project; Adams City High School which is one of the largest in the State of Colorado; Quebec Blvd and millions on the new track signals at 80th Ave; new medical facilities and numerous fast service outlets and grocery stores. Dr. Kristine Sumner wants to become more involved in the community and listed several committees and groups she is currently involved with. She would like to see a more cohesive community with the North and South "becoming one city." She was impressed by the 10,000 attendees at the Memorial Parade. Joe Sandoval has served CC as a Police Officer for 16 years putting his life on the line every day he went to work. He has a strong street sense of this community and has stepped up to the plate to serve this community many times. He will hit the floor running for this city. Yes! He has had problems with alcohol as did our former city manager whom we seem more than willing to forgive but hold Mr. Sandoval to a different standard which is difficult to understand.
Not too worried about the DUI, although that is bad enough. I am worried about the driving without insurance. There are the type of people that drive without insurance. Those are the types I do not think are the best to be handling the city budget.
Just my 2 cents.
Looks like Commerce City had some pretty exciting past couple of days with what looks like 3 successful events. Derby Daze, The Reunion Outreach (still have one to go) and the little girl from the Reunion area carnival.
Great city, Wonderful things are happening, we just all have to stay positive.
hope Paolo Diaz went shopping this weekend for his suits.
love the site, always something new. learn something every time I visit.
We still good on Kings coming? heard grating this month, vertical in aug.?
Great pics of Derby Daze Gateway! We love the one of Senator Hodge and Mayor Pro Tem Snyder. Now there is a combination that would be great for us at the State!
Congrats Paolo...now for the hard work of public service...
GN,
why is for sale signs at kings site?
That is Crosby Real Estate. They have been hired to sell other pads at that site.
Nothing to do with King Soopers.
Diaz is the best choice. Thank you to Commerce City Council for keep the vision professional.
Congratulations to Paolo Diaz!
Also a congratulatory comment is needed to Commerce City Council. YOU GOT THIS ONE RIGHT!
Paolo Diaz was definitely one of the top five. Very professional. What he has done on Commerce City Cultural Council is amazing.
good of diaz. now he can run in nov. as a incumbent. should get his in just fine as a at-large council man
-Nice to see a diverse council is such a diverse city.
Nicely Done CC council.
gn,
can you get the breakdown of the first list of 21 candidates by council number votes.
I know that the last list of three,
P. Diaz got 7 votes
K. Sumnter got 2 votes
J. Sandoval got 0 votes
hey gateway,
true? cc sales tax increase on November 2011 ballot?
Great that Commerce City finally got big tax settlement from Suncor!
Way to go Commerce City Staff!
beautiful photography Gateway News.
Dusty,
even if Commerce City council would want a tax increase they would have to put the issue to the people.
how can Commerce City even think about a tax increase? Sounds counter-intuitive. You can't have a tax incentive program and then turn around and put on the ballot a permanent tax increase.
I say make the taxes the same as Brighton. Commerce City should have done this years ago.
GN,
love the RSS feeds from all of the council members. very informative, very nifty.
If Commerce City tax incentive program is so successful, there is absolute NO NEED to raise taxes!
Forget a diverse council. I think they are all Democrats! A real diverse council would have some Republicans on it!
J.
FYI - City Council are non-partisan
J proud Republican.
I know some on the council and just a fyi, there are at least 2 republicans on it...but it IS non partisan in its nature
Taxes in Brighton vary according to the area. Some have additional taxes to pay for infrastructure as in Prarie Center.
Your Website is beautiful! I love the designs and photos.
You are correct. In Brighton there is an addition sales tax that customers have to pay for the development of that area. Home Depot was not too fond of it.
I don't but that city gov is non-partisan. It is still gov.
You say there are some republicans on the Commerce City council and they what to raise taxes on the business community, well then they should be ashamed.
They need to trim down the city staff, keep the tax structure the way it is now, and leave people alone.
Sorry J. republican but you are comparing apples to oranges. The city level is way different then the federal or even state level. Commerce City is in a unique situation at this point in time. Raising the tax level to the same level of the city of Brighton makes perfect sense at this time.
Republican or not, it is a good move on the behalf of the Commerce City council to even be talking about it.
Where did all this increasing taxes in Commerce City come from all of a sudden?
It was brought up on Mon, at long term planning meeting. City has a video of it on their website.
As for me, I am still weigh the pros and cons before I post my comment.
GN,
any new announcement for citizens running for mayor or council?
As far as we know, the expected list is all for now.
I can confirm that there are at least 6 or 7 more that are on the fence.
The expected list should be growing the closer we get to August.
I say if we only get half of the great citizens that applied for Tony's seat we will be just fine.
Oh, and Diaz was the right choice. He will make a good appointment and even better elected official.
Diaz JUST got in yesterday and he didn't even know what Tax Increment Financing or TIF is!
Lets give the guy some time before we automatically assume that he will be a GREAT leader.
He could end up as a bump on the log or puppet as some have been before!
what happens if commerce city puts all their eggs in one basket with this tax increase on the November ballot and it fails.
Is there a plan B?
My prediction is that if they do try to float a tax increase of any kind, it will fail, hands down.
NICE to have the view of "No local tax increase"
But stuff still needs money to get done. It ain't going to pay for itself!
Tax increase would make sense for Commerce City.
is commerce city going to ask the business community for input or just slap tax initiative on the ballot?
Dusty,
Is this just a sales tax increase or a use tax increase?
I am in the midst of getting more information about it. This is all very new.
people in the north are going to love nov.
a possible local tax increase and even more possible mill levy over-ride for 27J
you all need to BACK DOWN on the tax thing!
wait until you see if it is even real or not.
I have not heard anything about this yet and I am pretty plugged in Commerce City.
Don't be jumping to conclusions over some stupid rumor!
Was watching the Council meeting last night. At the end Mayor Pro Tem Snyder asked the Council for a time out on a tax the city put on the trucking industry that may drive business out of town. She asked that during the time out the City look at the tax and its affect on the industry. Good for her! We need all the buisness that we have to stay here! One one of the things I really like about her is that she stays on top of things like this, and has a good eye for our business community. I think she really would be a good rep for Commerce City at the State! Team Tracey- I am joining you! And I encourage others to do the same!
Council women Snyder has the leadership of know-how to see the big picture.
Yes, I would feel very comfortable knowing that she would be my representative at the State level.
All fireworks are illegal in the city limits of Commerce City.
The Commerce City Police Department offers the following tips to help keep the community safe:
Don't be fooled, there may be stands selling fireworks just outside the city limits. Do not purchase fireworks for use within the City of Commerce City. Instead, attend one of many professional displays throughout the metro area.
To report fireworks violations, call dispatch by dialing 911 or the non-emergency number, 303-288-1535. Provide the dispatcher with a specific location and description if possible.
Talk to your children about the dangers of fireworks and pledge to your neighbors and community groups that your block will be fireworks free this season.
In theory, Commerce City is supposed to be non partisan but anyone who has been to the meetings or watched them knows that they vote and speak bi-partisan.
Felt sorry for the candidates for the council position. The council should have just named the person last week to save everyone embarrassment.
Gateway, your pictures are beautiful, especially of the girl dancing.
Kids loved the new water park. Its very affordable.
J. Proud Republican,
Do not assume that because "some" on council, want to raise city taxes, that all want to raise taxes.
There are a couple of council that continue to "present" information and "ideas", throughout the city as if the "council" is supporting THEIR idea.
They may not say it is the council, but the inference is such.
Nine on council, not one. All votes are weighted equally.
All who interviewed were told if they made the final three.
The final vote, from the final three was done in the meeting Monday.
I don't see why Commerce City can't replicate what Brighton did for the Prairie Center. Charge the businesses in the N. range a growth tax. Development needs to pay its way.
yes development needs to ay its way.
but don't give out incentives, then turn around and float a tax increase.
makes no sense, just a bunch of paperwork to get back to square one.
The Business Incentive Program by Commerce City was more then just tax incentives, it was a discount on fees too.
Regarding the Commerce City Council sales tax increase proposal on the ballot for 2011
City Council did not make any decisions regarding a sales tax increase. As part of the long-range financial plan, that option was identified as one that might be possible (along with several others) to raise additional revenue, but when and how much was not determined.
doesn't matter what commerce city council say or do. it will be up to the people and it will fail.
council better look at this soon. I am sure there is a timeline involved if they want it for the 2011 election.
it troubling that comments on here correctly predicted the Commerce City council appointed applicant. How is that even possible?
dkeys, Derrick,
I think they just got lucky. no need to look further into it.
If I had to make a educated guess looking at how the council voted for appointment, I would say it is the mayor and mayor protem versus the rest of the council.
GN,
Can you tell us who voted for who?
Ollie,
Per the Commerce City charter, the vote is taken by secret ballot. So, no I do not know who voted for which candidate.
why are elected official taking a secret ballot? what the theory behind that?
More new businesses in Commerce City!
Lex Cell, 5966 E 64th - Cell Phone Store
Aranda's Beauty Salon, 7710 Brighton Blvd Ste C - Beauty Salon
Systematic Trade, 6062 E 49th Ave - Sales of new and used computers
V. Trujillo Enterprises Inc., 5235 E 48th Ave - Wood storage only
American Security Locksmith, 7235 Monaco St - Locksmith
Aerofield Services, 13659 E 104th Ave Unit 550 - Consulting firm
Atlas Copco CMT USA, 10525 Havana Ct - Drilling & mining equipment & consumable repair equipment
Briana's Closet, 5775 E 63rd Pl - Used clothes store
Best Tires Inc, 6450 Hwy 2 - Indoor tire shop
Creaciones lessly, 6490 E 72nd Pl - Event rental hall
R&G Granite Works, 7000 E 58th Ave Unit A - Granite fabricating
Commerce City calls for residents in south core part of city to participate in Economic Development Advisory Committees:
http://t.co/6J7rv7M
who cares if they are from north or south Commerce City, I thought we where ONE CITY?
It should not matter what part of the city one lives in to volunteer to serve on an advisory committee. Volunteer's have the best interests of the city in mind when they take the time to send in an application. This is a matter of trust! Doesn't the core city have enough trust in the whole of this city to make the right decisions concerning economic development? If, in deed, the south must have it's representative voice then we have a real problem. This is the heart of the problem on city council that each city group demands it's representative voice in like value.
Estelle,
There's nothing more fundamental to our government than geographic representation. Refer to the US Constitution.
If that really is the case, then we really need to look at changing the commerce city charter to reflect 2 council members per ward instead of the 4 at large positions. It will eventually end up being 5 votes out of the north.
I really don't want my tax dollars used in south commerce city. as a matter of fact I would be happy if the northern area forms its own city.
For me values are not shared between the areas and these ARE separate cities.
would like to see a survey of how many home owners in the northern enclave even goes to south cc or even drives through it.
too bad that those who don't live in Belle Creek or Reunion has to go to Brighton for recreation.
horrible that the city spends more more money on signs notifying people driving through that this beautiful area was annexed into commerce city than it does on the families living here.
Completely disagree. North would have nothing without industrial tax base of the south. We need each other.
We are one city and we have to realize this if we are going to make any head way.
I agree, CC survives with the Suncor tax base. But, the idea is to expand the Northern Range and create a larger tax base. When, one says that the minority majority which is comprised of thousands of immigrants living in the core city falls under the US Constitution. Are we entitled to vote and have a representative voice because we pay taxes or because we are citizens of the United States? Thousands of immigrants living in CC demand a voice in how this city is developed even though they have no vote in the matter by representation on city council simply because they pay sales and use taxes. When, I vacation in Mexico, I pay sales and use taxes but I have no say in the Mexican Constitution as they have no say in ours!
if the northern residents wold come down and shop in the core commerce city area, then we would not have to worry about money for the city projects.
When are we going to take our gas pipeline that is going right down the middle of some of our neighborhoods in Commerce City serious?
9news-Gas leak forced evacuations and Hwy. 6 closure 2:03 PM, Jun 18, 2011
EAGLE COUNTY - A natural gas line cut during construction on Highway 6 forced the evacuation of somewhere between 50 and 100 home Saturday.
Eagle River Fire Protection Chief Charles Moore said the line was cut by a contractor doing work on a 6-inch line. Highway 6 was closed for about three hours between Avon and Edwards and bicyclists and pedestrians were not allowed in the area.
The highway re-opened about 1:45 p.m. and all evacuees were allowed to return home.
here is some news that shows safety record of the pipeline company that want to bring gas pipeline to Commerce City.
Criminal Trail Against Xcel Reaches Halfway Point
DENVER (CBS4) – The criminal trial against Xcel Energy has reached the halfway point.
Prosecutors rested their case on Thursday and the defense will begin presenting evidence on Monday.
Xcel and its parent company are accused of workplace safety violations stemming from the deaths of five workers at a hydro-electric plant near Georgetown in 2007.
If convicted, each company would have to pay fines up to $2.5 million.
does everyone know or care that Commerce City is begging for money? You all need to watch financial video. It is long, but basically they are discussing crazy ideas to get money from us all.
Some of us really do not care about the pipeline. Sometimes you just have to trust that companies like xcel will not purposely put a community in harms way. pipeline is not as bad as some of you make it out to be.
I Love the Concert in the park series. Finally some cultural events in Commerce City.
If Commerce City Council eventually do put the sales tax increase of the ballot for this year. I would hope that we all can be open minded about it, before you all jump on the 'against the sales tax' band wagon.
where does CC have a motel at?
Medical Marijuana Tax in Commerce City? I think there is a moratorium.
About Long term budget.
I am all for Graffiti Removal Fee!
I am NOT for Toll on Tower Road or a Head Tax!
In watching the City Council Retreat, June 13, twice over, it is apparent that CC has no money. During the 1980's, the philosophy was that when one had no money to act like and spend like you would have the money in the future. This philosophy lead our nation into billions of dollars of debt.
At this meeting, City Council picked it's top 3 projects with only 6.3 million to spend. Some of these projects have been on the books since 2006, Aquatic pool for Pioneer Park and Highway #2. Council still had the blown up elephant in the room and put candy peanuts into bags labeled with city projects to make their 3 choices. After dinner, they had 16 items to vote on to raise Fees and Taxes. (See Gateway Article.) They used clickers to vote on to raise Fees and Taxes. Which only City Council can vote on. This seemed to be voting in an uncontrolled manner as not all of the 9 council members had to vote and out of say 5 or 7 votes a percentage was calculated on total votes received. Which, really did not matter as these line items had already been voted down.
Council member Jadie Carson suggested the people send in their choices for their top 3 projects. It was not clear if that was just those that can vote in the Wards or the thousands of immigrants living in those Wards that pay sales and use taxes. Jason McEldowney made the comment about "We want big sexy projects." Which was totally uncalled for! And, an open microphone caught, "They are already pissed off." and laughter over the "public safety bag being on the floor, face down." Which is no joke as time is running out on the Police Station in the Northern Range. Paolo Diaz said this was all new to him. To those of us that have followed CC Council for years this was nothing new. Council women, Tracy Snyder, still wants the Boys and Girls Club at 64th and Olive. The old Rec Center wants to expand to the East, buy property and build a therapy pool no mention of the Commercial Kitchen. These projects alone would put any building projects in the North back another ten to twenty years. Trails and Open Spaces only serve a selected group of active runners and bikers while thousands of young and elderly have no place to go for recreation in the North. Which begs the question, "When do we get anything up North!" And, a second question, "Do CC citizens and voters have any say on these projects or are they for the thousands of immigrants that pay sales and use taxes?"
great points Estelle! I learned a lot!
Boys and Girls Club will need a nice size chunk of funding just to run it.
Administration for the club will run anywhere from 50K to 100K a year.
Now come the question of who will pick up the tab, city? school?
Now we know no one has any money, I am afraid these types of projects are going to fall to the wayside.
Which is really too bad, since Commerce City is a ideal place for a Boys and Girls club.
tell Council Man Jason McEldowney that CC had a big sexy project called Enclave West and the Landing Strip, but city ran them off.
http://caselaw.findlaw.com/co-supreme-court/1320387.html
ENCLAVE WEST! Yes that was a fun thing to watch.
when did we start treating Commerce City Council meeting like a day care?
Blow up animals and peanut games?
I am glad some of you are finding this amusing. For me, there is nothing funny about city not having any money due to 4 years of decline revenue despite incentive programs and hiring multiple "cream of the crop" staff.
Estelle you nailed the right question!
"When do we get anything up North!"?
You will get stuff in the North, when the North starts shopping in the south and we start capturing the leakage! Thats when you will get things in the North!
Where are we suppose to shop in the South? I can only eat so much Mexican Food and I am boycotting the walmart in the South over the Eye Doctor incident.
I don't need any heavy equipment and trying to stave off fast food.
So again I ask you, where are we suppose to shop in the south?
Most of my big purchases (stuff that has sales tax significance is from Denver, like furniture and electronics. Commerce City has NONE of these things)
I do buy food in Brighton, but that is because it does not make sense for me to drive down to 60th to go to the grocery store. I would never ask a fellow resident to take on such a burden in order to just increase a city's sales tax base.
really think Commerce City council need to stay strong and put this sales tax on the ballot this year. Let the people decide.
It is the responsible thing to do.
about CC sales tax initiative.
It never hurts to ask. Who knows it might even pass!
Commerce City Admission (Seat) Tax failed once before. It failed badly. So no reason to even bring it up again
Belle Creek is really not as bad as the guy tonight says it is.
I don't understand why people are so upset on the proposed Xcel gas line - the proposed routing down 104th already has high pressure gas lines in the Xcel/United Power right of way.
just listened to Commerce City Council meeting. Are there any expiration dates on all this free money city is giving to these businesses as incentives. Also, I agree why would city council do a incentive program then turn around and try to pass a sales tax increase. Very mix messages.
It is really unfortunate that Gaylord Entertainment has decide to go a different direction with its Colorado project.
It would have been a wonderful thing for Commerce City if they would have decided to build at Victory Crossing.
We will just keep moving forward and keep working on this area.
I agree with Stevestr
The xcel pipeline is of that big of a deal. It is just the new buzz topic to get everyone wild up.
About the XCEL Pipeline.
It is a big deal for me, since it's right by my house. But I am going to put my hopes in that my city council representatives will represent me in my best interest.
hey B.Davis,
too bad your Commerce City rep. is Jim Benson! he only looks out for his buddies in the core.
PRO-CITY,
You have to be absolutely Delusional to think that GAYLORD ever took the Commerce City option by the Stadium seriously. It was destined for Aurora from the beginning.
Commerce City has neither the correct surroundings or competent staff to handle that type of a project.
Commerce City needs to get a Dennys or Village Inn before they can think of a Gaylord Hotel.
absolutely adorable pictures of the little boy and fire department.
I have no problem with Commerce City raising the sales tax to meet the surrounding cities numbers. We are only talking pennies on most of the residents purchases.
I am all for it.
Dusty,
I love the Reunion story. I was wondering why the fire trucks were at the rec center.
dkeys,
so what would you have Commerce City do, NOT at least try!
Tired of your constant belittling of the city! Move to Brighton!
dkeys or (Derrick)
Are you still being a sore loser because CC council didn't pick your candidate to be appointed?
ps-dusty, I like the firefighter story too.
I am for no sign-spinners to be allowed in Commerce City!
Gaylord Hotel:
It was a three year process, pitting Aurora against Broomfield and Commerce City, Reed said of their search for a site location.
At Tuesday's announcement, he credited Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer's tenacity.
"You know, every time we would err into Commerce City somehow he'd find out about it and he'd drag us back to Aurora," Reed said.
Just wish our staff would have been as pit bullish as Tauer was.
love your site. cute story of little boy.
Gaylord? What a shame. The Commerce City Mayor was going everywhere to work with China. As he said, "for the region and Colorado". He should have stayed home and taken care of his own city.
can you do a story on why there is no development on tower road in Commerce City?
I see lots of ED action on the Denver side, but not much on the Commerce City side.
Is there a reason for this?
"You know, every time we would err into Commerce City somehow he'd (Tauer) find out about it and he'd drag us back to Aurora," Reed said.
concerning that Ed Tauer always knew when Gaylord representatives were in Commerce City? What, do we have a leak somewhere?
Great article in the Post today on the Gaylord Hotel economic incentive package. Mark Miller, economic development RESEARCHER and University professor states that "Just about everyone out there is offering fat incentives packages". "Just about any serious economic development RESEARCHER though, will tell you that there isn't much evidence to support that they actually create much economic development" (think Rapids Stadium and Victory Crossing). "They do create a big political splash though, which is why we keep doing them". Thank goodness Gaylord didn't choose CC - our inexperienced managers and Council would have been drawn in - hook, line and sinker and we the CC tax payers would have been paying for the bribe to Gaylord until the cows come home. I am pretty sure CC can't in any way afford 300 million and I will bet you a dozen donuts the reason Denver was not considered is because their staff and Council know better than to enslave their City to such a large incentive payout with no guarantee of returns. Do we really need 3 to 4 people in our Eco Devo Department?
Why is there no Economic development on Tower Road? Good question and easy answer if you use a little common sense - most everyone going to and from the airport as inbound visitors and outbound visitors are going to DENVER or to the MOUNTAINS via I-70. You have to go south of Pena Blvd. to get to Denver and I-70 the quickest way. The majority of visitors are not going north to CC or Brighton or beyond. The majority of traffic on Tower is people going to and from work and these people don't need a hotel or a restaurant or much of anything other than a gas station and convenience store when going to and from work - they will do real shopping on weekends and near their homes north and south of CC and a few in CC. these passer through cars are on Tower because they are too cheap to buy an E-470 toll pass - so what makes you think they will stop to drop a bunch of cash along Tower Rd north of Pena?
LEAK from CC to Aurora about Gaylord Hotel - WHAT! If I had to GUESS this deal was very hush hush among top level staff and Council - so start looking there for your leak.
about these BIG projects with fat incentives not really creating a ED impact:
I am not convinced that the Rapids stadium is not creating a significant impact on the economics for the Stapleton area.
I would also like to throw out there the LODO area of Denver. What would this look like if Rockies Stadium was not built?
If that Gaylord Mega Hotel were to be built in Commerce City?! That would have been the saving grace. It would have turned a lot of things around for us.
thad,
The Rapids Stadium is more of a PR piece for Commerce City. It was never intended to be a revenue generator. This idea is shared by many on past and current councils such as Scott Jaquith.
just a question- Is the development on Tower just not there because we simply do not have the population to support it? Or is it the Road is not ready? There has to be some reason why businesses do not want to come. I am not mad, I am just wondering why and what can we do to remedy it.
CC cant afford 300 million GAYLORD project? But yet many were all GUNG HO for a 400 million dollar NASCAR Project?
Commerce City would have not been alone in the Gaylord deal. Adams county and even Denver (stapleton) would have had their hands in it to make it happen.
Don't believe for one minute that Denver, Commerce City, and MOSTLY Broomfield didn't want this. OF COURSE THEY DID! Aurora just won, Congrats to them!
Mark Miller, economic development RESEARCHER and University professor states that "Just about everyone out there is offering fat incentives packages". "Just about any serious economic development RESEARCHER though, will tell you that there isn't much evidence to support that they actually create much economic development"
What about the 1800 jobs it creates? What about all the tag along businesses that come with it, such as cleaning supply business, food industry, etc.?
I am sure CC offered a "fat incentive package" to kronke for rapids stadium, correct?
If any of you could go back in time, would you NOT have the rapids stadium in Commerce City?
I think answer is you would do it all over again.
This mega hotel would have made Commerce City a destination spot over night. It would have completely fixed the Commerce City image issue we have been dealing with since the early 70s.
Too bad it is going to Aurora, but we will endure as always. Maybe next time.
I have to disagree with the "expert" Mark Miller. Creating 1,800 jobs in a city of 40,000 is MAJOR evidence to support that they actually create much economic development.
Just because you have a college degree or work at a university does not make you right!
GN,
Keep your eyes and ears out for any Commerce City staff that all of a sudden go work for the city of Aurora. wink,wink.
Gaylord Hotels
Since 1820, Industry has used immigration for cheap labor, paying $.25 a day. In 2010, J-1; H2-A; H2-B summer work/travel visas for Colorado are one of the highest in the Nation, 4,805 for Colorado much higher than California. If, we add these new job opportunities to the increased Hispanic populations in Adams, Co., 65,293 and the City of Aurora, 38,499, since 2000, it is no mistake that Gaylord Hotels and the National Stock Show want to locate in the middle of the highest immigration population in Colorado. So, they can hire the cheapest labor in the State. Once operational, they will lobby Colorado for more immigrants to work here. Even though, only a combined 1,800 positions will be available. They want Aurora to designate their building site as an International tourist area so they can qualify for more work visas and treat workers "like indentured workers." (Denver Post, June 19, 2011.) Once again, CC will be a cheap place to live and Adams 14 School District's population may double with new immigrant families seeking just a few jobs. The citizens of Colorado will actually lose more jobs rather than gain anything. One can only envision an increase in human trafficking to this area in these next few years as word gets around. Also, we have one of the cheapest and largest construction/work forces in Colorado shovel ready to hire!
Adams County Assessor Gil Reyes was served a summons charging a violation of Reporting by Incumbents & Elected Candidates...
http://t.co/jq04Wzi 11
James Hayes Named Commerce City Director of Community Development...
http://t.co/MGNOqXV
great stuff GN.
We need some resignations in Adams County and Commerce City to stop hiring expense do-nothing staff.
I would like to see Commerce City Council and Brighton Council support the Parents and Community for 27J by doing a Support Resolution ASAP!
As usual, most of you are missing the point about the economic incentive package. The point is huge projects like this will locate where they see the greatest potential for the highest profit - with or WITHOUT the incentive package - replace the word incentive with the words "bonus" or "gravy"and you will better understand - the City - Aurora in this case will be giving up 100's of millions in tax dollars over the course of many years that they would get anyway because Gaylord would still locate there regardless . The additional business a huge project like this brings other business yes - but the taxes off of the new or additional business' don't cover the loss of the revenue on the bigger project. Usually when the incentives are all paid off 30 or 40 years later - guess what time it is -time to "re-develop" and dip into the public funds again. If you haven't figured out that businesses want the risk in business to be socialized (we pay for it- tax payers - especially if it goes belly up) but they want the profits privatized - there are countless examples of this all over the country - the specialty is sports stadiums- HELLO! I am one happy CC resident because I won't be paying more taxes to Gaylord Hotels who will be making 58 million a year by 2015.
As usual - bring it back to NASCAR. The whole project was 400 million - the Gaylord wants 300 million just in incentives for a 1 billion dollar project. NASCAR never got far enough to discuss incentives - so as usual you know nothing!
By the way Gaylord does not bring other business - stayed at on in Dallas area - no need to leave their complex. They have anything you need right there. I think it is part of the business model - sort of like a cruse ship on land.
I am getting the feeling Commerce City staff didn't even try to get the GayLord hotel.
We really are better off not having this in our city?
Did gaylord reps ever given the idea that they could build in the northern range of Commerce City?
he should know better then this:
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2011/0622/20110622_045446_gil_reyes_email.pdf
needs to resign now.
I have no doubts CC staff tried to get the Gaylord here be it north or south or east or west. Because it looks great on a resume or helps you keep a job and mostly because they probably don't know any better. Gaylord used CC as a pawn to negotiate or threaten Aurora "we will go elsewhere if you don't mortgage 300 million in incentives for us" Business' this size are bullies. CC was probably never a serious option. Think about it, The grand Gaylord Hotel that over looks the Waste Management eastern plain mountain of buried trash or the grand Gaylord hotel that overlooks the Suncor oil refinery and 27 trucking terminals. it is odd that they chose a location on Tower Rd. SOUTH of Pena. Do you think it is because that is on the route to Denver and I-70 to the Mountains where visitors go? Do you think it is because the possible stock show site in Denver is just a cross the street and they will be close "just in case" Denver moves it. Do you think it is because it is also just down the road from the proposed NASCAR site. Gosh I don't know, I am pretty sure they wanted it near lovely downtown Derby. Be glad it is not here. It would have bankrupted the City. We don't have much money to build or do anything right now because of all the money that goes to pay bonds the City owes on the Rapids Stadium, just ask your Council person or former Council person to be honest with you about it and they will, mine was!
After looking at a rendition of what this Gaylord complex is to look. I agree, it is a huge atrium that will overlook something. It can not be a US postal facility and core industrial Commerce City. Suncor and WM.
Congratulations to Kristine Sumner on her candidacy for Commerce City Council, Ward 3! Her credentials are impecabble! Check her out on her Facebook: Kristine Sumner for Commerce City Council, you will see what I mean.
Way to go Kristine! I read you bio and I am impressed. Is anyone else running in Ward 2?
I think incumbent Jim Benson is.
Kristine Sumner looks like the perfect candidate on paper. Can't wait to hear her thoughts and ideas in person.
Sumner v. Benson for Ward 2!
This should be good.
Ward 2 in Commerce City can be a very powerful Ward to be reckon with. They have the most registered voters. Now the people just have to actually vote.
Just so know one gets confused. Ward 2 use to be Ward 4. After the Ward shuffle. It is now Ward 2.
City trying to make it not so NORTH SOUTH, more EAST WEST.
New Ward 4 is in the southern Core part of the city now.
Agree, Candidate Sumner sounds very qualified.
Great to see this type of quality of people run for local elected positions.
Sumner is a Dr. and Jim is a Lawyer. Are we in Ward 2 just uppity!
IMO the city is putting all of its efforts and money trying to capitalize the souths proximity to Denver's North Field. IMO, it's a terrible idea because Denver has too much land on Stapleton, Northfield and in general - from 56th & Quebec until the other side of DIA. Like a writer mentioned; Denver's land isn't overlooking concrete and trucking facilities.
IMO, Tower Rd. 120th down to the city limit, even with the dump would be a better choice at this time for the city to "dump" money into.
The views are outstanding, both Aurora and Denver are moving dirt. Traffic is unbelievable on Tower and E-470. Reunion is a desired area and selling homes.
mentioning Reunion because it's adjacent to Tower and a marketing tool.
IMO, Too many of our council have mis-placed loyalties to the south areas and can't see the big picture.
A concern: If the city continues with no action we may lose the northern enclave to Denver or Brighton.
and yes- those cities would be willing to pay CC the few millions they invested and the voters will make the decision NOT the city.
Research Centennial vs Aurora if you don't believe me.
How many businesses moved into Centennial after the split which carried them through the housing bubble crash and since, soaring home prices.
This is intended to start a conversation not disrespect home owners or citizens in south CC.
I'm long winded today - in support of and not competing with you Estelle...lol
C_City Voter
Can we PLEASE Change the charter to reflect 2 candidates per ward instead of the 4 at large.
It is the only fair way to do this in Commerce City.
We are going to end up with 5 positions in the North very soon!
My condolences to friends and family of victim at the three amigos tires in Commerce City.
Very sad situation.
“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner”
-James Bovard
GN,
saw that you twittered the NY Times: "My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant" By JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS... http://t.co/KaINSuR
Can wait for Estelle's comments
so tragic about the 3 amigos in Commerce City. tragic accident.
yes, 3 amigos (friends) is a bad story. i know it is legal to let a 15 y/o drive on private property. maybe it is time to look at this so it does not happen again.
The accident at 3 Amigos (Tres Amigos) had nothing to do with the law of letting a person who is 15 drive. It was purely a accident.
any charges filed against the 3 amigos 15 year old?
I honestly think the incident was bad enough. I would hope no charges would be filed, as this was purely an accident.
Cheo,
I am going to respectfully disagree with you. I understand this was only co-worker that is a 15-year-old. But, we all need to be held accountable for our actions no matter that the circumstance is.
The process needs to take place even in cases of accidents.
The punishment should fit the situation, but the process has to happen.
Just my 2 cents.
C_City Voter,
GREAT POINTS! I did learn a lot.
C_City Voter-
your right, even CC staff said they are concerned north residents might "check out" in action doesn't happen soon.
My comments that go with what C_City Voter said:
I know there are strong opinions about Brighton and Commerce City. I get the feeling they really don't like each other, despite what the elected official might say in public.
What I would like to see someday is the two cities merge. Brighton and Commerce City as subdivisions of ONE new Big city called ADAMS CITY. It would still be the county seat of ADAMS COUNTY. It would be a city that would have 70,000 residents. Big enough to demand the respect of all, including Denver, Aurora and DRCOG!
Like I said, I know there are strong opinions about this. But it really would be something special. The two cities could retain their identity as subdivisions. Much like what the Reunion and Henderson areas are currently doing now.
WAY WAY WAY WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too early to even think about a merged city called Adams City. Plus you have to think there are 2 or 3 fire districts, 2 school district and 2 water districts.
Maybe in 100 years, but not now.
New Adams City idea
I actually like the out of the box thinking.
I would not brush this off so quickly. Get the 10 to 20 people who this really matter too to agree and it could really happen.
What the HELL! no way. No new city called Adams City or Denver North or Aurora West. No, never! The 2 cities have too much history and this will never, never happen.
Adams City idea is a dumb idea. I say NO NO NO!
WOW look strong opinions about Brighton/CC merge! you called it!
I would support a 2 city idea. A long as it was the entire 2 cities and not just Brighton and N. Commerce City. It would have to be ALL of Commerce City (Core and North) and ALL of Brighton.
Problem with the 2 cites merging is that we have too people in charge that are emotional attached. Does it make sense to merge the two cities to make one big "Adams City"?, YES! One of the better ideas I have heard in a long time. Will it ever happen?, NO! (at least not now).
Bottom-line: Our local politics has too many emotions tied up in it.
oh boy, some are going to flip out when they read this!
You people are unbelievable.
Hell will freeze before CC and Brighton ever merge into your pie in the sky "Adams City"
Advocates for merged entities ought to articulate their reasons:
-efficiency of centralized services?
-more power, respect and influence
in region?
-diversify, stabilize tax base?
Brighton would never take on the image and problems of Commerce City. They are doing just fine on their own, thank you very much!
For the first time in many, many decades, there will be no celebrations on the 4th of July for Commerce City. The 3rd of July is NOT the 4th of July. We're loosing our home town.
I would be interested in the city merger. It would make sense. I see it being talked about for sometime, then if there is real interest maybe it will take on the next step needed.
You asked these questions:
"-efficiency of centralized services?
-more power, respect and influence
in region?
-diversify, stabilize tax base?"
You hit it right on the head. Nothing to do with anything else. Pure intentions.
Retaining the history of the two cities would be lost. I do not see this ever seeing the light of day.
2 cities merge. That means only ONE Administration (City Manager). Only one Police Chief, Only one economic development team. Only one Facebook account. Hell with a population that big. I say we even go with a Strong Mayor Format, Why not throw that out there!
Love the ideas
Adams County Coroner Identifies the deceased victim of the "3 Amigos Tires" incident as 27 year-old Robert Rios, father of two young sons...
Great follow up article on the tragic death at the golf course and IMO, Kathy asks a good question, who is managing our City. You would sure think that with 3 Managers in the City Manager office at that time one of them was responsible for managing the golf course. Who was it and why did they not make sure that something as simple as safety rules were being followed at the facility they are responsible for. Who was the City Manager over the golf course at the time? I say find out who it is and ask them to explain their excessive salary and car allowances in relation to their lack of management for something as simple as safety rules. Was the same City manager over the swimming pool that the poor little girl drowned at a few years ago too?
first time I ever heard of the golf course accident. It was not in the city news letter. excellent questions being asked.
I had no idea that OSHA did not watch over governments.
Learned something new.
Thanks for putting the PDF backups with the story. Makes it much easier.
GN,
was getting worried for a bit, thought you were only doing fuzzy warm stories.
Nice to see balance back.
reading the police report is very interesting and concerning at the same time. Where is the management? I am not one to bash the city, but their are questions that need to be asked.
Someone died as a direct result from the action of someone else (messing with safety devices)- From report - "Danny Gonzales would rewire or bypass the switches to save time and money to have them replace them."
I am no investigator but why is this not a huge red flag of why is at fault? Gonzales tampered with the switch, it resulted in a death, where is the responsibility?
When did tragic accidents all of s sudden become events with no responsibility or accountability.
As far as OSHA is concerned, is it just ironic that the story right next to this is the same example in the article about what if this was an private business?
GN, have you been working on this for some time?
The Gateway News has been working on golf course story for a long time. It was slated to be run today. The news about the 3 amigos tires incident is purely coincidence.
Management is the key part in this golf course story, or lack of management.
The manager guy even admits that he exhausted a large portion of his budget trying to get golf course fleet afloat.
Hind sight is 20/20, but he should have been at a council meeting asking for more money.
At least then it would be the knowledge of the commerce city council that this is a problem.
BUFFALO RUN GOLF COURSE DEATH - this truly has NOTHING to do with the Commerce City council and everything to do with the management.
Completely incompetent. An outside agency should be looking at this.
A death happen from the willing action of another. Responsibility needs to addressed.
According to the Police Report by Commerce City - disconnecting the safety wires is a common thing. CCPD officer noticed a different tractor with the same situation.
Lesson learned, tractor companies make safety devices for one reason. SAFETY.
Who ever willing disabled it should be held accountable.
both tire and golf story are sad accidental happenings. It really is sad. My heart goes out to both of the families. Especially the young man from 3 Amigos who had the 2 small boys.
I personally know that the city council of commerce city felt very bad about the fatal accident at the golf course, and everything that can be done is being done.
Whatever! So I guess lesson learned? Safety violation = death of a poor guy, just chalk it up as wrong place wrong time?
Such BS, someone needs to be held accountable.
Makes me very upset.
The boy at the tire store will get some kind of a punishment. Not fair that the golf course will have no one punished, because CC governs themselves.
BS BS BS BS BS BS!
i assume this topic is way too hot for a commerce city council response, right?
This whole thing is just way wrong. Way wrong.
The only machinery we own is a pallet jack, 2 for lifts. We have a chalk board that keeps track of our safe days, no incidents. We are up to 718 as of Friday.
If I was in charge at my place of work when this fatality occurred at the Commerce City golf course. You can bet your bottom dollar I would be fired.
I did read the full story on Jose Vargas/ "My life as an undocumented immigrant" and thought his heart was in the right place in that he wanted to become a U.S. citizen and I pray that he does. He educated himself, spoke English and became a contributor to society. He did not go on welfare, refuse to learn English and demand that America take care of him just because he was here. There is a difference in that he did not come into this country via human trafficking network and demand an American job and/or live off of his children's benefits.
Also, I would like to see the Northern Range become part of Brighton. We are just fooling ourselves, if, we think that the Core City will ever equally support us. We have no future with CC. We are being told to wait another ten to twenty years for any kind of services. Which, we have been begging for, for years! Then, like the old rec center it will be time to reconstruct their services. Let them keep their history and let us write ourselves a new one. If, we become part of Brighton, we would be an overnight success story. All it takes is a petition and a public vote.
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