Denver committee advances rezoning for 242-apartment project on North Federal Boulevard
Family Star’s proposal would replace a one-story structure with about 242 apartments and ground-floor commercial space; a City Council hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Denver City Council’s Community Planning and Housing Committee advanced a rezoning proposal for a 1.68-acre property at 2246 N. Federal Blvd. that could bring about 242 apartments and 9,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space to Jefferson Park. The full council has not taken final action.
The council has scheduled a required public hearing for Oct. 19, with written protests due by noon Oct. 13, according to the council agenda.
Family Star’s rezoning application identifies the organization as the property owner and applicant. The proposal would replace an existing one-story structure with apartments and neighborhood-serving commercial space.
The requested zoning change, from G-MX-3, DO-8 to U-MS-5, DO-8, would allow up to five stories, or 70 feet, under base standards. The applicant says it intends to use Denver’s Expanding Housing Affordability enhanced incentives, which could allow up to seven stories, or 95 feet. A portion of the property within 175 feet of the protected zoning district south of the site would instead be limited to 75 feet, the city staff report says.
The application sets a goal of making 10% of the units income-restricted but does not specify income levels or other binding affordability terms. The 242-unit concept and affordability goal are proposed terms; the rezoning would not approve a final building design or guarantee those figures.
Public comments documented in the staff report included 38 opposed to the application and nine in support. Opposition comments raised concerns about height, privacy, parking, construction management, affordability and consistency with the Near Northwest Area Plan. The staff report said it received no comments from registered neighborhood organizations.
The application and staff report identify Federal Boulevard as a residential arterial served by RTD Route 31 and note nearby bicycle infrastructure and the proposed Federal Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit project. Future site-plan review will address transportation and infrastructure issues, and additional studies or improvements could be required if a later development proposal does not demonstrate adequate capacity, the staff report says.
The proposal remains subject to the Oct. 19 hearing and subsequent council action.