$60 million extra profit for developer
On Sep12, 2022 Council approved -Move to adopt Resolution No. 32 Approving the Consolidated Service Plan for Uplands Metropolitan District Nos. 1 and 2. It had been City Policy since 2004 not to approve Metropolitan District for residential projects. Instead of development cost being paid the developer (as is the case of over 95% of Westminster neighborhoods) Metropolitan Districts allow development costs to be financed by a debt issue which is paid by future owner. This is estimated to increase property taxes for future owners in the Upland by about 40%.
Allowed higher density and crowding
On July 24, 2023 allowed changes to the Bradburn Subdivision PUD to allow and taller building and lessen parking requirements.
Rushed to appeal price verdict for condemnation
On February 6, 2023 Council moved directly to appeal the price verdict for the property on Westminster Blvd. The Eminent Domain action, once appealed Counci could not be terminated. Instead of using the 45 days available to consider the viablility of using an alternate site (ie- Semper , Westcliffe Park, the MSC) this action foreclosed all other choices.
Changed Story
At the Jan 23, 2023 presentation of the four water alternatives, when directly asked if all four alternatives would last mechanically last 50 years, staff replied all the options would last more than 50 years. Then in a February 6, 2023 email, city staff claimed Semper would only last 10 to 20 years. Why was the answer changed? Was some information received between Jan 23 and Feb 6 that changed the answer? If staff knew Semper would last only 10 to 20 years, why wasn't Council informed? Why wasn't Semper removed as an option months ago and another alternative substituted?