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Littleton Named Among America's Best Places to Live
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 Littleton was named one of the 2022 Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com, outpacing more than 2,300 cities with populations between 20,000 and one million in this data-driven ranking.
Livability.com said, "Littleton residents enjoy Colorado living at its finest in this suburb just south of Denver. Commuter rail lines that zip into downtown Denver, a historic downtown filled with cute boutiques and buzzy restaurants, plus lots of parks with kid-approved playground equipment make Littleton one of the best places to live in the U.S. On top of all that, Littleton has a strong economy and intelligent residents, with aerospace and aviation among the top industries. On the weekends and after work, you'll often find locals (and horses) along the picturesque Highline Canal trails. Did we mention Littleton's hops culture? There's a brewery located along a river that you can tube to on summer days."
The 2022 rankings were guided by an exclusive study conducted by Livability.com in partnership with Ipsos. More than 1,000 adults aged 18 and up from across the country were surveyed to determine the characteristics of livability they would value in a prospective home community, emphasizing how rising costs affect their relocation decisions. Respondents were asked which factors would be most heavily considered when choosing to relocate and how their housing needs and priorities have changed due to record-breaking inflation.
Through its research, Livability.com found seven in 10 adults consider affordability to be a top three factor influencing a decision to relocate. Cities were ranked on 50 data points measuring economics, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, education, and health care. Sources included the best public and private data available from organizations like the U.S. Census Bureau, Emsi, and Esri.
Read the full listing at Livability.com.
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Aspen Grove Development Plans Approved
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 On July 25th, Littleton’s Planning Commission unanimously approved an application for a Master Development Plan-Conceptual (MDP) at the Aspen Grove shopping center to allow development in accordance with the site’s underlying Corridor Mixed (CM) zoning.
The approval terminates the Planned Overlay District that governed land use on the site since its inception, via a Planned Development (PD), and allows the Gerrity Group, Aspen Grove’s owners, to submit development applications consistent with the Unified Land Use Code (ULUC) and MDP. The underlying CM zoning district was approved unanimously by city council in October 2021 as part of the ULUC.
The MDP-Conceptual requests two phases of development for Aspen Grove that covers 13 acres of the total 32.78 acres. The first phase is the construction of a mixed-use building that would accommodate retail on the ground level with 481 residential units above, with a maximum allowable height of 80 feet. This building would sit in the shopping center’s southeast corner to provide easy access to the RTD Light Rail. A new plaza connecting the light rail station to the new building is anticipated. Phase two is market-dependent, and at this time, Aspen Grove does not anticipate starting the second phase for a number of years. The MDP allows an overall cap of 1,966 residential units which is consistent with the ULUC; however, any residential development beyond the approved 481 units in phase one would require a Major Plan Amendment and most likely another public hearing.
In 2021, under the city’s old zoning regulations, Aspen Grove applied for a PD zoning amendment to allow potential redevelopment of the shopping center to include residential uses, such as retail below and apartments above. City council approved the zoning amendment in November 2021. A group of citizens petitioned to reverse the decision, and in February 2022, council voted to send the issue to the ballot on November 8, 2022. The ballot measure will still go before voters this fall, though the newly-approved MDP is likely to take precedent.
On July 26, an Arapahoe County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a citizen alleging the City of Littleton should have scheduled a special election within 60 to 150 days as set forth in state statute. The judge found that Littleton was within its rights to schedule the measure for a November election coordinated with Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas Counties.
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Judge Ethan Feldman Announces Retirement
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 Presiding Municipal Judge Ethan Feldman has notified the city council of his intention to retire effective September 30, 2022.
"It has been a great honor and privilege to have served the City of Littleton since 2013. I have great affection for Littleton," Feldman said. "I first worked in Littleton in 1973 and I have lived in Littleton since 1977. Our Courthouse is very special to me. I began my legal career in the original County Courthouse which ultimately became our Municipal Court building. I raised my family in Littleton and my children attended Littleton Public Schools."
The Presiding Municipal Judge is a position appointed and supervised by the city council along with the City Manager and City Attorney. The Littleton City Council will meet in Executive Session Tuesday, August 2 to determine a process to fill the vacancy.
Feldman expressed his appreciation to the city council and staff. "One of the best aspects of being a Judge in Littleton has been the relationship with city council and the city administration. Council has always been very supportive of me personally and, more importantly, the Court. Yet, every council has been scrupulous in respecting the independence of the Court. This has fostered an atmosphere in which the citizens of Littleton have been able to have confidence that they have a just and fair judiciary in their city. Of course, this aspiration could not be reality unless we had a friendly and efficient Court staff which has been dedicated to serving the citizens."
A reception for Judge Feldman will be scheduled at a later date.
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South Suburban Parks and Recreation is continuing maintenance on Ridgeview Park at Rowland Avenue and South Prince Street.
With the continued evaporation of the pond and drop in the water level, weeds were beginning to grow around the top edge of the pond. The top edge is extremely steep so staff used string trimmers, in addition to mowing the surrounding area. The combination of trimming and temperatures in the 90s forced the grass into a dormant stage and turned it brown. Crews have updated the watering schedule to green up that area. Crews will continue to mow and trim that area of the park and pond once a week. Algae in the pond is being treated as well.
For questions about the maintenance of the park, call South Suburban Parks and Open Space at 303-953-7629.
The City of Littleton hired Applegate Engineering to assist with creating its first Integrated Water Resources Master Plan, which will help determine the future of the pond at Ridgeview Park. Over the past several months the city's water attorneys and staff have culled water related documents in preparation for the plan. Due to limited consultant availability the project will not begin in earnest until Fall 2022. The current schedule for the plan has engineering work to start in the fall with a targeted completion date of June 2023. The public engagement phase is projected to occur in February/March 2023.
For questions about the water study call Littleton Public Works at 303-795-3866.
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Western Welcome Week Coming Soon
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Littleton's signature hometown event, Western Welcome Week, returns with a full slate of fun-filled events in August!
The festivities kick off with a concert and fireworks show in Sterne Park on Friday, August 12. Other highlights include the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, August 14, the Taste of Western Welcome Week on Wednesday, August 17, and of course the Grand Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 20.
Western Welcome Week is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on sponsors, donors, and volunteers to celebrate Littleton's community spirit.
Click here for a schedule of events and info on how to donate or volunteer for Western Welcome Week.
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Celebrate Littleton's Oldest Building
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Littleton's oldest building is turning 150! Join the celebration as Historic Littleton Inc. and Mayor Pro Tem Gretchen Rydin wish Happy Birthday to the J.D. Hill Store!
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30
Where: 5738 South Rapp Street
Built in 1872, the store was Littleton's first general store and post office. Volunteers will give a presentation on Littleton's pioneer days, and hand out free coloring books and prints of Littleton's historic buildings. Cake will be served. Special guests will include Littleton's Honorary Dog Mayor Murdoch, and Dog Mayor Pro Tem Netty!
Click here for more about the J.D. Hill Store celebration.
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South Platte Renew Open House August 10
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Save the date: South Platte Renew is hosting an open house!
Learn how water is renewed into the South Platte River watershed! Enjoy fun games, touch-a-truck children's activities, facility tours, free food and more!
When: 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 10
Where: 2900 South Platte River Drive
South Platte Renew is the third largest water renewal facility in Colorado and cleans nearly 20 million gallons of wastewater a day from 300,000 residents in Littleton, Englewood and 19 other connecting communities. It is publicly owned and operated by the Cities of Littleton and Englewood.
Click here for more info about South Platte Renew
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Littleton Twilight Criterium Returns August 6
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The Littleton Twilight Criterium bike race returns to Downtown Littleton Saturday, August 6, bringing professional bicyclists from around the country for high-speed races on a tight course through downtown. The race is the eighth stop in the ten-race American Criterium Cup series, a new national criterium series formed in collaboration with USA Cycling. The American Crit Cup series has a cash prize of $100,000 split between the men and women equally.
The Twilight Criterium kicks off at 3 p.m. and offers excitement for all ages, including a beer garden, food trucks, and live music. Everyone is welcome to hit the course on their favorite bike, trike, unicycle, or bicycle-built-for-two during the Cruiser Ride at 5:25 p.m. Kids can bring their own bike (and a helmet!) and try the Strider Obstacle Course from 4 to 8 p.m. Live music comes courtesy of dance band Thumpin’, on stage from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Click here for more information about the Littleton Twilight Criterium.
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Romano's Fundraiser to Benefit Friends of Library and Museum
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Support the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum by dining at Romano's Italian Restaurant on August 9 and 10! Mention the fundraiser to the Romano's server and 20% of the check's proceeds will be donated to the Friends.
The Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing financial and volunteer support for Bemis Public Library and the Littleton Museum. The Friends sponsor and support events to increase community awareness of these valuable community resources.
Click here for more info about the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum.
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National Night Out Coming August 2
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National Night Out returns August 2 with two events in Littleton!
Littleton Police will host events at two locations from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2:
- Littleton Museum, 6028 South Gallup Street
- TrailMark Park, 8490 West TrailMark Parkway
Residents are encouraged to stop by the location that is the most convenient for them. Events will include food trucks, games, and opportunities to meet Littleton Police officers and see police equipment.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
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Bemis Library Summer Reading Wraps Up July 31
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Bemis Public Library's Summer Reading Programs are almost over! The children, teen, and adult programs wrap up on Sunday, July 31. Make sure to stop by the library at 6014 South Datura Street to claim prizes and raffle tickets.
Click here for more info on Bemis Public Library's Summer Reading Program.
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Happening at Bemis Public Library
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Community Art Project Workshop
Join photographer Bob Coorsen for a lesson in planning and composing photographs. Then, take a trip to Downtown Littleton to put the learning to practice. Participants will be invited to submit their favorite photo to be printed, framed, and displayed at the library. For ages 16 and up. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, or 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 6. Please note that the field trip portion of this workshop will take place the day following each session, 8 to 11 a.m. *Registration required. Click here to register.
LEGO Ocean Exhibit
Visit an interactive LEGO ocean exhibit in the Sophie's Place area of the library. The display will feature scenes inspired by this year's summer reading theme, Oceans of Possibilities. The exhibit is courtesy of the Denver LEGO Users' Group. For all ages. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, August 6, and 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, August 7.
Library Speakers Consortium: Liz Moore
An evening with New York Times bestselling author Liz Moore as she discusses her international bestseller, Long Bright River, and her other works. For all ages. 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 9. Registration required. Click here to register.
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This week's featured jobs:
Transportation Planner
The City of Littleton is looking for a Transportation Planner to perform complex transportation planning work and help develop and implement multimodal transportation solutions. This position will have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects including but not limited to the update of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, Active Transportation Pilot Projects, and the Traffic Safety Committee.
Engineering Inspector
The City of Littleton has an opportunity for a knowledgeable Engineering Inspector to join the engineering team. This position provides engineering expertise in the inspection and permit processing of public and private infrastructure and maintenance, including streets, sidewalks, sanitary sewers, public and private detention/water quality facilities, and storm sewers.
Deputy Director of IT, Enterprise Applications
This position leads projects, people, and programs involving the implementation and administration of all city applications. This includes researching, analyzing, implementing, and supporting the city’s enterprise applications, third party, and internally developed software systems.
Visit the City of Littleton careers page to view all current job openings.
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Thank you for reading this issue of the Littleton Report Online
Let's take care of each other
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