Athmar Park Housing Project Faces Legal Battle After City Council Denies Rezoning
A legal battle is brewing in the Athmar Park neighborhood as a developer and property owners file a lawsuit against the city following a council decision that blocked their housing project. The Denver City Council’s vote on April 7 to reject the rezoning of 627 S. Lipan St. from single-use residential to mixed-use has sparked controversy.
RedT Homes, the developer behind the project, had planned to build two dozen townhomes on the vacant lot owned by a trust for Joe and Jane Madrid. The lawsuit, filed on May 5, challenges the council’s decision and accuses them of relying on unfounded skepticism of a good neighbor agreement.
Despite initial support from city staff and unanimous approval from the Denver Planning Board, the council, led by Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez, voted overwhelmingly against the rezoning. Concerns were raised about the impact of mixed-use zoning on the neighborhood and the potential for gentrification.
While the council’s decision has put the housing project on hold, RedT CEO Nathan Adams emphasizes that the real victims are the Madrids, who have owned the property for over 30 years. The lawsuit aims to overturn the council’s decision and allow the townhomes to be built.
It remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold, but Adams is determined to fight for the project and the Madrids. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Original story via BusinessDen.
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