Key Takeaways:
- Greeley voters will decide in a special election whether to repeal zoning changes for the proposed $800 million entertainment district and housing development.
- The proposed Cascadia development includes a city-owned entertainment district and private residential development, which supporters say will drive economic growth and keep local dollars in Greeley.
- Opponents argue that the project is too large and risky, and that residents should have had more input before zoning changes were approved.
- The ballot question does not directly approve or reject the Cascadia project, but rather decides whether to repeal the zoning changes that allow the development to proceed.
- A "No" vote would keep the project moving forward, while a "Yes" vote would pause development activity for one year.
Introduction to the Special Election
The city of Greeley, Colorado, is holding a special election to determine the fate of a proposed $800 million entertainment district and housing development. The project, known as Cascadia, has been a topic of debate among residents, with some supporting the development and others opposing it. The special election was triggered by a petition drive that collected over 7,000 signatures, which was enough to place the zoning decision before voters. The election will decide whether to repeal the zoning changes that were approved by the city council, which would allow the development to proceed.
The Proposed Cascadia Development
The proposed Cascadia development is a large project that is divided into two major components. The first component, known as Catalyst, is a city-owned entertainment district that would include ice rinks and an indoor water park themed around Mattel brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels. The second component involves private residential development, including new homes and apartments in west Greeley. Supporters of the project argue that it would help drive economic growth and keep local dollars from leaving Greeley. They estimate that the project could create over 5,200 jobs and have a nearly $2.93 billion economic impact over the next decade.
Arguments For and Against the Project
Supporters of the project, such as Bill Rigler, spokesman for Greeley Forward, argue that the development would be a magnet for visitors and would create significant economic benefits. However, opponents, such as Connie Garcia, argue that the project is too large and risky, and that residents should have had more input before zoning changes were approved. Garcia helped organize the petition drive that triggered the special election and is encouraging voters to support the repeal. She argues that a "Yes" vote would pause development activity for one year, allowing the developers to go back to the table and look at the financing for the project.
The Ballot Question
The ballot question does not directly approve or reject the Cascadia project itself. Instead, voters are deciding whether to repeal the zoning changes that allow the development to proceed. This means that a "No" vote would keep the project moving forward, while a "Yes" vote would pause development activity for one year. Rigler is urging voters to reject the repeal, arguing that a "No" vote would allow the project to proceed and would be a positive step for the city’s economy. On the other hand, Garcia is encouraging voters to support the repeal, arguing that it would give residents a chance to have a say in the project and would allow the developers to re-evaluate the financing.
The Special Election Process
The special election is currently underway, with ballots mailed to voters beginning February 3. Replacement ballots are available through city hall, and all ballots must be returned by February 24. The election is an important opportunity for residents to have a say in the future of the city and to determine whether the proposed Cascadia development will move forward. Whether or not the project is ultimately approved, the special election has already sparked a important conversation about the city’s growth and development, and has given residents a chance to weigh in on the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the special election in Greeley, Colorado, is an important decision that will determine the fate of the proposed $800 million entertainment district and housing development. The project has been a topic of debate among residents, with some supporting the development and others opposing it. The ballot question does not directly approve or reject the Cascadia project, but rather decides whether to repeal the zoning changes that allow the development to proceed. Regardless of the outcome, the special election has already sparked an important conversation about the city’s growth and development, and has given residents a chance to have a say in the future of their city.
