Imagine a new Edgewater Civic Center with a library and fitness center at this corner of Walker Branch Park
Last night (7/7/2016) at the Edgewater City Council Business Meeting City Manager HJ Stalf announced the news that plans have begun for a new Edgewater Civic Center. The proposed 36,000 square feet space would include a 10,000 square foot Jeffco Library, a 14,000 square foot fitness center as well as a new police station and City Hall. The new Civic Center will be on the north end of Walker Branch Park. Walker Branch Park is on the east side of Harlan Street between 16th Avenue and 18th Avenue.
Walker Branch Park
City Staff have been working with the Jeffco Library for the last few years to make this plan become a reality and revenues from a library mill levy increase and Edgewater marijuana sales tax revenues make it possible.
At the City Council meeting, Jefferson County Public Library Executive Director Pam Nissler expressed her excitement for a 21st Century library in Edgewater that reflects the community’s aspirations and is inclusive for everyone with current and emerging technology.
On August 18, the City of Edgewater will hold an open house for the community to see the concepts for the plan and give their feedback and ideas. Council will then approve two election questions for Edgewater residents that will be on the November 8 ballot. The first question will be to approve use of the land at Walker Branch and the second will be approving the 7 million dollar debt that will be incurred to build the Civic Center. City Manager HJ Stalf assured residents at the Council meeting that this debt will be paid off in a few years with marijuana sales tax revenues.
This new Civic Center would free up the properties that currently house the Edgewater Police Department and Jeffco Library at 25th and Gray to be transitioned to commercial spaces. City Hall at Sheridan and 24th Avenue would also be used as a commercial space.
Edgewater Mayor Kristian Teegardin encouraged resident input in the process, “City Council and staff have worked diligently on this project, but the decision rests solely with the citizens of Edgewater. I encourage everybody to attend the open house on August 18th for a full purview of the plans.”
Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
and how many years will it take for this to become a reality?