Knowing the bargains are right around the corner, and that the sales tax is funding our small town quality of life, only those non-residents passing through Lafayette to points east and west should care about the impending traffic snarls on and Baseline Rd. WalMart's impending opening in August has raised the concerns about traffic impacts - but its unlikely to hold up their opening.
According to the Camera, WalMart has to have made certain road improvements; in this case the focus is on a turn lane and lights on Aspen Ridge on the north side of Baseline Rd, which will act as the back entrance to the SuperCenter and a likely alternative for delivery trucks.
Councilor Frank Phillips is quoted talking about considering options for withholding the certificate of occupancy until the road improvements are finished. But City Administrator Gary Klaphake says it is not Council's call.
The leeway WalMart is seeking is a loophole (see #2 below) in the development agreement that says:
"The City will not issue certificates of occupancy for the building improvements to be placed upon the Property unless (1) the Public Improvements as required for each lot or the particular phase upon which building improvements have been constructed are substantially completed, except for minor punch list items, and placed in service, or (2) the progress, in the sole opinion of the City, on the Public Improvements required for the Property or building is satisfactory to the City, and the Owner is proceeding therewith in good faith and in accordance with an acceptable time schedule, as approved by the City, and all terms of this Agreement have been otherwise faithfully complied with by the Owner in all material respects."
Oh well. Given the length of time to get lights just across Hwy 287 in front of the Library/King Soopers, people will be used to that by now. Where else do we need lights? Let's get that on the list.
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If, in fact, the holdup is Qwest, the city will not be able to withhold the CO. Don't think the city wants a lawsuit with their bed partner. WalMart could easily prove they're acting in good faith to perform, but a third party is holding up progress.
And, Qwest might argue they weren't given sufficient notice to perform.
Certainly calls for a conditional CO, so WalMart's not off the hook. Will also take diligence on the part of staff to assure Qwest's toes are held to the fire as much as they can be.
This project has been in planning how long? This intersection has been a bad one, and was on a list for improvement prior to the WalMart move. When was Qwest informed?
Just a thought, but you may want to inform Qwest now that Lowe's and perhaps Target are coming.
Read the legalese close and you will see the words "acceptable timetable". So I've asked for a copy of it since I should have gotten it last night, Thursday P.M. Was it an oversite or does it exist? Anyone want to bet a cup of coffee on this?
The W*M lights are ready for use on 287. We are told that it takes six months to order the lights and then a month or so to install them. Add to that CDOT approval, hiring a contract, etc. and easily 9 to 12 months start to finish, assuming no hiccups.
So did the project begin on Baseline a year ago and Qwest is not responding? Or was this just a typical screw up? If I can get a copy of the supposed timeable, maybe we would know.
This intersection was considered a mess back in 2001, a center pierce over the controversy that led to what is now the Thomas Open Space.
If the intersection gridlocks more and our police department has trouble handling it, folks west of 287 will simply shop in Louisville. If I wasn't a city council member, I'd be tempted to do that and not fight the rush hour gridlock.
The fallacy among others in the city admin's argument is the W*M already has been open for 20 years and has a dedicated customer base. On August 8th, that will shift in a single day to the new store. Also KS is going to respond with promotions, etc. The shopping center battle of the ages here in town.
Worse case, August 8th is less than 30 days away. So what happens is going to happen. Maybe I will set up a Kool-Aid stand or clean windshiels during the traffic jams. Any other curbside businesses any one can suggest?
Oh, what's this about traffic jams causing more pollution?
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