Community Position

The Maple Valley HOA was in OPPOSITION of the Scannell Properties proposed development Project Indiana for the following reasons:

  • The Minor Adjustment of the lot line and Variance Request for relief of the 50' setback on 6720 Indiana doesn’t meet the requirements of Jeffco Section 33 - Agricultural District (orig. 3-26-13).
  • Annexing Maple Valley into Arvada to be utilized as the buffer zone is an unacceptable use of a public park and only benefits the developer.
  • An Amazon "Last Mile" distribution center with 24/7 operations is not compatible with the adjacent open space and residential use and will have a negative impact on wildlife, residents and property values in the area.
  • The Scannell Properties have several Recognized Environmental Conditions per the Phase I Environmental Assessment (Terracon Project No. 25207246) that should be mitigated prior to any disturbance of the land.
  • The traffic congestion from 400+ warehouse workers daily, nearly 1000 vans in and out several times a day and 42+ semi trucks delivering throughout the day and overnight will negatively impact the surrounding area and quality of life for nearby residents and wildlife. The proposed use is heavy industry, not light industry and therefore, not allowed per the Comp Plan.
  • The Emergency Vehicle Access is a concern for such a large building that is 44' in height and will be surrounded by parked vehicles with little open areas to accommodate the space needed for fire vehicles to service that size building.
  • The storm drainage from a high use 24/7 industrial property will be substantial and more studies should be done regarding EPA regulations, floodplain and wetlands issues as it relates to the negative effect on the riparian habitat of the Ralston Creek corridor.
  • The light and noise pollution from a 24/7 operation will have a huge negative effect on the nocturnal wildlife that use Maple Valley Park as their habitat, especially the Great Horn Owls that nest in the large growth trees in the area.
  • There are a multitude of wildlife species that use Maple Valley Park and the surrounding area as habitat that need to be protected as well as the water quality of Ralston Creek. The proposed plan does not have a buffer in place to protect the open space.
  • The old growth trees in the park and on the proposed development need to be protected and preserved per the Arvada Land Development Code. Removing any of these large trees will diminish the air quality in the area and substantially decrease the habitat of the numerous nesting birds in the area. Maple Valley Park is a hotspot for birds with 97 species reported as seen at https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1365529.

Please review the recent Maple Valley Park Ecological Assessment performed by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at CSU.

For complete details regarding the opposition and the effects on the wildlife, please read the Position Statement located on the Downloads Page.

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Community Vision

The Maple Valley HOA was in SUPPORT of the Arvada Master Plans that propose less intrusive development options for the property adjacent to Maple Valley Park such as:

  • The Arvada Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan shows this area and the adjacent property as a location for expanding and improving existing parks.
  • The Arvada Arts and Culture Master Plan shows this area and the adjacent property as a possible location for a 2nd Creative Arts District.
  • We envision a natural expansion of the open space south of Maple Valley Park to expand the recreational green space that would then adjoin a smaller commercial type development providing a gradual expansion of the park to connect to the "Village" type development beyond.
  • We envison a development smaller in nature with small businesses or offices that serve the neighborhood such as locally owned restaurants, real estate companies, professional offices, coffee shop, wellness center, retail clothing boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, etc.
  • We envision a walkable, bike friendly Arvada West Town Square Village accessible from the Ralston Creek Trail with less need for expansive parking lots which will help preserve the trees in the area and be less intrusive to nearby wildlife and homes.
  • The character of the area and history of the farm land lends the property to have a more open, community-minded feel and could even highlight the farming history by having a farm-to-table restaurant with a small working farm on site and farmers markets on the weekends.
  • The green space between the proposed Arvada West Town Square Village and Maple Valley Park could have an amphitheatre and host concerts or movie nights. This could potentially be the NEW HOME for the Arvada Harvest Festival if planned properly.
  • We envision this property fulfilling several of the City’s goals and supporting and enhancing the community with a thoughtful approach to marrying the open space, residential, retail, commercial and in keeping the arts, culture, character, and history of the area intact in the spirit of the historic farm land that is being developed.

To view the complete details regarding the community's forward-thinking vision of the area that supports the open space, the arts, culture and character of the area, please read the Position Statement located on the Downloads Page.

Show Your Support!!

Though the decision has been made to stop the Annexation & Rezoning of Maple Vally Park, we still need donations to help pay for some of our outstanding expenses and legal fees. If you have a question, please contact us at protectmaplevalleypark@gmail.com or you can make a direct donation through PayPal by clicking the donate button below.

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