What We Heard in Phase Three

There have been three phases of public engagement for the City Plan. Each phase of engagement featured a public open house event, an online survey, a meeting of the project steering committee, a city council discussion, and a planning commission discussion.

Phase one occurred in April 2024 and solicited big-picture information from residents about their desired direction for the future of Wheat Ridge. There was an emerging consensus that Wheat Ridge residents know what is working well in the community today and also know what they want for a stronger community future.

Phase two occurred in June 2024 and ratified community Values, Principles, and Planning Priorities that will form the foundation of the City Plan.

Phase three occurred in September 2024 with the following public input opportunities:

• An online survey via What’s Up Wheat Ridge
• A public open house event at the Recreation Center
• City staff met with over 100 students at Wheat Ridge High School

Phase four focused on improving mobility in Wheat Ridge and achieving peaceful coexistence between new development and established residential areas. Below are takeaways for each of those topics.

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Topic #1: Improving mobility, especially for non-motorized users like pedestrians and cyclists.

In order to understand how the City Plan can best support future enhancements to the city’s mobility network, residents were asked to map important destinations and their desired routes for getting to the destinations on foot, on a bicycle, or in a car. Residents also submitted written comments. The input shared by the community through the mapping exercises highlighted key opportunities to improve mobility and safety in the area.

The feedback can be summarized into the following themes:

• Safety Concerns:
  • Approximately 70% of the comments mention safety as a concern
  • Over 20 mentions of unsafe crossings along Wadsworth, 32nd, and 44^th
  • Frequent mentions of vehicles exceeding speed limits on major roads like 38th and 44th
• Infrastructure:
  • Over 15 requests for improved bike infrastructure, particularly on 38th and 32^nd
  • Narrow or missing sidewalks reported across multiple streets, including 44th, Kipling, and Pierce
• Connectivity:
  • Clear Creek Trail and Crown Hill were frequently mentioned destinations for improved access

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Topic #2: Achieving peaceful coexistence between new development and established residential areas.

Because Wheat Ridge is largely built-out, most new development takes place in or near established residential neighborhoods. This new development should peacefully coexist with existing neighborhoods. Residents were asked to choose the three most important items that they think must be addressed when new development is proposed. They are listed in order based on the number of times they were selected. A summary of comments on each topic is listed below.

Resident Feedback on Peaceful Coexistence

PARKING AND TRAFFIC

• Provide adequate amounts of parking.
• Manage traffic impacts.
• Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access.

BUILDING HEIGHT

• Heights that match existing neighborhood character.
• Maintain views and privacy.

LANDSCAPE AND STREETSCAPE

• Maintain mature trees and encourage sustainable landscaping.
• Outdoor amenities like playgrounds and benches.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL SEPARATION

• Buildings set back from each other and the street in a way that preserves the right feeling of openness.
• Trees and shrubs provide natural screening and noise reduction.

NOISE, LIGHTING, ARCHITECTURE, AND OTHER

• Business hours should be curtailed to avoid noise in residential areas at late hours.
• Lighting should be designed to avoid spillover onto other properties.
• Architecture should be compatible with its surroundings, including entrances facing the street.

Phase three public input was critical to shaping the information presented in phase four. To participate in phase four, please take our online survey here.