The City Council recently adopted an exciting new tool to use for economic development! Known as an Urban Renewal Authority, it is authorized by Colorado State Statute as a way to address some of the most common issues facing communities. The area for the Urban Renewal Authority is shown in this map, and generally includes the area within the City of Evans bordered by 23rd Avenue, the South Platte River, 1st Avenue, and the northern boundary of the City.
The name will be the Evans Redevelopment Agency and the City Council will sit as the Commissioners for the Agency. A Conditions Study was completed in November 2009 to assess the problems that might exist, and you can take a look at that Study by clicking on the picture below.
That study did show that there are some issues that the City needs to address in the Urban Renewal Area including a lack of public infrastructure such as drainage, streets, street lights, and sidewalks; deteriorating structures; hazardous buildings; and other redevelopment opportunities. The next step is to choose a specific area to study further and develop a very detailed plan for redevelopment. Stay tuned for more information!
Historic Old Town
The City of Evans recently partnered with the Division of Local Government and Colorado State University to create an idea of how the future development of the Historic Old Town in Evans might look. Students from CSU and staff from the City held several meetings with the residents of Old Town to develop ideas, drawings, concept plans and thoughts about the various issues. A special focus was put
on drainage during storms, road improvements, small shops and businesses, lighting, and designs for new residential development. This concept plan, approved by the City Council, will now move forward through a planning stage and finally a funding and implementation stage over the next several years.
Highway 85
Several years ago the City of Evans adopted specific design standards and criteria for the area surrounding Highway 85. As a major corridor through the heart of Evans, Highway 85 brings traffic, tourism, and beneficial development to the residents. The next step in that plan was to develop some signage and landscaping, as well as some pedestrian access ideas to the table.
Another partnership was formed with Colorado State University and the Department of Local Affairs to fund this study, which resulted in some great designs for landscaping, signage, and a few pedestrian bridges across Highway 85. The implementation of this plan will also take several years, so be sure to stay tuned for more information.
