CenCON February 2023
Because the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods (CenCON) doesn’t meet in December, this is an update for some items mentioned previously, and others that may be of interest:
The City of Centennial continues to replace the old span-wire holding up traffic signal lights with the more aesthetically pleasing and sturdy mast arms. Of Centennial’s total of 87 lighted intersections, all but seven now have mast arms—six of those remaining to be replaced are at intersections west of I-25.
The colorful art-wrapped traffic boxes scattered throughout the city are part of Centennial’s Traffic Box Art Wrap Pilot Program, implemented to celebrate Centennial’s 20th Anniversary of incorporation in 2001, and to enhance community character. Vinyl murals have been installed on 20 of the 85 Centennial-owned traffic control boxes across the city. As funds permit, additional boxes will be wrapped in the future.
The city’s homeless outreach coordinator has not yet been hired; this position is funded until 2025. The coordinator will work to find and identify homeless individuals and families in the city and connect them with services, address concerns from businesses and residents about any encampments, and act as a go-between with law enforcement, as Centennial’s 3-year-old urban camping ban is enforced.
On December 5, the Centennial City Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing construction and development in the district (formerly Jones District) of a mixed-use fitness complex with rooftop greenhouse. Lettuce and other greens (no marijuana or mushrooms) will be grown hydroponically and marketed through grocery retailers throughout the front range. This complex will be located immediately north of IKEA, with construction beginning very soon.
Centennial enjoyed a high (72%) voter turnout in the November 2022 General Election - 57,498 voters cast votes. The only municipal issue on the ballot, the proposed 3.5% lodging tax, was defeated by 55.8% to 44.2%.
Despite winter weather delays, the Arapahoe Bridge over the Dry Creek Replacement Project, located immediately east of the Arapahoe Rd/University Blvd intersection, is still on schedule and within budget, and still scheduled for completion this summer. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-F, with one lane of traffic open in each direction.
Life Time Fitness is proposing to convert part of their existing athletic turf field on the southeast corner of their property (immediately north of Heritage Greens) to eight outdoor pickleball courts and an adjacent shaded viewing area. If approved by Centennial’s P & Z and City Council, the pickleball courts will be built this year.
The South Suburban Parks & Rec District is also building outdoor pickleball courts. Ground has been broken for six new courts, a shelter, benches, and picnic tables along the south side of the Lone Tree Rec Center parking lot, with a June completion date scheduled. Four additional outdoor courts are planned near the Cook Creek Pool.
Registration is now open for the new South Suburban pickleball league at the South Suburban Sports Complex for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. For more information contact Brian Cole, SSPRD Pickleball Coordinator at bcole@ssprd.org or 303-483-7031.
Rich Meredith, longtime CEO of The Hudson Gardens & Events Center on South Santa Fe Drive, has retired, and SSPRD assumed management of all HG assets and programs late last year. SSPRD will develop an updated master plan for this community asset in 2023. (www.hudsongardens.org)
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