Housing project adds `highway commercial’

“Accelerated development” along the E-470 corridor will continue with the approval of a request to more than double the number of units allowed in Cottonwood Highlands. During its April 7 meeting, Parker Town Council approved an amendment to a planned development guide that increased permitted dwelling units from 570 to 1,230. The request was submitted by C & J Land Investments LLC, the company behind the Cottonwood Highlands project. The proposed neighborhood will be built north of E-470 and stretch from west of Chambers Road to east of Jordan Road. The site includes several parcels on approximately 202 acres. The objective for the Cottonwood Highlands Planned Development is to “create a living working community in response to the accelerated development of the E-470 Corridor,” the request said. The land presents an “opportunity for a blend of residential and mixed commercial land uses,” including what’s known as “highway commercial” zoning that allows for more intensive development. The approved amendment introduces the “highway commercial” designation to the guide, as well as a mixed-use planning area that can “allow for housing to be combined with supportive retail and commercial uses,” the request says. In the highway commercial zone, the developer wants to attract uses that are “complementary and supportive of the Compark Business Campus, Cottonwood Highlands” and surrounding neighborhoods, the development guide says. The uses could include “big box retail” and professional offices, as well as nightclubs, bowling alleys and movie theaters. With special review from town council, building heights could reach 90 feet in the highway commercial area, which will be north of E-470 at Chambers Road. Agricultural uses such as farming and livestock grazing are permitted until a site plan for development is approved and construction begins. The developers intend to foster a pedestrian environment and “conserve and enhance the value of the land,” the guide says. An amendment to the Cottonwood Highlands Annexation Agreement allows the applicant to decrease the overall commercial land area, increase the number of residential units permitted, and allow for the formation of a metropolitan district. Multi-family residential development, like apartments and condos, will be permitted, with up to 920 residential dwelling units on 53.2 acres. If final plats and permits are approved, the first phase of construction will begin in mid-summer near Jordan Road and Cottonwood Drive. Cottonwood Highlands will be built from east to west in phases, said Dave Brehm, planner consultant with PlanWest. More information about the plan can be viewed at www.parkeronline.org. Go to the April 7 council meeting packet and scroll to page 58.