Thornton City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Thornton City Council meeting held on June 9, 2026, included significant discussions on a zoning amendment proposal for approximately 29 acres at the northeast corner of East 112th Avenue and York Street, known as the Dodge Ranch project. The proposal sought to rezone the site to transit-oriented development (TOD) to allow for high-density, mixed-use housing near the light rail station. The council heard extensive public testimony expressing concerns about traffic impacts, neighborhood compatibility, infrastructure capacity, and environmental effects. The applicant, Hillpoint, presented their plan emphasizing workforce housing with amenities and committed to ongoing community engagement and buffering measures to address concerns. Despite opposition and a prior planning commission recommendation for denial, the council unanimously approved the rezoning and directed staff to develop a comprehensive community outreach and engagement plan for the project. Additionally, the council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the city code to implement a fast-track permitting process for qualified affordable housing projects, aiming to expedite development while ensuring public input early in the process. Other agenda items included resolutions recognizing Juneteenth and National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, and amendments to building codes to align with state requirements. No contract awards or procurement decisions were reported during this meeting.