Arvada Urban Renewal Authority Incompetence Ought to Put the Whole Project in Doubt
The notes from the board of directors meeting of the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority meeting of Wednesday, September 2, 2015, reveal the usual incompetence and lack of oversight that has come to define this government agency.
Of course, there is also the expected 'executive session' -- the secret meeting -- to discuss the public's business away from the public.
Here is the excerpt from the meeting about Walmart and developer IRG. Read all of the notes at the link.
Arvada Plaza: IRG has a commitment to Walmart to deliver a “clean” site by mid-October. While the contaminant remediation is on track, it appears that IRG has “dropped the ball” by failing to give sufficient notice to Xcel to disconnect the existing utilities in the Arvada Plaza. The utilities must be disconnected before Walmart can begin construction and is among the requirements of delivering a “clean site”.
- Xcel is currently scheduled for disconnect services many months in advance.
- According to Ms. Phair, the Arvada Mayor [NB Commissioner Williams] is a good friend of the Xcel president. There was a meeting today at the site, and Xcel expressed a willingness to “speed up” the schedule to disconnect utilities. She added that Commissioner Williams knew the “right people to contact”.
- IRG should have known better than to leave this item to the last minute, especially since they are in the business of commercial development.
- If IRG fails to meet its commitment, Walmart has the option to “walk away” from the project. Walmart also has the option to assess fines against IRG for each day of delay. AURA has no obligation to reimburse IRG for such fines.
Read all of the notes of the meeting - PDF: AURA Board Meeting 9-2-15
