John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... 
A vicinity map of the former Mile High Greyhound Park in Commerce City.
It’s off to the races for Commerce City.
The Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority announced today that it has paid $3.3 million for the former Mile High Greyhound Park, a 65-acre site in the heart of the city.
Exactly how the prime site, bordered by East 62 and 64th avenues, and Holly and Dahlia Streets, will be redeveloped is not yet known and will be studied. The purchase price was 40 percent lower than the previous asking price of $5.5 million.
A series of community meetings regarding the site’s future will begin in September as part of the URA-led planning process. The forums will be held through November. The purpose of the forums is to identify community, nonprofit and business goals, as well as need and challenges regarding redeveloping the site.
“One of the city’s goals is to invest in our own future,” said URA Chairman and Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale. “Redeveloping the dog track has long been a priority and when the property came within reach, we jumped at the opportunity. It’s exciting to know the URA is going to work alongside residents and prospective businesses to redefine the key area in Commerce City.
Location, location, location
The property is one of three identified urban renewal area within the city. It was purchased by the URA to help the city achieve its vision of redeveloping it as a mixed-use development. Its close proximity to major highways and two commuter rail lines, as well as designation as a Colorado Enterprise Zone, make it an ideal infill development site, officials said. As an enterprise zone, tax credits may be available to businesses that develop there. Dog racing at the site stopped in 2008. It currently is being used for off-track betting.
An aerial view of the Mile High Greyhound Park.
A finalized strategic plan is scheduled to be available next May. That plan would include conceptual designs, land-use diagrams, a market study, compatibility with neighborhood character analysis, and a financial proforma. A request for proposal would then be issued, based on market conditions, to implement the plan. Input during the community forum is encouraged.
The Mile High Greyhound Park was built in 1946 and hosted its inaugural race in 1949.
“For more than 60 years, the Mile High Greyhound Park was a major landmark for Commerce City,” said URA Vice Chair and Mayor Pro Tem Tracey Snyder. “As a life-long resident, I remember when this location was overflowing with visitors from near and far. The URA encourages all residentsa nd businesses to engage in the process, because we have a unique chance to make this area into something that will last a lifetime, an area that will redefine Commerce City for generations to come.”
The URA, with Goldberg Properties, which represented the authority, closed on the property on Tuesday. On Monday, the city council appropriated a $4 million loan to the URA to facilitate the purchase. The URA accepted the loan and authorized the executive director to use the funds for facilitating development within the URA.
“This is truly a pivotal moment for Commerce City, and one that will define our community for years to come,” said Jerry Flannery, URA’s Executive Dirctor. “We are truly on the right path for long-term success; this is yet another exaple of how all of us, working together, can build a qualitiy community for a lifetime.”
To see what is available for sale in Commerce City, please visit this COhomefinder.com link.
Contact John Rebchook at JRCHOOK@gmail.com
