New Denver council committee pushes South Platte River growth

The inaugural South Platte River Committee meeting on Wednesday wasted no time in making decisions that will revamp the riverfront.

Why it matters: The new Denver City Council panel is tasked with overseeing development along the sprawling river that snakes through the city, and finding ways to make it more appealing to the public.

State of play: The South Platte River in Denver spans 12.5 miles, Councilmember Jamie Torres said during Wednesday's meeting.

• Current and future projects along the riverfront include a mixed-used complex in Sun Valley and the River Mile development that intends to effectively create a new neighborhood where Elitch Gardens currently sits.
• 13 total projects are ongoing along the river's trail, said Adam Lind, trails program manager at the city parks and recreation department.

Zoom out: The committee will consider rezoning within a half-mile area from the river, Council President Amanda Sandoval tells us.

• It will also oversee the city's $350 million agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers signed last year to reduce flood risks on the waterway.

The latest: On Wednesday, council members approved three measures, including a new three-year, $8.5 million-agreement with the Denver Housing Authority to build the first phase of a riverfront park in Sun Valley.

• It approved adding $5.1 million total to two existing agreements with the Mile High Flood District for drainage, trail and flood control improvements on the river.

Threat level: The city says it expects to find contaminates like asbestos along the riverfront as it begins excavating the land for further development and improvements.

What's next: The panel will meet on the second Wednesday of each month.