City council members in Thornton City, Colo., unanimously approved a mix-use development plan that will include a self-storage facility, medical building and day care. The project will be built on 9 acres at the northeast intersection of East 123rd Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The council voted 8-0 in favor of the project, with council member Lynne Fox excusing herself from the vote because she lives within 1,500 feet of the property.

The self-storage facility will be constructed on a 4-acre segment of the property and will include an 1,800-square-foot office/residence.

During a special meeting on Oct. 15, nine residents voiced approval for the project, with just three speaking in opposition. Kathy Lyons, who lives across from where the self-storage facility will be built, was in favor of the development. I dont see anything wrong with this, she said. The only thing people might have issues with is the storage unit, but it will be low-key, the height is low, theres not going to be a lot of activity in there. I really do hope you approve this because eventually something awful is going to go in therethis will work.

One resident opposed to the project voiced concerns about the possibility that the storage facility could be open 24 hours per day, although the developer said hours of operation have not been determined.

Two residents also expressed concern about how the prairie dogs that live on the property would be removed. Planning manager Mike Mallon said the city requires the developer to demonstrate good faith efforts to relocate the animals. If the animals cannot be relocated, they must be exterminated humanely, he said.

Each of the building projects on the property will be single-story structures, and 23 percent of the parcel will be preserved for open space, according to the source.

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