COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs City Council approved a new seven-story apartment building south of downtown in a 7-1 vote during Tuesday's council meeting.
The Creekwalk Apartments will include 400 multi-family units along East Saint Elmo Avenue, off South Nevada Avenue near I-25. During the discussion, city officials with the Planning and Community Development Department said the area near South Nevada had been avoided for years. They said the apartments would bring life back to the area and create a more walkable community.
Many councilmembers agreed the Creekwalk Apartments would bring more economic vitality and positive change to the south side. Councilmember Dave Donelson (District 1) was the only councilmember to vote against the development.
Before the vote, many nearby residents were outspoken against the project. Many claimed the project would bring more traffic to an already congested area. Others were concerned about the height and density of the building.
Meredith Torre said traffic near South Nevada is already a nightmare.
"Rush hour around 4 to 6 it gets super crazy, especially the left lane gets really backed up all the way to 25," said Torre.
She said she worries about this new complex making it even worse.
"I would probably have to adjust how early I have to wake up for work," said Torre.
But the city's traffic engineer said a study showed traffic should not get worse.
"From the study's perspective, we do not have any traffic operational concerns," said Todd Frisbie, the City Traffic Engineer for Colorado Springs.
Frisbie said the developer requested more left turn lanes to accommodate additional traffic. He said it's not needed right now.
"That would require some additional changes, for now, we're going to leave it how it is because we didn't think the changes were absolutely necessary," said Frisbie.
Frisbie says the city is aware of the congestion going onto I-25.
"There's a little bit of congestion for sure, it's mostly focused at the interchange," said Frisbie.
The city already has a project to improve that traffic flow along South Nevada Avenue. That includes adding lanes and removing traffic lights. Construction is set to start in early 2024.
"Traffic over here isn't that bad," said Tom Thompson who grew up in this area.
Thompson said this new complex is what the city needs.
"I think it's a good thing, I think the more places for people to live and they need more in this area," said Thompson.
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