Bishop Machebeuf High School Proposes to Replace Baseball Field with Senior Housing
8890 E Lowry Blvd
Today we visit the Lowry neighborhood where Bishop Machebeuf High School is proposing to trade in their baseball field for a senior housing development.
The baseball field is located at the corner of Lowry Blvd & Yosemite Way, adjacent to Big Bear Ice Arena. Currently, the field is not open to the public and serves as a practice field. Bishop Machebeuf is deciding to sell off the field to help fund various improvements to the school.
We think this is a logical decision considering the school's main baseball fields (Jackie Robinson Fields Park) are located two parcels down Lowry Blvd.
Currently, the baseball field is zoned R-4, which allows for churches, parks, and schools less than 37 feet tall. Bishop Machebeuf is proposing to rezone the site to S-MX-5 which would permit an active adult 55+ building and an Assisted Living and Memory Care building up to five stores.
If approved, the Independent Living building will have 140 units (along Lowry Blvd & Yosemite Way), while the Assisted Living/Memory Care building will have 120 units (along Yosemite & Sports Blvd).
Once complete, 10% of the units will be dedicated for residents earning 80% of the annual median income. Also, the developers pledged to make enhancements to the trail along Westly Creek and will provide an easement for permanent public use of the trail.
While many are in support of adding diverse housing to the area, many residents voiced concerns over the dangerous traffic circle at the corner of Yosemite Way & Lowry Blvd. Local residents pointed out how the speed limit and traffic flow has resulted in numerous traffic accidents over the past couple years. Many fear that the additional development will only increase the dangers of the road, especially for senior citizens.
Ultimately, the Denver Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the rezoning. However, a proper traffic study will most likely be required as the development process moves along.
We'll check back on this one at ground breaking or when renderings are released.
