Panel pushes South Platte River growth

The inaugural South Platte River Committee meeting yesterday 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 the 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.

The latest: 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 to two existing agreements with the Mile High Flood District for drainage, trail and flood control improvements on the river.

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