Centennial’s plan for a 4,000-square-foot(sic) IKEA store is one step closer to reality — but not without some residents’ concern.
After addressing traffic, lighting and noise issues associated with the proposed home furnishings store, City Council voted 8-0 in favor of proceeding with development.
The Willow Creek subdivision closest to the proposed site would endure most of the increased lighting and traffic.
As a result, members of the area’s homeowners’ board voiced their concerns on behalf of residents.
“We’ve been told that traffic at IKEA would be the same as at a new supermarket,” said Willow Creek board member Mike Morgan. “There are going to be 30 check-out stands in this store, and IKEA already has 70,000 existing customers,” he said. “There’s going to be far more traffic than they’re showing.”
As for noise, Morgan said residents already deal with noise from the interstate, and they expect more when IKEA is built.
“If you don’t put a noise [code] in place, the more developers will come in and the problem will get worse,” he said. “If you can’t do that, then recognize that you’re increasing the noise pollution in our community.”
City planners said they know noise is already an issue in the area, and that it’s a concern for the city. There is no city code that requires IKEA to build a sound barrier to reduce noise pollution, officials said.
In addition to added noise and lights, Willow Creek board member Linda Steis wants the IKEA sign to be reduced from its 100-foot-tall size.
“You recently changed your city ordinance to allow retailers to have signs 32 feet high,” she said. “In the spirit of good will, I hope you’ll consider a shorter sign [for IKEA].”
According to city planner Andrew Firestine, destination retailers like IKEA are allowed to have 100-foot signs. Large format retailers and retailers near the highway only are allowed 32-foot signs.
“This is the one and only piece of property identified and permitted to have a 100-foot tall sign,” Firestine said.
Two other Centennial residents, Becky Bowles and Jim Leevy want the traffic to be studied to eliminate issues on County Line and Chester roads.
The city will continue to study the issues while development takes place.
The new store will be next to Interstate 25 between Dry Creek and County Line Road.
