$50,000 remodeling plan angers residents

COMMERCE CITY - A plan to spend about $50,000 to remodel and move the city manager's office in Commerce City has some residents angry. Some of the money would also be used to remodel his administrative assistant's office.

In the new location, City Manager Jerry Flannery will have a view of the city's soccer stadium.

Currently, Flannery's office overlooks a bulk mail facility and he says the view costs his city business. The bulk mail facility has many loading docks and 18-wheeler trailers parked in back.

Flannery says moving to a corner office overlooking green grass and a new parking lot in front of the stadium, will help the city economically.

"When I sit down with leaders of the community, I want them looking over my shoulder at that," said Flannery pointing to what will soon be his view. "I want them thinking Commerce City is going places and we are established.

"This move isn't about me. It's about the city and what we want to do as a city. When I'm in my office, my back is to the view that I'm talking about," said Flannery indicating where his desk will face in the new office. "You'll benefit from the view, not me."

Commerce City resident Linda Watts thinks the $50,000 price tag is too expensive.

"I think it would have been cheaper to buy a set of blinds," said Watts, "I think that's a lot of expense that could have been used elsewhere for the residents of the city."

Commerce City moved its headquarters to the new civic center in April. Watts thinks it's too soon to think about remodeling it.

"To spend that kind of money to change the view," said Watts shaking her head, "This is a brand new building."

"What are you not getting done that might be put on the back burner because we want to work on something else?" asked Watts.

Commerce City provided 9Wants to Know with a list of five projects it has put on hold until city leads decide whether there is enough money. A project to landscape the median on Chambers Road is estimated to cost is $28,200. Other contingent projects include improving the shoulder on Highway 2 for $907,500.

To see a list of all the contingent projects and see detailed plans including the move's cost estimates, click here.