CO Black Caucus praises Denver City Council for Sunflower Farmers Market development | Politics

The Colorado Black Caucus praises Denver City Council for clearing the way for the Sunflower Farmers Market grocery store development along East Colfax Avenue – a move that will create nearly 100 jobs for Denver residents and more than $2 million in payroll.

City Council unanimously voted 12-0 Monday to advance a measure that changes the zoning of three residences and would allow the developer to begin construction on the 30,000 square-foot supermarket in April. Sunflower Farmers Market, located on the north side of East Colfax Avenue between Monroe and Garfield streets, is slated to open in November.

            “This major development along East Colfax is an shining example of the type of economic development that will not only serve the South City Park neighborhood but create much-needed jobs for Denver residents still struggling to find work in this tough economy,” said City Councilman Albus Brooks, a director of the Colorado Black Caucus.

Brooks, who serves District 8 where the market will be built, played a pivotal role in moving forward the much-touted development. Brooks and state Rep. Angela Williams, chair of the Colorado Black Caucus, said the Sunflower Farmers Market is a major development that will serve underserved areas within the city of Denver and provide low-income neighborhoods with healthier food options.

It is one of three midsize grocery store developments Councilman Brooks, the City of Denver and the Colorado Black Caucus seek to bring to predominantly minority neighborhoods in 2012. Brooks and city planners are currently working with two other undisclosed retail grocers looking to build neighborhood grocery stores at 35th Street and Colorado Boulevard and Welton Street in the historic Five Points neighborhood.

            “The neighborhoods in my district want small grocery stores,” Brooks said. “I am really proud of how the Sunflower developers and the South City Park neighborhood came together to figure out a win, win for the neighborhood. We are pushing for greater access to healthier food alternatives for low-income minority neighborhoods.

            “This is about economic and social parity. Research shows that your life expectancy is predicated on what you eat. I want to make sure low-income minority neighborhoods have access to healthy foods and good-paying jobs,” Brooks added.