A tale of two cities: How Johnstown, Milliken grow

When it comes to commercial growth and development, Milliken Mayor Linda Measner sees a difference of about two miles between Johnstown and her town.

“They have a significant presence on the interstate. We do not,” she explained. Milliken lies about two miles farther east from Interstate 25, the roadway that has come to define commercial development for many cities along the north Front Range corridor.

“In fact, we don’t really have a major roadway close enough to us that would encourage commercial and industrial growth.”

That, in part, explains Milliken’s slower economy and slower growth. Sales tax collections have slowed, and the town…