Douglas County delays Crowsnest decision
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Douglas County planners tabled a decision last night that could determine the fate of the controversial Crowsnest development south of Parker.
Why it matters: The planning commission's unanimous decision prolongs a high-stakes land-use fight, with residents and neighboring municipalities continuing to raise concerns.
Driving the news: The developer, VT Crowfoot Valley Landco LLC, will return with a proposed zoning application detailing housing density and other development issues, along with its request to redesignate the 745-acre property from "non-urban" to "urban."
Zoom in: Ventana Capital submitted the application on behalf of nine private landowners who own the site's 15 parcels. The property sits about a half-mile south of the intersection at Crowfoot Valley Road and South Chambers Road.
Flashback: Parker previously declined to annex the property over traffic and infrastructure concerns. The developer then turned to Castle Pines but withdrew its application after the city paused future annexation requests.
- That proposal called for about 3,600 homes.
In the room: Roughly 120 people attended last night's four-hour hearing, with about 30 speaking.
- Most opposed the proposal, citing worries about traffic, water, infrastructure and wildlife habitat.
The other side: Officials representing the proposed development argued the property already sits among five master-planned communities in a corridor that's rapidly urbanizing.
Yes, but: Jim Maloney, Parker's town attorney, told planning commissioners the proposal fails county criteria for transportation, water, schools and compatibility because it defers key questions until later stages.
- He said Parker "relied upon" the county's plan when creating its transportation network — including the Crowsnest property's non-urban designation.
Even the developer's traffic study identified a potential long-term need on "the upper level" to widen part of Crowfoot Valley Road from four lanes to six.
What they're saying: "If you say no to this application, there are no more steps," Maloney said. "It's done."
What we're watching: The commission didn't set a new date to hear the developer's proposal and vote on the comprehensive master plan amendment.