DougCo residents mobilize with planning vote in limbo
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Land that's proposed for the controversial Crowsnest development. Photo: Robert Sanchez/Axios
A Douglas County real estate agent is building a community coalition to fight a controversial development near his town whenever the project resurfaces.
Why it matters: Crowsnest has already run into opposition in Parker and Castle Pines and nearby residents — including Joey Lugo — are ready for battle.
What they're saying: "We have to be ready to pack the room at a moment's notice," says Lugo, who lives about a quarter-mile from the almost 800-acre site near the Crowfoot Valley Road and South Chambers Road intersection.
- Lugo runs a Facebook page that gives frequent updates and mobilizes against Crowsnest, and he's growing an email list of about 75 residents who oppose the project.
- He also hosted a strategy session this month at his home.
Catch up quick: More than 100 people flooded a county planning meeting last month, when planners tabled a decision that could have redesignated the proposed Crowsnest land from "non-urban" to "urban."
- The developer is VT Crowfoot Valley Landco LLC. Ventana Capital submitted the application on behalf of nine private landowners who own the site's 15 parcels.
If it's built, Crowsnest could add nearly 4,000 residential units and 550,000 square feet of commercial space.
- Nearby residents and municipalities, including Parker, have spoken against the plan, citing traffic, water, infrastructure and wildlife concerns.
The other side: Development officials argue the property already sits among master-planned communities in a rapidly urbanizing corridor.
Driving the news: The next question is when planners will meet again to discuss the tabled redesignation.
- The developer is expected to return with a proposed zoning application detailing housing density and other development details, along with the redesignation request.
Yes, but: A county spokesperson says the applicant hasn't told planners when it might be ready for another hearing.
- A call to Ventana seeking comment wasn't returned.
What we're hearing: The debate is also dividing the planning board. Commissioner Mark Hampton will recuse himself from the next vote after siding with Lugo's faction.
- Planning commissioner Ed Kubly is a Ventana vice president and previously recused himself.
The bottom line: Without a date for a vote, Crowsnest has become as much about mobilization as it is land use.