Proposed development in Black Forest neighborhood would increase home density tenfold, build 275-unit hotel

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Some Black Forest residents are speaking out against the planned expansion of Flying Horse North, a residential community between Colorado Springs and Monument.

The project's developer -- Flying Horse Development, LLC -- already had approval to build more than 200 homes in the community, but only 80 were completed because the developer now requests a zoning change that would significantly increase the density to 846 homes, according to paperwork filed with the county's planning department.

The request also would add a commercial and retail aspect to the development -- to include a 200-unit hotel, golf club and restaurant; more than 200 acres of open space are included in the plan.

The proposal would cover 912 acres at the intersection of Black Forest and Hodgen Roads, continuing south along both sides of Old Stagecoach Road.

Opponents said that such a project would be incompatible with current zoning in the are that allows for less density, and also violates the county's long-range master plan by lowering minimum lot sizes from 2.5 acres to one acre.

"We asked them why they are doing this, and they told us it's to increase profits," said Rick Stauch, a community leader behind the opposition. "We first started getting notices about it earlier in the year.

Terry Stokka, another community leader, said that approval could open the door to more, similar projects in the future.

"If it's urban, city-sized lots, (Flying Horse North) is going to be a small town of up to 4,000 people in an area that's really not meant for that," he explained. "We came here to for the larger homes, larger lots and no sidewalks or street lights."

Concerns about increased noise and traffic have also been raised; as well as water supply and the possibility of a property tax hike to finance a new fire station that would be required.

The zoning and expansion request is on the agenda at Thursday's meeting of the county planning commission, and is scheduled for a hearing before county commissioners in two weeks.

The development team did not respond to requests for comments Wednesday, and commissioners said they won't comment until after the votes at their respective hearings.