Proposed 300-unit apartment complex in northeast Colorado Springs draws neighborhood opposition
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- New apartment buildings are popping up across the city to meet the demand for housing, but a particular project has adjacent homeowners concerned.
Titan Development wants to build 300 apartments on a five-acre vacant plot and a five-acre parking lot near the intersection of Chapel Hills Drive and Research Parkway; the site is behind a fire station, and office park and the T-Mobile call center.
But the site is also adjacent to the entrance to the Summerfield neighborhood where 356 homes are located, and neighbors are organizing opposition to the proposal.
"In the two meetings that have been held, there have been no neighbors who have expressed support for putting in a massive apartment complex on this site," said neighbor Bob Sallee.
Neighbors said that the project would bring at least 600 people and 400 vehicles to the area, adding to traffic congestion and noise, disrupting the neighborhood and lowering property values.
Residents also are concerned that the proposed three-story buildings would block mountains views for some homeowners who paid extra for the privilege.
The developer met with residents in November, and the city met with residents last week; but those homeowners said that much of the feedback wasn't considered because an apparent technical issue kept one of the meetings from being recorded.
"Is it the right fit for this neighborhood? The answer is no, and I would say mainly for the health and safety of the people who are going to live here," said neighbor Rob Hollinger.
There's also a feeling among some neighbors that the project will be approved despite their opposition.
The next step in the process is for the developer to go before the city planning commission and request that the property be rezoned from commercial to multi-family; no date for that has been scheduled.
Among the neighbors is Bob Balink, a former clerk and recorder for El Paso County.
"My wife and I have lived here for 20-plus years and it used to be peaceful," he said. "But that's changed with other new apartments being built near here, and strip malls and shopping centers opening up. It's definitely affecting the neighborhood."
