Progress toward controversial apartment project moves forward in Colorado Springs despite strong opposition

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After a four-hour public hearing Thursday, the city's Planning Commission recommended moving forward on a proposed apartment complex to be built outside the entrance to the existing Summerfield neighborhood, in the north side Briargate area.

What may have helped advance the project are concessions made by Titan Development, which include: Lowering the building heights from 45 feet to 38 feet (to minimize blocking mountain views for nearby homeowners); building 251 units instead of the initially-planned 300; and doubling the buffer zone (from 70 feet to 130 feet) between homes and apartments.

Brian Patterson, a Titan spokesman, said that his firm has developed numerous similar projects in Denver and across the Southwest.

"We have a history of working with neighbors and doing projects that blend into the surrounding community," he said. "We really focus on high-quality, classy projects that are more of a community versus an apartment complex."

However, the reasons why many of the estimated 350 Summerfield homeowners oppose the project remain the same.

"We oppose rezoning of Lots 1 and 3 to construct a high-density complex that is not compatible (nor) conforms to our surroundings, (nor) contribute(s) to our vibrant neighborhood," said resident Susan Sallee.

Neighbors contend that building the complex on ten acres -- split between an overflow parking lot for the adjacent T-Mobile callcenter and a vacant plot behind a fire station -- will disrupt the neighborhood's quiet atmosphere with more people, traffic, noise and related safety issues.

The controversy contrasts the desire for city planners to meet the area's the high demand for housing, with neighbors who don't oppose development but would rather have more single family homes or even a park on the site.

Some planning commissioners said that the project contradicts the city's long-term Plan COS, which encourages more infill of existing vacant lots instead of adding to urban sprawl, but also goes against the plan to protect existing neighborhoods from encroaching development.

Commissioners expressed mixed feelings about the project.

"The proposed use of this property is what it's already zoned for," said Commissioner Scott Hente. "If we reject this, something else a lot less acceptable could come in. So be careful what you ask for. You may get it."

However, Commissioner Martin Rickett said that the project is faithful to the previously-designed master plan for Briargate.

"The plan is pretty clear that this area could be multifamily (housing)," he said. "It looks like it was laid out that way."

Commissioners voted to approve rezoning the property for the project, and to have Titan submit a final concept plan.

The matter next goes before the City Council for final approval, and neighbors likely will continue their opposition.