El Paso County Commissioners approve developer’s request to delay proposed Black Forest housing project
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Classic Communities asked for and received more time from commissioners Tuesday to re-submit a request to build 450 homes in Black Forest after the proposal was recently denied by the county planning commission.
The proposed sketch plan would build homes, commercial space, and open space on 142 acres on the southwest side of the intersection of Vollmer and Poco roads.
Although zoning for that area allows such a development, there has been strong opposition from neighbors who are concerned about increased density, traffic congestion, availability of water, and loss of wildlife habitat.
“And my contention is, keep it as rural — on this north side of the bluff — as possible, for a proper transition," said neighbor Gary Beierle. "I believe the area cries out for it.”
Another neighbor, Alan Peterson, said that increased development has reduced the native antelope herd from around 25,000 a century ago to 40 today.
“The time is rapidly approaching that they need an escape route that doesn’t put them in continued human conflicts or vehicle conflicts here," he said.
Classic officials said that the concerns expressed by opponents to the planning commission were different that questions raised in previous small neighborhood meetings.
"We feel like we can probably accommodate some of the concerns," said Doug Stimple, Classic's CEO.
The apparent main concern is the size of lots in the proposed development, which in some areas is more dense than the minimum of 2.5 acres preferred by neighbors and parallels Timber Ridge, another Classic development on the east side of Vollmer.
Classic officials said that they will make changes to the plan -- hoping to make it more acceptable to neighbors -- and present it again to the planning commission during a public hearing on April 6, to be followed by a hearing before commissioners for a final decision on April 18.
County commissioners voted unanimously to grant Classic's request for a two-week extension to submit its revised plan.
"I just really appreciate the good-faith effort by the applicant to make those changes and take this back to the planning commission," said Commissioner Carrie Geitner. "And so, I look forward to seeing that (come) back here."
