by Lisa Crockett

Chris Fellows of H.F. Holdings, LLC, presented his company’s plans for the 242-acre Lagae Ranch development at a County Planning Commission Master Plan work session on October 1.

In order to develop the land, located behind King Soopers and adjacent to HOA1 in Castle Pines North (CPN), the county must re-zone the land from its current “agricultural” status to “urban.”  This process would require a multi-phase change to the County Master Plan.

The proposed re-zoning, which has been endorsed by the Castle Pines North Master Association, the Castle Pines North Metro District, HOA1 and American Academy Charter School, would allow for the construction of approximately 240 single-family homes and 300 multi-family units. 

This new construction would provide an infusion of cash to the Castle Pines North Metro District.

“This development would bring in $20 million in tap fees and additional valuation to be used by the Metro District to obtain renewable water,” said Fellows. 

Bordered on three sides by developed land, Fellows made the argument that Lagae Ranch is already in an “urban area” and that its true value lies in the amenities it could provide to the existing CPN community.  The proposed development includes plans for parks, sports fields and several civic uses, as well as a site for a permanent home for American Academy Charter School. 

In addition, the owners of the property located south of the Lagae Ranch property also made a presentation calling for “urban zoning” at the same meeting.

The Planning Commission will evaluate all proposals and make recommendations for the 2030 Master Plan.  This draft of the plan will then be open for public comment.  The county planning division hopes to release the final version of the 2030 master plan by sometime early in 2008. 

A second Douglas County Master Plan meeting was set for Wednesday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m. at 100 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.