CASTLE ROCK — The Douglas County Planning Commission adopted a master plan Monday night that could mean up to 11,000 new homes on 5,100 acres south of Chatfield Reservoir.In approving the plan, the commission changed the designation of the Sterling Ranch property from rural to urban.
The number of homes will allow the developer to provide water for those residents as well as others in the area whose wells are going dry.
“Now, the responsibility comes to us,” said Harold Smet hills, managing director of Sterling Ranch. “We will give the citizens what they expect.”
Those who favor the Sterling Ranch project say the area needs more infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewer. New development would provide that. Opponents say it would bring more congestion to an area already running low on water.
Monday’s vote only concerned the master plan. The developer has not yet submitted a formal plan for consideration.
“It’s sad,” said Roisin McEwan, who lives in the area and did not support the decision. “Now, we have to fight every single zoning.”
The proposal was an emotional one, as county officials and residents alike struggled to come to a solution. Some opponents, who live in the area and like its rural feeling, left the meeting in tears.
But in the end, the commission decided that allowing the area to be developed was best for everyone.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
