Week of April 27, 2023
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
CastleRockNewsPress.net
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2
Plan for Douglas County zoning rule change sees backlash Residents fear apartments BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Some voices in a heated group of residents described a proposed change to property development policy in Douglas County as threat-
ening to the very fabric of the county and its culture. But county staff portrayed the potential change as minor edits that would clarify confusing language. Taking place against the backdrop of proposed changes in development policy from Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic state lawmakers aimed at addressing the state’s hous-
ing crisis by increasing residential density, the discussion on the local Douglas County language change saw one resident mention the governor during comments that framed the proposal in political terms. “It’s not a secret that leftists have intentionally targeted county government in a way of pushing an agenda,” said Mark Green, who is
Larkspur grapples with truck stop plan Residents remain opposed BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Larkspur Town Council continued to hear opposition from area residents against a proposed truck stop off Interstate 25 in south Douglas County, while the council moved toward a decision on who will evaluate the plan. “At the end of the day, this is not wanted by the people who live here,” said a commenter who mentioned a petition during the April 20 meeting. “That truck stop, as far as my property values? Wouldn’t hurt it. Not my little area,” he said. But “Burger King and Starbucks” and a large number of trucks in the area are not why people moved to the Larkspur area, he added. “It’s a special place. All everybody wants is to keep it special,” he said. Another person, apparently in the audience, argued that what the developer is planning to build differs from what was initially proposed. Someone in the online audience shouted out an objection to how the plan is proceeding. The council also heard a question that claimed the plan initially outlined a store and a “little gas station.” One of the councilmembers responded that the initial plan SEE TRUCK STOP, P2
from the Parker area. “The founding blocks of socialism is the removal of property rights,” Green added. He spoke at a meeting of the group of Douglas County residents who advise the county’s elected leaders on development as the group SEE BACKLASH, P10
Castle Rock to increase sign code enforcement More staff needed BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Castle Rock will soon begin taking enforcement of its sign code more seriously after town council members raised concerns over them littering rights of way, especially on weekends. During the April 18 meeting, the council discussed expanding enforcement of the town ordinance that prevents any kind of sign, including sandwich boards, yard signs and posters, from being put up in a town right of way. The town cannot regulate signs by content, so the code applies to all signs except traffic instructions and official government signs. Currently, the town has two staff members who work regular business hours to enforce the code and A sign sits off Interstate 25 in March in the Castle Rock area.
Dream Big Dreams...
SEE SIGN CODE, P9
PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Special CD Rate
5.01% APY Term
Special CD Rates ** Term * Term Or 2.74% APY 2.33% 16APYMonth 27 Month
* 10 Month
120 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock | (303) 660-4001
120 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock ♦ (303) 660-4001
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate of Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 9 month CD with current rate at renewal. *The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of March 16, 2023.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate for Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 12 month CD with current rate at renewal. **To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 24 month CD with current rate at renewal. The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of 11/22/018.