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The eastern edge of Douglas County is drawing the attention of residents everywhere. A new development plan that is being called the “Hilltop” neighborhood is currently awaiting approval for the rezoning of 256 acres. Should the application pass, the land which is currently designated as “agricultural-1,” is expected to be developed into a “rural residential” area.

Submitted by the Parker-based, 303 Investments LLC, the project proposes 54 separate lots for new housing north of the intersection of Hilltop Road/Country Road 158 and Delbert Road. A “rural residential” designation would allow developers one home for every five acres of land.

Douglas County zoning regulations govern residential and non-residential land use, and are specified in the county’s zoning resolution. The document describes regulations, prohibitions, and procedures that are designed to ensure the safety, health, convenience, and welfare of the present and future residents of Douglas County.

According to the Douglas County tax-payer-funded 2035 Master Plan, the proposed “Hilltop” development land is to remain agriculturally zoned until at least 2035. Residents are urging the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners to reject the proposal. Many feel as though the development will be a hinderance to their current lifestyle and an overdevelopment of land. Others are concerned with possible depletion of groundwater resources, increased traffic, and the disregard of what has already been established in the county’s comprehensive master plan.

In an effort to shut down the proposal in the early stages of the development process, a petition has been created, with the goal of attracting national attention. “Our County Commissioners are paid to be public servants,” states the petition’s call to action, “neglecting the will of the people, and the county’s master plan, they become dictators.”

Tina Huston is a resident near the proposed development area, and is helping to lead the opposition. In an effort to shut down the proposal in the early stages of the development process, Huston has spearheaded a petition with the goal of attracting national attention.

“Our County Commissioners are paid to be public servants,” states the petition’s call to action, “neglecting the will of the people, and the county’s master plan, they become dictators.” The petition has received 542 signatures, with a current goal of 750. The opposition has raised awareness and received increased support from hundreds of Colorado residents, and even some from out of state.

The Douglas County Planning Commission will review the submitted project proposal at 7 p.m. on April 4 at the Philip S. Miller Building in Castle Rock, where approval will be recommended, or the project will be denied.

Click here for more information, or to sign the petition.