Developer Century Communities withdrew its application to build more than 60 homes in the RidgeGate area of Lone Tree after a review of their application left city council with concerns at its meeting Jan. 19
The property comprises 47.7 acres located south of the Montecito neighborhood and RidgeGate Commons commercial area, in a valley at the base of the bluffs.
Century Communities submitted a preliminary plan application to the city to subdivide the property for development of 70 single-family homes. The application also involved proposed amendments to the RidgeGate Residential West Village Sub-Area Plan to expand guidelines and standards specific to development on this property.
On Jan. 19, Century Communities presented a revised plan that they felt addressed the council’s previous concerns.
Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning said he worried about the massing of houses in the area and how it would affect view and natural beauty.
“We have an obligation to protect the natural beauty of the bluffs,” Gunning said.
Building massing includes height limitations, architectural elevations, materials, colors, landscaping fencing and lighting. The city’s goal is to provide a natural transition to the bluffs.
The revised plan reduced the number of homes from 70 to 65, widened some lots, increased spacing between some homes, and eliminated some areas of retaining walls previously proposed.
It also eliminated a central community gathering area in favor of two smaller areas, and removed a pedestrian bridge crossing the drainage.
Councilmembers asked questions, provided comments and heard public testimony. Several councilmembers acknowledged the applicant’s revisions but said they did not go far enough in addressing their concerns regarding massing and natural transition.
“If this were in any other normal piece of land in Lone Tree, I don’t think anyone would have any issue with it,” Gunning said. “When we annexed the area, we agreed that the bluffs, to a certain extent, would be protected.”
The applicant requested a five-minute recess, and following that stated they were withdrawing the application. Given that withdrawal, the council did not take action on the project.
Councilmember Kim Monson said the opposition of Gunning and councilmembers Anderson, Millet and Squyer was based on very subjective criteria.
“The idea that politicians can limit the ‘good faith’ use of private property based on subjective criteria should make every citizen quake in their boots,” Monson said in a news release.
Gunning said he has since met with the developer and is hopeful that they will be able to work out a new plan that Century can bring back to the city for approval.