On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the City Planning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of the Royal Pines Apartment project. The residents of Pine Creek Village showed a strong presence and provided visual proof that additional traffic in our area will be a problem, especially during an evacuation. Despite this, one council member stated, "the good of this project outweighs any potential risk." However, another commissioner acknowledged that this is a growing problem in Colorado Springs. Several commented that they were displeased with the absence of a District 20 representative to explain concerns related to overcrowding at our schools. The Deputy Fire Marshall acknowledged that the city does not consider evacuation planning. The points you, our neighbors and friends, are making (in the public record) with city officials is making an impact; it is waking them up and putting them on notice. The residents of Pine Creek Village and Colorado Springs have a voice that will be heard.
The five hour-long meeting ended in favor of the developer, but this was the expected outcome given the record of this commission. The next step in this process is to appeal to City Council, where residents will have a chance to provide arguments against this development once again. That meeting will likely be on 13 February. If City Council votes to approve it, there will be another chance to appeal the decision in court.
Stay tuned for updates.
The five hour-long meeting ended in favor of the developer, but this was the expected outcome given the record of this commission. The next step in this process is to appeal to City Council, where residents will have a chance to provide arguments against this development once again. That meeting will likely be on 13 February. If City Council votes to approve it, there will be another chance to appeal the decision in court.
Stay tuned for updates.