Public opposition surfaces as planning staff adds Dorado area back to Golden Valley plan; commission hears contested public comments

Residents of Golden Valley packed the auditorium and spoke at length objecting to a proposed change to the county’s 2025 general plan that would reintroduce a Dorado-area designation and surrounding suburban development.

At issue: a proposal by Engle Homes (and affiliates) to revise land-use designations for a large property known locally as the Dorado site. Staff told the commission the Dorado area had appeared in earlier plans (including a 1995 plan) and that, following public meetings and a revised submittal from the developer, staff recommended changes that include surrounding the Dorado parcel with a one-acre buffer of suburban residential lots and eliminating medium-density residential from the developer’s revised plan.

"The revised proposal from Engle got rid of any medium density residential within the development and then placed a buffer of 1 acre lots kind of around the perimeter," a county staff presenter said. The staff presentation and subcommittee discussion led to the item appearing on the commission's agenda for formal action.

Multiple residents said they were unaware of a January 15 subcommittee meeting where a developer presentation occurred. Danielle Oley, a Golden Valley resident who reviewed county postings, said the…