City approves Rock Creek Mesa annexation despite fire, water and traffic concerns

Colorado Springs City Council voted 7-2 on Feb. 11 to approve a serial annexation that brings a 54-acre piece of land associated with Cheyenne Mountain State Park and 51 acres of proposed residential development known as Rock Creek Mesa into the city.

Proponents — including the project applicant and Colorado Springs Utilities staff — said annexation will extend treated municipal water, connect an aging lagoon‑based sewer system at a nearby mobile home park, and add fire hydrants and a signal at Pawnee Road and State Highway 115. Applicant Danny Mientka said the utilities extensions and new hydrants would improve firefighting capacity and help existing residents who now rely on older wells and a lagoon.

Supporters told council the project will supply up to 400 new housing units, with the developer agreeing to cap density below the zone’s maximum. Utilities staff said required off‑site water, sewer, electric and gas upgrades are already under design or construction and the developer has agreed to fund many of them; Utilities estimated the midrange utility capital cost at about $8.1 million and additional ongoing operations costs at roughly $87,000 a year once built out.

Opponents,…