Planning Commission recommends Founders Vista site development plan after debate over blasting and ridgeline protections

Vice Chair Kevin McHugh and the Town of Castle Rock Planning Commission on May 22, 2025 voted 4-0 to recommend that Town Council approve the Founders Vista site development plan (PC-2025-008), a proposal for roughly 180–186 acres west of Ridge Road that would create about 511 residential lots and set aside nearly 99 acres of public and private open space.

The proposal drew detailed technical presentations from town staff and the applicant team on site layout, traffic, drainage and blasting procedures. Staff concluded the plans meet municipal code criteria and the amended Meehan and Young planned development (PD) zoning and recommended the Commission send the SDP to Town Council with a positive recommendation.

Town staff told commissioners the plan proposes primary access from two Ridge Road connectors, a mix of detached single-family lots and paired (duplex) homes, four detention ponds, a trail connection down a steep ravine to the valley and a large perimeter open-space buffer that reduces development near the West Ridge. "Staff finds that the proposed SDP does comply with and advances the goals and objectives of the town's guiding documents,…