Planning commission recommends rezoning to allow Wellspring Community housing and program space

The Castle Rock Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a plan-development rezoning for 826 Park Street and 200 Wolfensberger Road that would allow Wellspring Community to expand residential and program space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Staff told the commission the proposed plan-development plan (PDP) would combine two properties and change zoning so that a place of worship, multifamily housing and IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) residential offices become permitted uses. Staff recommended the commission forward the rezoning to Town Council for final action at the council meeting scheduled for May 6. "Staff finds that the proposed zoning is consistent with the goals and objectives of the town's guiding documents and meets the municipal code zoning criteria," the staff presentation said.

Nicole De Vries, executive director of Wellspring Community, described the nonprofit's programs and the need for space. "Our mission is to create a community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to live full, productive, and satisfying lives in a God centered environment," De Vries said. She told commissioners Wellspring's day program serves 101 individuals per week (about 60 per day), provides transportation for 54 people each day and operates work opportunities that employ 34 adults at the Castle Rock Collective coffee shop. De Vries said the proposed Unity on Wolfensberger development would add 24 residential units and about 17,000 square feet of program space, allowing Wellspring to roughly double enrollment in its day program.

Commissioners asked how the 24 units would be allocated. De Vries said 14 units would be for adults with IDD and the remaining 10 would be an integrated mix: four held for staff, several purchased by parents and three to four offered for sale to general buyers. She said the integration requirement stems in part from a federal Medicaid rule that requires settings not be isolated or segregated.

One member of the public spoke in favor. Julia McConaughey, a Castle Rock resident who volunteers with Special Olympics Colorado, told the commission she supports the project and its integration approach.

After discussion the commission moved and seconded a recommendation to Town Council. The motion passed by roll call vote, recorded by the chair as approved "by a vote of 7 to 0."