Council approves Crystal Valley Ranch rezoning amendment after heated public comment, 4–3

The Town of Castle Rock Town Council voted 4–3 on first reading to approve Amendment 7 to the Crystal Valley Ranch planned development, a rezoning that shifts a 45‑foot strip of land (previously public land dedication) westward and designates an equivalent 0.915 acre on the east side as public land dedication.

Tara Vargas, planning staff, told the council the change would not alter permitted residential uses or increase density in Planning Area 3A; the swap, she said, is consistent with a memorandum of understanding the council approved in October and was recommended for approval 6–0 by the Planning Commission. "We're just shifting what currently exists today 45 feet to the west," Vargas said, describing the exchange as an equivalent acreage swap and noting the developer's site plan shows a wider buffer on the eastern side.

The amendment prompted objections from Crystal Valley resident Susan McAfee during public comment, who said planning commissioners and residents lacked full information about the proposal. "The developer needs to go back to the drawing board and do a better job of being a good neighbor," McAfee said, asserting the maps and attachments were difficult to find and alleging the town and developer were not delivering promised open space. The council treated her concerns as an allegation; no evidence of a bribe was presented in the meeting record.

Councilmembers pressed staff on park impacts and traffic connections. Mayor Jason Grama and other supporters said that a "no" vote could leave the developer to build to existing zoning entitlements and potentially produce a worse outcome for neighbors. Councilmember Davis asked directly whether a failed amendment would restore the developer's previous rights; Vargas replied that without the amendment the developer could proceed under current zoning and that the MOU contains liquidated damages and default provisions.

Councilmember Dietz urged the developer to offer more concessions at the site‑plan stage, saying, "If he can give up some of that space on the west side to create a bigger buffer, I'll give you what you want." Mayor Pro Tem Kavey said she saw "no compromise whatsoever" in the current proposal and voted against the amendment.

By roll call the council recorded four votes in favor (Hollingshead, Bracken, Brooks, Mayor Grama) and three opposed (Davis, Dietz, Mayor Pro Tem Kavey). The ordinance passed on first reading 4–3.

Next steps: staff said the developer must submit a site development plan showing road connections and the traffic study, and the council will review those materials at future hearings. Several councilmembers said they expect to press the developer for additions or concessions when the site plan is submitted.