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Commission narrowly recommends approval for Connexus Lot 1 final PUD after heated debate over parks and density
Summary
By a 3–2 vote, the Monument Planning Commission recommended approval of the Connexus Lot 1 Filing 2 final PUD for 354 residential units on 19.1 acres. Commissioners raised concerns about parkland, long-term open-space development and density; the applicant defended the project’s affordability targets and amenity package.
The Monument Planning Commission voted 3–2 to recommend approval of the Connexus Lot 1 Filing 2 final planned unit development, a 19.1-acre high-density residential proposal that would deliver 354 units (312 apartments and 42 townhome-style units). Ray Medina, town planner, and applicant representatives presented technical analyses showing the plan provides 727 parking spaces versus a minimum code requirement of 552, meets landscaping and wildfire-resiliency standards, and includes an 8-foot precast noise wall along the I‑25 frontage where a noise study identified locations of elevated sound levels.
"This proposal comes in under the previously approved maximum density and meets the final PUD criteria," Jason Alwine, principal with NES Colorado, told the commission, listing the plan’s parking, landscaping and traffic conclusions. Marcus Wedower of Hillpoint, the project developer, described the project as workforce-focused housing targeted at 80–120% AMI and said the team expects rents to be competitive with the local market: "The average monthly rent right now in Monument is about $2,000 for a similar unit. We are projecting $1,925 when we open," Wedower said.
Several commissioners voiced concern about whether the project provides sufficient usable, publicly accessible park space within the site and whether the broader 27.5-acre open-space dedications in the Connexus master Public Improvement Agreement (PIA) adequately address near-term park needs. "My concern is the long-term impact on traffic, schools, emergency services, infrastructure and parking," Commissioner Trujillo said, urging the commission and council to weigh density against neighborhood character and service capacity. Staff and the applicant noted the master PIA dedicates open space and that some parkland will be developed through town processes and future investments.
Commissioners then took roll call on the motion to recommend approval: Chair Egley voted No (citing parks, open-space and connectivity concerns); Vice Chair Peterson, Commissioner Balmer and Commissioner Hatch voted Yes; Commissioner Trujillo voted No. The motion passed 3–2 and will be forwarded to Town Council for final action.
