Council approves Wellspring 'Unity on Wolfensberger' site plan to expand IDD housing and programs

Castle Rock Town Council voted unanimously to approve a site development plan that will convert a former 70-room motel into a 24-unit residential and program facility for Wellspring Community.

Planner Tara Vargas described the project as a reuse of a 1.3-acre property south of Wolfensberger Road and east of Park Street. "This is the site development plan for Wellspring's most current project called Unity On Wolfensberger," Vargas said, noting the building would house community offices, day programs and 24 dwelling units. Ross Friend, the project's consultant, said the project would "double their residential capacity, and be able to grow their work and day programs by 50%." The plan retains the existing building footprint while adding accessibility and site improvements, including a sidewalk connection to Wolfensberger with ADA access and restriping and seal-coating of the parking lot.

Wellspring staff and the consultant said about 14 of the units will serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the remainder are intended as neurotypical units. Friend also said the nonprofit currently maintains a wait list of 135 individuals and that the additional residential and program capacity will alleviate that backlog. Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0; with no public speakers at the hearing, council voted to approve the resolution as introduced by title.

Mayor Gray spoke in support of the project, praising Wellspring's work in town: "The work they do has been incredible in our town." The motion passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 555; topfinish SEG 762.