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Colorado Christian University – No added Value for Highlands Ranch!
Colorado Christian University is planning on building a new campus in Highlands Ranch. While I would normally support such kind of development (to a certain degree at least), this time I think it is time for Highlands Ranch citizens to stand up for their town. A large portion of what is now Open Space would disappear if this campus is being build. While there are “natural” concerns about property values and traffic, I also see a large issue with how this impacts the value of our town.
Legally the land is zoned so that an educational property could be developed. However, taking away such a large portion of open space would destroy part of what separates Highlands Ranch from Parker or Castle Rock. Our Open Space areas are an important reason for people to live in Highlands Ranch. It provides a buffer. It’s a refuge that gives us room to exercise and to enjoy mother nature. It gives animals room to live. It gives our children the chance to get a glance of it must have been here many decades ago when there was nothing. If you go out into the open space areas, you get away from noise and stress. You can actually see quite some wildlife here in Highlands Ranch – partially thanks to the many open space areas here. Open space areas add value to our homes – not just the houses that are right next to the open space areas. It’s called “Quality of Life”. Taking away a large portion of Open Space might just look like a small point on a map, but at one point when all those little dots disappear it is too late to reconsider. That’s when would suddenly realize you have to drive a long way to enjoy open fields and Colorado Wildlife, because your “backyard” is nothing but concrete and steel.
A new development like this one would destroy a lot of value in my opinion. There is no need to move a campus like this one into an undeveloped area in Highlands Ranch.
"This is going to be the center of intellectual, cultural, athletic, artistic, performances in the area," he said. "It's just like having a great museum or a professional football team. This is an amenity for the community; this will be the greatest thing that ever happened for the community. This is a once in a life time opportunity for CCU, it is also a once in a life time opportunity for Highlands Ranch and anybody who thinks property values are gonna go down I just don't think is well informed on the situation." Quote: Bill Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University
For one, I think this is an arrogant statement. Does that mean Highlands Ranch has nothing to offer until CCU moves into Highlands Ranch? Where is the value to the community? Will there be a park and a fountain – free of use for everyone – no matter his personal beliefs or religion? A museum provides value indeed, but how does CCU match up against it? Can I take my 4 year old son there and show him how mother nature formed Colorado wilderness and what animals used to live here (before CCU arrived)? Are they bringing a football team that plays against big teams? Will there be a small museum that is of interest for everyone – no matter his/her personal beliefs or religion? With the above statement made by Mr. Armstrong I would expect something of extreme value for our town and he would better live up to that.
I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Highlands Ranch to stand up and to say “No” to a planned development. Highlands Ranch would be losing a lot of open space without getting much in return. The future tax revenue generated would be insignificant – especially measured against what Highlands Ranch would lose.
Another large concern is traffic. Traffic in Highlands Ranch in certain areas is already really bad. The impact of this kind of development could be significant as not only Highlands Ranch citizens would access the campus, a lot of “out of town” traffic is to be expected, too. The impact would be felt a long way away from the campus. Take a look at the intersection of Quebec and University at the post office. It is one of the worst intersections traffic wise. The majority of CCU traffic would hit that intersection and just add to the mess.
"We just need more space," Bill Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University, said. "One of the options we are exploring is to re-develop this campus and acquire some additional land in the immediate area." Quote: Bill Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University
Here he says it plain and simple. “We just need more space.” There is nothing about what value CCU would really provide. Also, Lakewood and Highlands Ranch – that is really not just the immediate area. I moved from Lakewood here over a decade ago. It’s not a short drive – especially since traffic has grown so much since then.
Just because something is zoned for a specific purpose, it does not mean that it needs to be developed and filled with concrete and steel. Highlands Ranch is a great town and the mix of open space, residential areas, commercial areas and how things are separated makes it a great place to live. By allowing every development to take place – no matter really considering the long term consequences is a bad thing. Let’s keep the Open Space and opt for nature, Colorado Wildlife, and a high quality of life.
Call or e-mail or fax the Highlands Ranch Community Association
Administration Office
9568 University Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Phone: 303-471-8958
Fax: 303-791-6705
to express your concern and to voice your opinion.
Call or contact CCU and ask them to find another place to build their campus:
Main Campus
Welcome Center
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80226
(303) 963-3000
Read an article about this on 9News http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=129384&catid=339 and make sure to read the comments as well.
Update: Please visit the Facebook page "Save Highlands Ranch Open Space". Please note that we are not affiliate with any of the groups or organisations mentioned in this article.
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