June 7 Council update: Downtown items move forward, contract to widen Plum Creek Parkway approved

Two items related to Downtown Castle Rock and a contract to widen the eastern portion of Plum Creek Parkway to four lanes moved forward at Town Council’s June 7 meeting.

Here is a closer look:

- 221 Wilcox St. financing – Council approved on first reading (Approved 4-3, For: Gray, Bracken, Hollingshead and LaFleur; Opposed: Cavey, Dietz and Johnson) an agreement to share back half of the property tax and half of the sales tax generated by the project planned at 221 Wilcox St. If given final approval at Council’s June 21 meeting, the shareback would continue through 2038 or until a maximum of $3.5 million is reached, whichever occurs first.

The proposed project, which the Town’s Design Review Board has approved, is a five-story, mixed-use building with retail/restaurant space on the first floor, office space on the second floor and 28 apartments on the top three floors. New underground parking would serve the apartments.

Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1391?meta_id=174868

- Plum Creek Parkway widening – Council approved an agreement with Elite Surface Infrastructure to widen Plum Creek Parkway to four lanes between Eaton Street and Ridge Road. In addition to widening the section to decrease traffic congestion, the project will complete roundabout modifications at Ridge Road and install drainage improvements, a southern sidewalk and on-street bike lanes.

ESI will complete the work for a total not to exceed $7.5 million. Growth-related transportation impact fee funds will be used toward the project along with the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act funds; use of the latter will free up Town transportation funds for future projects. ESI was the low bidder and expects to complete the work by summer 2023.

Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1391?meta_id=174885

- Downtown document clarifications – Council also continued discussions started last year regarding inconsistencies in 10 documents created over roughly 30 years to govern Downtown.

Council provided direction that the Town’s Municipal Code governs Downtown and that the other documents are for guidance only, among requesting other adjustments. An ordinance to effect the changes directed will be presented on first reading at Council’s June 21 meeting.

Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1391?meta_id=174855

Also on Tuesday, Castle Rock Water Director Mark Marlowe provided an update regarding the Town’s continued opposition to the site application for a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the proposed Pine Canyon development in the center of the Town. Watch his update: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1391?meta_id=174825

Coming up

The next regular Town Council meeting is Tuesday, June 21. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments between June 16 and 21 to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak via videoconference during the meeting. The meeting will be available live at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting. In-person attendance will also be available.

Questions? Email all Councilmembers at [email protected], or find your Council representative at CRgov.com/Council; sign up for email updates by clicking “Get Email Updates.” Updates include summaries of top Council items, as well as previews of Council meetings.

View Town Council agendas at CRgov.com/Agendas. Watch Council live at CRgov.com/WatchCouncil, or catch a recording there after the meeting. Town Council meetings are also broadcast live and replayed on Comcast Channel 22.

Get Town news straight to your inbox. Sign up online at CRgov.com/NotifyMe, or follow the Town on Facebook (facebook.com/CRgov), Twitter (@CRgov), Instagram (CRGOV) and LinkedIn (search Town of Castle Rock).