Stetson Hills Neighborhood Association

DEVELOPMENTS THREATEN TRAFFIC FLOW & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Sep 12, 2000

The City Planning Commission is considering a local developer's request to build a housing subdivision just south of Stetson Hills. Peterson Road should provide these residents access to Barnes Road. However, a portion of Peterson road will remain incomplete for the foreseeable future. As a result, we can expect a significant increase in traffic on Lasater Trail (past Sandstone Park) and Ashley Drive as these commuters travel to and from northern destinations.
During recent public meetings, the City has countered that North Carefree will still be an option for these commuters. However, we remain skeptical because the shorter distance will be down Barnes and directly through our neighborhood. If you have driven past Sandstone Park whenever youth sports programs are in session, you know the last thing this street needs is more traffic endangering kids and park users.
Additionally, this plan gives little consideration to pedestrian traffic. There are a few intermittent multiuse trails scattered in the proposed development plan, but they currently end at high traffic streets, intersections and empty fields, essentially serving no purpose. These trails should completely circle the new development area as well as connect to proposed parks and schools. This would provide a reasonable and continuous recreation path and allow safe passage of our kids from schools, parks, and homes. Unfortunately, there are no plans to connect these trails.
Residents near Tutt Avenue have similar concerns over a rezoning request and commercial construction which may result in a significant traffic increase as commuters travel through residential areas to they access commercial office space on Tutt Avenue.
Your SHNA has drafted a letter in response to these varied threats. We strongly recommend you sign this letter and, as a minimum, send it to the Mayor as addressed. We also recommend you make copies of this letter (which is also available on the Web page www.neighborhoodlink.com/cosprings/stetsonhills) and send them to one or all of the following:
Colorado Springs District #2 City Councilman Bill Guman (WGuman@aol.com) P.O. Box 1575, C/S CO, 80901.
Mr. Morry Esmiol, Chair, City Planning Commission, P.O. Box 1575, C/S, Colorado 80901.
(Developer) Mr. Don Magill, 2 Cascade Avenue, C/S CO, 80903.
This issue may not directly effect you; However, at some point you may require help from your neighbors on an issue that will effect you in the future, so we recommend everyone send this letter to present a unified front against these threats. Your neighbors will appreciate your involvement and be more inclined to help you when the time comes. Hopefully, with your help, we can convince the City and the Developer to change their plans to address our concerns.
Finally, developers are required to issue notices to residential properties in close proximity to proposed development areas. This means only a few people are informed of development plans which, like the increase in Sandstone Park traffic, can impact many of us. We ask that whenever you receive or hear of these notices, that you advise your area representative or a member of the SHNA Board of Directors so they can ensure the word gets out (website or newsletter) to everyone.


Rusty Lorenz, President SHNA