Welcome to the Flintwood Hills Neighborhood Network website. We are located in horse country, the beautiful pine woods and hills 25 miles SE of Metro Denver, 5 miles East of
Franktown proper. This site is an ongoing "work in progress". First I lay out the structure, then fill it in. So if you don't see much on a particular page yet, you can at least see the promise of what it will be
soon. The Calendar section is presently just outline. You'll notice the navigation scheme at the top, is an abbreviated site map, on almost every page - so you can see at a glance where you are, and where you want to go
without navigating through more than one intermediate page. We are continually looking for ideas and information we can share as a community. I have created several pages that will soon accept your input without
requiring my participation - the self-service
Thanks for participating in our Neighborhood Network. Mark Tobias, Webmaster mrtobias@horseapple.com This website was first created November 11, 1999, with apologies to Vincent and his brother, Theo. |
Optimized for Netscape 4.x or MSIE 4.x at 800 x 600
Flintwood Hills Neighborhood Network
P.O. Box 601
Franktown, Colorado 80116
Site last updated
09/09/06 12:17 PM
Please address questions and comments about this website to webmaster@horseapple.com
Content copyright 1999-2000 Mark Tobias All Rights reserved.
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WILDLIFE ALERTS! DEER: The mule deer population is exploding! Be on the lookout for deer on the roads, especially during the couple hours before and after sunrise sunset. Your webmaster had an unfortunate incident, killing two bucks with my motorcycle 2 hrs before dusk last summer on Hwy 86 1.5 mi East of Hwy 83. |
Dear Franktown Resident: |
March 3 I received the following email indirectly from Bonnie Flandro: |
The following Franktown planned devlopment was brought to my attention recently. Click on the image to see the enlargement. Do we want all this devlopment in our community? Haven't we seen enough development already? How about leaving Franktown the way it is, instead of turning it into another L.A.?
ALERT! From: amy.maier@att.net |
If you have news of interest to our community - Email it to me and I'll put it on the front page. Mark
I'm leaving this post up for awhile, due to the document link - Editor The Franktown Citizens Coalition From: Charlotte Mirabella [mailto:delmira@earthlink.net] |
Note - Most recent info is on top. I will delete as older items become irrelevent. I will leave some posted for historical reference.
FCCII MEETING ON 10-23 The FCCII Meeting on 10-23 was informative. It's purpose was to inform the community of the structure and rules of operation of the Denver
Regional Council of Governments, Douglas County Commissioners and Planning Commission and Departments, and the Franktown Public Advisory Committee, and more about the Franktown Citizens Commission. Lily Budd and
Charlotte Mirabella, both on the FPAC and the FCC, conducted the meeting. Approx 100 citizens were in attendance. It was clear the folks attending were concerned about rampant growth in the area and how to limit it in
Franktown. It was explained that some of the impetus for growth originated in Franktown downtown's business's need for water and sewer. The existing septic systems of these businesses are operating at or beyond
capacity, with overflow leaching into Cherry Creek which pollutes the water supply of Parker and communities downstream. Therefore these businesses are limited in customer capacity and growth. The Mexican restaurant Los
Volcanos was closed (they moved to Elizabeth) due to a ruined leach field. If development happens, it will include water and sewer at the expense of the developers (and new residents) helping the businesses fix their problem
at minimal cost to them, as well as increasing their potential customer base. A no brainer business decision at the expense of the community character. Growth will also destroy the lifestyle of Franktown for the residents
already here - who came for the quiet, rural, crime free character and don't want to see it become urban. So now we have an Us vs. Them situation. The current potential development property owners, local businesses needing
water/sewer, developers, potential new residents, and some of the government parties involved all have a fiscal interest and want to see growth in our communtiy - while the folks who want to keep the lifestyle as it is are not
involved in the transaction and so are pretty much disempowered to prevent growth. EXCEPT. For the FCCII and the FPAC's influence on the decision. The following documents were handed out and explained. My
notes are on the left one. Note there are business owners and a developer as well as residents represented on the FPAC.
It turns out the Survey mentioned below is the biggest influence we can have on the planning process at this time. So it is |
As always, click on thumbnails to link to larger images.
More Info Re: The FCC II Meeting on October 23 THANKS to everyone who took time out of their busy schedule to attend our meeting on Oct. 23rd. For those of you who were unable to attend and to cover some of the items we were unable to address I thought I'd send this
update. |
Flintwood Hills Homeowners Association Meeting These are not the official minutes taken by Paula Xxxxx, but I'm trying to be timely with news, so until I get my requested copy my informal notes will have to
do. Annual dues were collected at the meeting. Approximately twenty neighbors were in attendance. Pretty good turnout considering the nasty weather. One suggested (I missed her name) that I should have
posted this meeting here, as she lost her card and wasn't sure of the time. She was right and I would have, but I didn't know about the meeting until that morning either when Kathy called to ask if I was coming. Somehow
my postcard notice was missed. Kathy Nafie did the Treasurer's report from Barbara Krohta. There was around $150 (my approximation) in the fund. She motioned that we donate $50 to the church for the use of the
hall. All agreed. New board members: Two were needed. Four volunteered. It was motioned, why not accept all of them? All agreed, so all four were accepted as new board members. They are, (in
the order I wrote them down) Ron Bennett, John Webb, Wayne Watson, and Audra Brewer. Remaining board members are Carl McGill, Barbara Krohta, and Kathy Nafie. I (Mark Tobias) am not an official board member but help
with the web work and donate this site (and my two bits when anyone will listen). Neighborhood Issues: Another neighbor said traffic on Ponderosa Lane is way too fast since it was paved. There were suggestions for traffic control, more police enforcement, and speed bumps. Steve Dyer brought up the issue
of what the position of the Board should be, on building issues. What stand/policy should be established? What should be the Architectural Committee requirements? Jamie Saraduke, of Abby Contracting volunteered to
help with the latter. Audra Brewer brought up the issue of overuse of water, thereby depleting the acquifers under use excessively, without regard to the consequences to all of us. We agreed a neighborhood consensus should
be established (and enforced if needed). John Webb (retured lawyer) will work on this. The Douglas County Horse Property restriction on advertising and selling properties (I'm not sure of the letter and ownership of this
one) reduces property values for those under 2.3 acres who haven't historically kept horses, as they are not allowed to call it a "horse property". It was moved that a petition should be drawn up to obtain an exemption
for our community, and circulated among the communtiy for signature. Lastley, the issue of the Franktown Village surveys as input to the revision of the Subarea Masterplan - covered in some detail below - was discussed.
Emphasis was on completing the surveys, and be careful of your answers as developers and those in their camp are eagerly seeking anything from the community that smacks of encouragement towards growth. End of my
notes. This will be updated as I receive more information from those in attendance, or the official minutes from Kathy Nafie. Here's the official minutes that were sent to me on 2/4/03:
Homeowners Association of Flintwood Hills
President pro tem, Kathy Nafie opened the meeting at 7:36 pm, at the Hilltop Church of Christ, Community Room. Due to inclement weather
there were 17 residents present. Kathy Nafie reviewed the history of the Organization. Mr. Soderberg filed the organization papers in August 1957. The Covenants were filed in the 1970's and for the most part have not been
maintained or carry jurisdiction. Consequently, the governance of our subdivision falls under the jurisdiction of unincorporated Douglas County. The Community atmosphere that has prevailed during recent years is this: In
general, when it does not impose on the well being or safety of others or surrounding properties, our intent is to Live and let live.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum to discuss local issues and Franktown issues. Treasurer's Report: In Barbara Krohta's absence, Kathy read her report. Previous Balance $166.00
PO Box Rental 26.00 Current Balance $140.00 Meeting Expenses – Postage/Cards: $58.00(?)
Donation to Church for use of Room $50.00 These two expenditures were approved as presented. Annual membership dues of $15 were collected from those present to sustain the organization.
For your information: Web Address: Mark Tobias has provided this space and service to us for several years as a means for keeping us connected and as a resource of information for our community. He has provided this at no cost to our organization. Thank you, Mark.
The first order of business is to elect members to the Board. Ron Bennett, John Webb, Wayne Watson and Audra Brewer were nominated.
By consent of those in Attendance, all have been named members of the Board. General Discussion Ron Bennett asked about Dust Control on Ponderosa Road. We discussed options such as speed bumps to slow people down going
through the neighborhood. We will research this and check into the cost. We will put it up on the website for further discussion. Steve Dyer wants a better way of submitting plans for building on sites within our
subdivision. He is concerned that most people are not aware that they need HOA approval. Jamie ( Franktown Village Survey was discussed. They must be turned in by Friday. Several members shared insights from meeting attended and issues involving the business district of Franktown at the intersection of Hwy
83 and Hwy 86. The issue of what can be named Horse Property was discussed. A new use regulation put in place by the County restricts advertising or having horses on properties less than 2.3 acres. There is a possible
provision that we can exempt our subdivision from this county land use restriction through a petition and be grand fathered in. We will research this legally and make sure we have a well-worded petition that can be circulated
that will accomplish this to preserve and protect the intent and character of our community. It was suggested that we establish relationships with several different county entities so that when we have a problem or issues, we
will have resources to go to with our questions. It was suggested that the HOA should meet at least twice a year to keep the community informed and current on affairs going on in Franktown and Douglas County.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Paula Blohm
|
Franktown Citizens Survey Results The results of the Franktown Citizens Survey are tabulated and posted on the Douglas County site. Go to http://www.douglas.co.us/DC/current.htm to download and read it. |
Design Charrette 1/22-23 times & places... The Design Charrette for the Franktown Sub-area Plan is presently scheduled
for Wednesday, January 22 , 2003 from 6 - 8:30pm and all day Thursday, January 23, 2003 (8am - 5pm) at the Events Center located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock. |
What is this Charrette? I have been asked by several people to explain what this Charrette is and why it is important for the
citizens to attend, so I will attempt to answer this here. |
What is a Charrette? see http://www.charretteinstitute.org/charrette.html
Franktown Public Advisory Committee Agenda for Tuesday, February 25, 2003, 2-4 PM 3. Next steps: Presentation by planning staff and group discussion. |
UPDATE: Franktown PAC Meeting 2/25/03: The Citizen's Advisory Committee met on February 25 for a follow-up on the Design Charrette for the
Franktown Sub-area Plan. The Douglas County Planning Dept. has decided that they are going to take a step back since it has been made clear to them (finally) that the process is not working. They have not decided on a
new format as of yet but they tried to assure us that there would be an opportunity for more community input into the planning process. As I get more details on what they are proposing I will send them to you. |
A "With Regards To"tm Commentary Booshway A. Hythloday
With regards to the Franktown's Area Master Plan. Several months ago the sewers in Franktown started overflowing, and people in town had to hastily volunteer as first responders. During a
meeting it was discovered there just might be a silver lining inside the septic tank problem. A metro district was formed to figure out a way to tap into the Pinery sanitation system. However, when the cost of disposing of the
effluent was determined, it dawned on the group that it might be even better if Franktown was transformed from a "cross-roads" into a real Western town; you know, one with condos and apartments. With a larger tax base someone else
could help absorb the costs of transporting all that sewage downhill to Parker—an admirable goal under any circumstances. Now, for those who might have just moved to Douglas County, you need to know that Parker, in
the early 1970's was at the same crossroads as Franktown is today. Parker, too, had this romantic and grandiose notion of transforming itself from a defunct stage stop into a real-west village. Progress was interrupted twice
by recession, and crass cronyism between city government and developers. Parker brought in outside professionals who soon realized they couldn't keep the town treasury bulging without a large sales tax base. A
problem-defined is a problem-solved. High-density residential development took off around Parker in the 1990s. This attracted the Big-Box stores necessary to generate sales tax revenues. The goose began to lay golden eggs. The only
trophy which Parker has lacked in its pursuit of a"Big-Box Grand-Slam" is an Auto-plex with huge flags and bright lights. That will be built soon, right along with a Loew's and Kohl's giving Parker a complete sweep. As
for the small merchants, for whom Parker's growth was to benefit? Most of them are down the road kicking rocks! Back to the opera being played out in Franktown.
No community-based morality play is complete without antagonists. It is no surprise that homeowners who moved to Franktown to escape the apocalypse of Parker would become monkey-wrenchers in the Franktown rezoning process. The concerned citizens quickly realized that the Franktown sewer crisis was really just a ploy to turn 'paradise' into something resembling "Parker-in-Drag". The "chatter" on the Internet by a few has recently led to a groundswell of opposition. The County waded into the melee, and organized a planning "charette"(not to be confused with a charade). It is hoped facilitation by county master-planners will bring together people with competing interests who, once they vent their spleens, will move toward harmonic convergence.
As the second act of this opera opens, it is now clear that the business folks in Franktown have disturbed a hornet's nest by calling for a rework of the Franktown Area Plan. They were not content to solve their
personal sewage problems privately, as most modest people do. Now they are being pursued by a swarm of angry residents. A new chapter is about to be written in the history of Frank Gardner's town. Franktown will either become
Colorado's "Last-Best-Place" or just"Another-Worst-Place". If Franktown's inner circle really wants the place to become more than a cross-roads (it's presently not even incorporated as a town), harsh economical
reality is going dictate the rules of the game. That almost always means higher density, which, in turn, implies multi-family residential. Funding sewer, not to mention water, by-pass roads, side walks— require an economic critical
mass. It's delusional to believe that the mathematics can work out with the current mix of businesses and residences in the town. I predict the Franktown planning charette will soon hit another bump in the road. At some
point they are going to have to talk honestly and openly about how to deal with rezoning of the surrounding agricultural parcels. If they do not increase overall housing density in the greater Franktown area, which encompasses a
26,000 acres, it can only be done by maintaining near-zero density on the remaining agricultural lands. Now, County planners would like everyone to assume that these lands will not be re-zoned or developed. One need only look at
any zoning map of Douglas County more than 20 years old to realize it was once all agricultural! The only reason there are cows on it now is to maintain the agricultural tax status until it can be developed. This
matter is really at the heart of the problem, but everyone would like to avoid talking about it. As the value of land in Franktown grows, agricultural landowners will want to participate in the economic benefits. If the current
residents in the area are not prepared to pay to acquire agricultural lands for open space they will have lost their chance forever. If you think agricultural land owners will just keep raising cows and horses for sentimental
reasons, you are sadly mistaken. The ensuing cascade of events is virtually guaranteed. As land values and population increase, agricultural land will be rezoned to allow higher density. As density increases, the
Big-Box stores will rush-in and drive the smaller merchants out-of-business. Sales and property tax revenues will increase as government becomes a cheerleader. Once Franktown becomes a magnet high-density housing development will
be just around the corner. Values of home re-sells will drop and all the emphasis will be on new housing. And, when there is high-density housing development, the Big Box stores will be attracted. Anyone who thinks government
can be counted on to be a "loyal-agent" representing the interests of current residents or small merchants in the current Franktown planning exercise is tragically naïve. Local governments have, historically, encouraged
high-density development because of the tax revenues that follows. They have their own vested pecuniary interests and their own political agenda. Small, independent merchants are routinely sacrificed on the altar to appease the
Big-Box "gods" who demand high-density housing to enable them to generate gross sales within their market area. Sales tax revenue are merely the tribute the Big-box stores pay state and local government to secure their
franchise to operate. The stakeholders from Franktown can engage in polite civility at charette meetings, but, make no mistake, ultimately the process is an exercise in political power. Parker and Castle Rock have become the
modern, prototypical "Economic-Tigers" in the mind's eye of local government everywhere. Only high-sales tax-base townships have the potential to generate the large sales tax revenues needed by modern government. Too bad that the
jobs created are "nickel-and-dime' and insufficient to support a family.
The Franktown Sewer Crisis of 2002
has become an opera. Whether it ends up being tragedy or comedy is yet to be known. I just wish there might be some other way to finesse ourselves out of this seemingly impossible situation. Maybe we should all take the Chinese path of "
Wu-Wei", which calls for "Do Nothing". Sometimes doing nothing is the best strategy to adopt. if they can't get it, they can't have it
If they can't get the sewer and water,
They can't develop. If they do get sewer and water,
They will persist,
Until every patch of ground is rezoned,
And the area is a vast sea of homes. It has all become one big extractives industry
Big businesses who profit from high density housing, and
Local government who collects the sales and property taxes. Just, never forget,
There's no morality here,
These people are not loyal agents. |
Douglas Cnty Water Supply Meeting
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OPEN HOUSE Mon 4/18/05 The open house for the Franktown Subarea Plan is this coming Monday April 18, 2005 from 6:30- 8:00 PM at the Franktown Elementary School. The plan can be viewed online at |
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Editor's comment: There were approx 65 people who spoke to the commissioners. I believe the count was 5 against the plan - all the rest were for it. Can't say what the commissioners will do with that feedback, but in political terms it was a LANDSLIDE! |
Douglas County Commissioners Thumb Their Noses at Their Constituency Apparently not. The developers, 7.7% of the people speaking at the Aug 29
hearing, who DON'T LIVE IN FRANKTOWN, have gotten the commissioners to rewrite the subarea plan to accommodate development. Does this look like money talks? Does this look like the commissioners are getting their palms
greased? Hell yes it does. Apparently they don't care about their constituency. Can you say "recall"? Here's a letter I just got from Charlotte Mirabella:
The Planning Commissioners met November 14 and rewrote the subarea plan to accommodate development in Franktown. The developers will have the ability to develop Franktown just about any way they want to. There
are no restrictions on density (how many townhouses,condos, apartments, commercial businesses can be built) in the area. Print, sign and mail this letter to the Commissioners
expressing your feelings about their ignoring your input. |
COMMISSIONER'S MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22 2005 AT 1:30 The County Commissioners will hold a business meeting on Tuesday November 22 at 1:30PM in the Commissioners
hearing room - 100 3rd St. Castle Rock. There is an opportunity for citizens to express their concerns at this meeting. I thought it might be a good idea if we all attended and expressed our concern over what the
Planning Commissioners are doing to our Subarea Plan. Anything you say will be part of the public record. So come prepared and lets try to get the Commissioners attention and maybe we can turn this thing around so
we can keep Franktown the way we want it. Charlotte Mirabella |
Foxhill has submitted a request for a subdivision plan again.
They want to put in 94 houses. Do you want to see a TON of growth abutting Flintwood Hills? Here's the letter with map that R. Martin Ostholthoff, DougCo Sr Planner, sent out ONLY TO PROPERTY
OWNERS ABUTTING THE PLAN AREA, received by one of our neighbors 12/20/05. Click on it for an enlargement. Looks like they're trying to slip this past us, hidden in the Christmas mail. Please watch this space and
plan to attend hearing dates when I post them, to tell them if you don't want to see more growth and traffic and crime in our neighborhood. |
Foxhill Developer Meeting Thursday February 16 at 7:00 PM The developer/owner is having a meeting to explain the neighborhood and hear your concerns. This meeting will be held on February 16th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held at the Franktown elementary school, located on Parker Road. Here's the latest letter from the developer. |
