Castle Rock Vision 2030 - Community Input Summary: October 2013 During the month of September, nearly 500 individuals participated in outreach activities associated with the Town of Castle Rock’s Vision 2030 process. Activities included multiple community workshops and an online Community Preferences Survey. The following is a summary of feedback received in response to specific questions regarding existing and potential new goals for consideration as part of the Vision 2030 process. Many participants provided detailed written comments in addition to providing answers to the specific questions posed as part of the survey. Major themes that emerged from the written responses are noted where relevant. Highlighted themes reflect those that were raised by a large number of participants and were expressed in multiple sections of the survey. GOALS WHERE MORE INPUT IS NEEDED 1. Should the Town’s goal of encouraging a broad range of housing to provide for all household types, ages, and income ranges within the community be carried forward (Community Planning, Goal 3)? a. Polling results: 73% of respondents support carrying forward this goal either as is (56%) or with modifications (17%). b. Recommendation: Carry this goal forward as is as part of the Vision 2030 document as is; explore this issue in greater detail as part of the I-25 Subarea Plan process and ultimately as part of an updated Comprehensive Plan. Summary of Written Comments Stronger support for achieving diversity by focusing on senior, attached single-family, and townhomes vs. multi-family housing. Limited support for multi-family housing generally, and a perception by a number of respondents that an increase in lower cost housing or multi-family housing may in turn increase crime rates and result in security and maintenance concerns. General concern about the quantity of growth anticipated and potential traffic associated with that growth (and higher density growth in particular). A desire to curb growth and maintain Castle Rock’s distinct identity, both as a small town and an affluent, family-oriented one. 2. If so, what types of housing do you think the Town should encourage more of? a. Polling results: Strongest support among participants for downtown housing (e.g., lofts above storefronts) and a mix of all options (options included single-family attached and detached, multi- family, downtown housing, affordable, and senior housing), followed by senior housing and single- family detached. Multi-family housing received the least amount of support. Castle Rock Vision 2030—Community Input Summary: October 2013 b. Recommendation: Address the overall mix of housing accommodated within the Town more specifically as part of the forthcoming I-25 Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan update, both from a policy perspective and a future land use capacity perspective. Summary of Written Comments Stronger support for achieving diversity by focusing on senior, attached single-family, and townhomes vs. multi-family housing. o A perception by a number of respondents that an increase in lower cost housing or multi-family housing may in turn increase crime rates, result in security and maintenance concerns, and lower property values overall. o Small amount of support for aesthetically pleasing multi-family housing so long as residents “keep up” the property. Strong opposition to subsidized housing. Support for downtown housing, particularly for seniors and young working adults. A willingness to let the market determine the housing mix. A desire to curb growth and maintain Castle Rock’s distinct identity, both as a small town and an affluent, family-oriented one. 3. Should the Town’s goal of moving the industrial rail line out of downtown be carried forward (Community Planning, Goal 6)? a. Polling results: 41% of respondents support carrying forward this goal either as is (37%) or with modifications (5%). 41% of respondents do not think this goal should be carried forward and 17% indicated they were not sure or had no comment. b. Recommendation: Modify current goal to convey support for the mitigation of rail impacts generally. Summary of Written Comments Some respondents believe that the train is an integral part of Castle Rock’s small town identity and history. Many respondents are concerned about the cost of moving the rail line, and think the funds could be better spent elsewhere. Many respondents support the quiet zone solution to the train’s current location, as opposed to moving it. Some respondents are concerned about the proposed new location of the line, while others are interested in addition light rail transit to the existing line and/or right of way. 4. How important is it for you to be able to conduct your daily business—work, shopping, medical, entertainment— within the limits of the Town? a. Polling results: 85% of respondents consider it important (38%) or very important (47%) to be able to conduct their daily business within the Town. 9% of respondents were neutral, and only 6% considered it not important (4%) or not important at all (2%). b. Recommendation: Carry forward goal below and expand existing goal related to the development of Castle Rock as a self-sufficient community. 2 Castle Rock Vision 2030—Community Input Summary: October 2013 5. Should the Town’s goal of seeking a balanced mix of commercial and residential growth be carried forward (Local Economy, Goal 1)? a. Polling results: 91% of respondents support carrying forward this goal either as is (75%) or with modifications (16%). 7% of respondents do not think this goal should be carried forward and 2% indicated they were not sure or had no comment. b. Recommendation: Carry forward as is. Summary of Written Comments Concern about uncontrolled or extensive growth and the associated negative traffic impacts of adding more commercial development. Support for more commercial growth, particularly if it provides jobs and encourages local businesses. Many respondents called out specific businesses they would like to see, including restaurants and a Costco. Concern about effects of ongoing growth on property values and the town’s aesthetics, particularly from big box stores. 6. Should the Town’s goal of establishing a higher education facility in Castle Rock to provide support and training for a diversified workforce be carried forward (Local Economy, Goal 3)? a. Polling results: 67% of respondents support carrying forward this goal either as is (59%) or with modifications (8%). 22% of respondents do not think this goal should be carried forward and 11% indicated they were not sure or had no comment. b. Recommendation: Carry forward with minor modifications to reflect addition of new facilities since 1999 and ongoing priorities. Summary of Written Comments Support for a higher education facility, so long as it is a non-traditional facility (e.g., 2-year or technical school) or one of high caliber, such as a satellite campus for a state university. Support for eliminating the goal, mostly because residents can travel to any of the many institutions in neighboring areas. Respondents see potential value in adding higher education, from the economic impact on the town and the increased availability of education within the town. Many respondents worry about potential negative effects of adding a higher education facility, such as increased traffic and becoming a “college town.” 3 Castle Rock Vision 2030—Community Input Summary: October 2013 QUESTIONS ABOUT NEW GOALS 1. Are there new goals you think the Town should consider incorporating as part of Vision 2030? a. Recommendation: Refine and/or expand existing goals to address areas with the strongest support, as noted in bold below. Summary of Written Comments Support for a community facility and/or community events goal, such as constructing a recreation center or events center. Support for a goal regarding improving congestion throughout town, and particularly on I-25 near the Meadows and Founder’s Parkway. Support for transit, such as bus or light rail, to address commuter demand. A desire to preserve the aesthetic quality and small-town identity of Castle Rock. Some respondents suggest achieving this by curbing growth, others by implementing design standards, and a few by limiting lighted signs. Some small support for: o Improved public education o Reinvestment in the downtown area o Water resource conservation and/or awareness o Improved parks, trails, and open space o Increased entertainment (particularly nighttime) options QUESTIONS ABOUT SMALL TOWN IDENTITY 1. What about Castle Rock do you most directly associate with its small-town identity? Select all that apply. a. Polling results: Strongest association among respondents with the historic downtown (16%), followed by parks and open space (13%), sense of community (13%), family-friendly environment (13%), and local businesses (12%). In the next tier were population of the community (8%), neighborhoods (8%), and all of the above (8%). People (6%) received the least amount of support, and 3% chose some other quality. Summary of Written Comments Some respondents believe that Castle Rock has lost its small-town charm, mostly due to its growth, both current and projected. Community events contribute to small-town character, as do downtown aesthetics and businesses. The fact that it’s not Highlands Ranch or Denver and is relatively remote from major cities makes Castle Rock a small town. 4 Castle Rock Vision 2030—Community Input Summary: October 2013 2. How important are the following landscape elements to Castle Rock’s small-town identity? a. Polling results: Strongest association among respondents with parks, open space, and trails (93%) and views of Castle Rock and other prominent ridgelines (91%), followed by community events and family-friendly activities (88%), pedestrian-oriented streetscape (88%), and community gathering spaces (83%). In the next tier were drought-tolerant landscaping (67%) and sustainable development practices (64%). Public art received the least amount of support (45%). 3. How well do the following development forms fit within your vision of Castle Rock’s small-town identity? a.