TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK
VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 Winter • Spring 2015
A magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock home
Hike it. Bike it. Dive right in. Explore all Philip S. Miller Park has to offer
Holidays in Castle Rock
Enjoy seasonal activities and shop local this holiday
New development brings new businesses Promenade at Castle Rock breaks ground
Castle Rock Recreation Center 2301 Woodlands Blvd. Castle Rock, CO 80104
ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER CASTLE ROCK, CO
PRESRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CASTLE ROCK, CO PERMIT NO. 26
Best place
Data on the local economy, housing market, schools, healthcare and more recently led Money magazine to name Castle Rock No. 4 on its list of the 50 Best Places to Live in America.
In this issue
4
For the future
Foundation set for expansion of North Meadows Extension when traffic requires
13
Winter weather woes
Clearing snow is a team effort, and the Town needs your help
14
WISE Partnership
Castle Rock works with other water providers to bring resources to Town
18
Front line
Learn how Castle Rock Fire and Rescue works to prevent the fire from ever starting
Wow – what great news for our community. However, those of us who live here know it’s much more than those statistics that make Castle Rock so great. The greatness of Castle Rock is in its small-town spirit. It’s neighbors, young and old, becoming good friends and helping each other out. It’s doing your holiday shopping at a local store (Page 16), where the owner knows you by name and takes the time to ask about your family. It’s lights twinkling over Wilcox Street at night and a star shining out above the Rock (Page 12) as we welcome in 2015. As Christmas approaches, and as we set our intentions for the new year, let’s not take these things for granted. Let’s remain ever thankful that we are fortunate to live in such a wonderful place, with awesome amenities like Philip S. Miller Park (Page 8) and the well-on-its-way North Meadows Extension (Page 4). Let’s even try to be thankful for the snow that falls onto our streets (and the plow drivers who clear the way) (Page 13) – even when we can’t make it up to the slopes. Merry Christmas, and God bless,
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Data-driven patrol
Numbers help CRPD improve and maintain our quality of life
Mayor Paul Donahue
where to call community resources at a glance
Animal control/nonemergency Police Building permits Business licenses Chamber of Commerce Code enforcement Douglas County government Douglas County Libraries Elections/voter information Fire Department nonemergency MAC (Miller Activity Complex at Philip S. Miller Park) Main Town number Municipal Court
303-663-6100 720-733-3527 720-733-2227 303-688-4597 720-733-3559 303-660-7400 303-791-7323 303-660-1367 303-660-1066 720-733-2222 303-660-1015 303-663-6133
Park rentals Public Works/snow removal Recreation Center Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Town Council information Town employment Transit-dependent services Utility/water billing Water conservation
720-733-2260 720-733-2462 303-660-1036 720-733-3500 303-660-1367 720-733-2218 303-814-6407 303-660-1373 720-733-6000 Emergency Mass Notification Life can change with just a moment’s notice. Make sure you are connected to emergency personnel. To register, visit CRgov.com/CodeRED.
A publication of the Castle Rock Community Relations Division Design Karen Carter, Community Relations Manager Versatility Creative Group Executive Editor Fritz Sprague, Deputy Town Manager
Editors Karen Carter, Community Relations Manager Caroline Kipp, Senior Community Relations Specialist KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay, Community Relations Specialist Kristin Zagurski, Management Analyst
Photography Mark Sims, Simms Photographics; Karen Carter; and Versatility Creative Group On the cover Kids enjoy the indoor play area at the MAC during the Philip S. Miller Park grand opening celebration this fall.
CenturyLink Castle Rock residents and businesses now have two choices for cable television service. In August, Town Council approved a competitive cable franchise agreement with CenturyLink. A franchise is a contract between a local government, in this case Castle Rock, and a utility provider that allows the provider to use the government’s rights of way to provide service within the community. (The Town already had a cable franchise in place with Comcast.) CenturyLink now is offering television service within the community.
Tree recycling As this magazine makes it to your mailbox, holiday decorations will be adorning the community. It’ll be hard to imagine the magic of the season will end. But there’s still one last gift to give. Take your live tree to a nearby park, where it will be turned into mulch. Help the environment and your neighbor. Trees can be taken to Butterfield, Metzler Ranch Community, Centennial and Founders parks. Mulch will be available at Metzler Ranch Community Park through March 31 or until gone.
GOOD TO KNOW
Holiday break
Drivers, and the crews doing the work along Founders Parkway, can breathe a sigh of (temporary) relief. CDOT construction teams are taking a holiday break to accommodate extra traffic trying to get to the stores and restaurants in the area during the biggest shopping season of the year. The cone zone is scheduled to return Monday, Jan. 12. Work is expected to be complete by summer. Learn more about CDOT’s project at CRgov.com/FoundersMeadows.
CRgov.com
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North Meadows
Building for today and the future Those who have sat in traffic along Founders/Meadows Parkway know the patience it sometimes takes to get where they’re going. Soon, another connection will help relieve congestion in that area. In summer 2016, the North Meadows Extension will provide another road to U.S Highway 85 and Interstate 25 for drivers trying to access these main thoroughfares from the west side of Town. The two-lane road has been under construction for more than a year and is well on its way to completion. But what if you would have had to wait another seven years for construction to even begin? Thanks to voter-approved bonds and public/private partnerships, we don’t have to find out. 4
OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
In 2016, the initial phase of the North Meadows Extension will open. Long-term plans call for a four-lane road, with two lanes in each direction the entire stretch of the 2-mile road. But, as with any home budget, there are competing priorities for limited funding. The total cost of this initial phase is about $70 million, and there are other major projects the Town also wanted to complete. In an effort to get the new connection open earlier while balancing limited resources, the North Meadows Extension was divided into two parts. The initial roadway, set to open in 2016, will have two lanes, but the foundation will be set for further expansion to four lanes, when traffic warrants. To build a brand-new road, there is a lot of dirt to move, and that’s a tough job. With that in mind, crews have already moved enough dirt to accommodate the future
s Extension
width of the four-lane road. This phase of construction will include two traffic lanes, with two lanes slated for the future. Interchanges with both U.S. 85 and I-25 will be fully constructed without the need of widening in the future. Even this initial phase is an expansion of the original proposal, which was to build a road from The Meadows to U.S. 85 only. Because of its regional importance, area leaders expanded the project to include a connection to I-25, with the help of funding from Douglas County and CDOT. Castle Rock Development Co, the developer of The Meadows, contributed land to phase one and will contribute funding when traffic warrants the roadway’s expansion to four lanes.
Stay informed As construction continues, there are many ways to stay informed: • Call the project hotline, 303-327-4033, for a weekly recorded update. In addition, questions can be directed to that hotline. • Visit CRgov.com/notifyme to sign up for regular email updates, such as this one • Visit CRgov.com/NMEupdate for a weekly construction report
CRgov.com
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Connect with Castle Rock on social media
It’s a social world out there. Today, social media is not only a place to connect with friends and family (and watch crazy cat videos), but also a hub for legitimate news and information. Castle Rock was one of the first municipalities in the area to engage social media. The Town launched both Facebook and Twitter back in 2009. Now, with a new year on the horizon, there will be more ways to connect. Your Town knows there are a lot of ways to get information. We want you to know, the Town’s official Facebook page is at Facebook.com/CRgov. Our Twitter handle is @CRgov. Through these platforms, you will find all of the official Town news and information. We’ll update you with information on roads, events, police and fire incidents and more. We’ll also share photos and hope you will share your thoughts or ideas with us. New social platforms come online all the time. It’s important we take time to evaluate them and invest in where our community gathers. In 2015, we are planning to ramp up our efforts. Look for us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and a refreshed presence on YouTube, coming soon. 6
OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
IN THE KNOW WITH CRgovGo! Resolve to be involved; Town launches new mobile app How many times have you checked your phone today? According to the Pew Research Center, 90 percent of American adults own a cell phone, and 42 percent own a mobile tablet. Nearly 45 percent of cell phone users have their phones near them when they sleep (so as not to miss a notification), and, for nearly 30 percent of Americans, their phone is the first and last thing they look at each day. The Town of Castle Rock knows it’s a mobile world out there, and your Town government is meeting residents and business owners where they’re at with a new mobile app, CRgovGo! It’s fit for iPhone and Android, and it’s the same timely and important information you get at CRgov.com, but hand-held and convenient. The features on the app are based on the Town’s website data, so it’s focused on the information residents and business owners want most.
The Town news feature will keep you informed about the North Meadows Extension, Philip S. Miller Park and other Town priorities and projects in the same way as CRgov.com. There’s also a connection to the Town’s Facebook and Twitter pages, so residents and business owners can not only get news but also share their thoughts. As technology evolves, the app will adapt, so expect to see more features over time. The Town’s social world is expanding, too. Already, residents and business owners connect with the Town on Facebook and Twitter. Soon, LinkedIn and Instagram will be part of the Town’s social outreach efforts, too (see page 6). Watch for more information at CRgov.com/go.
The new app, available for download in mid December, will connect residents to fitness schedules, pool schedules, information about water bills, along with parks and trails and the directory of Town businesses that’s also available at CRgov.com/411.
FREE TO DOWNLOAD. Coming to an app store mid December CRgov.com
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meet me at the mac Philip S. Miller Park is open for business. The largest park in Town history got off to a great start, when more than 10,000 people came out to celebrate the facility’s first day. Among its many features, the park hosts a variety of new activities for residents and visitors alike. The 8 miles of concrete and natural-surface trails wind through the park and its many peaks and valleys, and a 200-step challenge staircase provides an intense workout, and an amazing view from the top, for the most extreme fitness buffs. Outdoors, there’s also a lighted synthetic-turf field. The park’s crowning feature is the new Miller Activity Complex, or the MAC. The new activity center houses a full-sized and a half-sized synthetic-turf field, drop-down batting cages, an 18-hole golf simulator, a trampoline area, children’s climbing structure, party rooms, and an indoor lap and leisure pool. This new amenity truly has something for everyone, and this is only the first phase. There are more plans in the works for Philip S. Miller Park. Mayor Paul Donahue cut the ribbon at the park’s grand opening ceremony. He talked about the planning, and input from residents that helped make sure the park has a regional draw. “There were so many things we could have done here, and it took the Parks and Recreation staff, Parks and Recreation Commission and resident input to really point out what was really important to you, and what you wanted to see here,” Donahue said. “I think in the end, when we took all of those ideas and funneled them down to what we’ve got, Parks and Recreation did a great job determining what is going into this park and what the residents want, and we really do appreciate them taking those ideas, looking at the financial cost and saying this is what makes sense for Castle Rock.”
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
to have d e s s e l b o s e r “ We a ty in our i n e m a w e n s i th offers y l u r t t I . y t i n commu everyone.� r o f g n i h t e m o s - Mayor Paul
Donahue
CRgov.com
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phil
ip s
zip into the future
. mil
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par
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Opening soon will be an outdoor adventure playground and a zip line course. Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours has entered into a lease agreement with the Town to build Castle Rock Zip Lines and Aerial Trekking.
The zip line facility will have three different features for adventure-seekers, including a zip line tour with 10 zip lines, the Head Rush Tower and a dual-race zip line for the most competitive daredevils. Future improvements may also include a self-paced family-friendly aerial trekking course. The Town has no financial investment in the zip lines. However, the facility’s lease agreement grants the Town 5 percent of the gross revenues. Residents will be offered a significant discount to enjoy the amenity. Prices for residents, depending on the course, will be between $13.20 and $64.90 for the full nine-course tour. Nonresident rates will range from $22 to $97.90. The zip lines are expected to open this spring. There’s already a lot to do at the park, but there’s more to come. Future phases for Philip S. Miller Park may include a core plaza with picnic pavilions; outdoor fireplace; accessible concrete trails; restrooms; splash pad; an event mill house; pond; and an amphitheater. Town Council will make the final decision for what any future phases may entail and when construction on those future phases may begin. Stay tuned at CRgov.com/PSMpark. Plus, look for your MAC Guide, included with this publication, for class information currently offered at the MAC.
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
The adventure is just beginning The grand opening celebration is just the start of all the exciting things happening at Philip S. Miller Park. You may have noticed crews still working at the park. They’re finishing up the Adventure Playground. It’s a unique playground experience that will blend seamlessly into the terrain of the area. There will be paths that snake through the playground, a large dome climber with ropes and other climbing challenges, a two-person pendulum swing and much more. Plus, a 60-foot slide will transport kids through the entire playground. Look for the Adventure Playground to be open early next year.
CRgov.com
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Holidays in Castle Rock Enjoy the season in Castle Rock ’Twas just before Christmas in charming Castle Rock. With traditions abound, holiday time was all of the talk. Whether is the timeless story of “The Night Before Christmas,” the new Elf on the Shelf, or something special to your family, there is a unique feel in the air around the holiday season. In Castle Rock, there are new memories to make as we continue our cherished traditions. Town Council, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Alliance and Douglas County all made an investment in Downtown Castle Rock this year, with new holiday decorations. Town Council earlier this year launched the idea to improve decorations Downtown, and a Holiday Lighting Committee got to work. A fully decorated 30-foot tree is now the signature decoration in Festival Park at Second and Perry streets. In all, there are 14 decorations on each of the 184 branches of the tree. White lights adorn buildings, trees, street poles and bridges from Fifth Street to First Street on Wilcox and Perry streets. Businesses also invested in similar lighting, so Downtown could have a consistent charm this season. All new decorations were in place before Starlighting, which also featured something new. Since 1935, the lighting of the star atop the Rock has been an annual tradition. The star has always remained on until the end of the National Western Stock Show in mid-January. This year, there were surprises in the works, including new lights. Further north in Town, the Outlets at Castle Rock is glistening for the holiday season, too. Santa arrived during the center’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. It’s one of the best places to shop for friends and family. Whether it’s shopping the Outlets, or the unique Downtown stores, spending your holiday budget in Castle Rock also helps your neighbor. The services your Town provides, such as fire, police, road maintenance and more, are funded mostly through sales tax. So, when you’re looking for that perfect gift, think locally, and give a gift to your neighbor, too. So spring to your car and get out and about. It’s time to enjoy this delightful winter season in your hometown Castle Rock.
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
SNOW Happens Safety a priority during unpredictable winter weather Weather’s been particularly odd in Colorado this year, and there’s just no telling what winter will bring. One thing drivers in Castle Rock can count on is the readiness and dedication of the Town’s snow plow drivers. Main thoroughfares and school bus routes are the Town’s priority and are plowed for every snow event. Through March 15, residents can expect plows to clear one emergency access lane on neighborhood streets when 4 inches of snow or more are predicted to accumulate on the road. After March 15, when the days are longer and warmer, the Town’s threshold for plowing neighborhood streets is a prediction of 8 inches or more of accumulation on streets. The Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department mobilizes for winter weather too, removing snow from public properties, including paved trails, when snow reaches 2 inches of accumulation. It’s a lot of work to maintain clear, safe roads and public areas, and these folks need the public’s help: • When on the road, yield to plow drivers, and avoid passing them on the right. (That’s where the snow is headed.) Feel free to wave and show thanks. • Property owners are legally required to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after 2 inches or more of snow accumulate. • When shoveling snow, please do not place snow from driveways, sidewalks or private property in to water quality ponds or into the street nor pile it up in front of fire hydrants or mail box clusters. • And, if you can, pay it forward. Help neighbors who are unable to shovel and clear snow from nearby fire hydrants, so they are accessible for emergency response.
What to know for snow: During severe winter weather, the Town will provide updates on its homepage, CRgov.com, and on Facebook and Twitter (@CRgov). Track the plows at CRgov.com/plowtracker. Find statewide information for highway travel conditions at www.cotrip.org. CRgov.com
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Moving forward in the long-term water supply plan
WISE Authority purchases existing pipeline A big step toward securing the Town’s long-term water supply is moving forward. The purchase agreement for the pipeline that will bring future water to Castle Rock closed this fall. The Western Pipeline will help get water from the South Platte River to the Town of Castle Rock. When excess water is available the Town has the option to store that water in Rueter-Hess Reservoir. The Town owns approximately 8,000 acre-feet of water storage space in the reservoir, enough space to store more than one year’s worth of supply for the Town. The 20-mile pipeline along E-470 and C-470 will deliver more than 38 million gallons of water a day to Douglas and Arapahoe counties. Some of that water will end up in the reservoir for the Town’s future use. The pipeline is the last major piece of infrastructure for the WISE Water Agreement and is also a key component of Castle Rock Water’s other Northern Supply Project. It was purchased for $34 million. Castle Rock Water’s
investment was about $4 million of that purchase price. “This is a big step in providing for the Town’s long-term water needs,” said Utilities Director Mark Marlowe. “Purchasing this pipeline will not only help secure the Town’s water future, but strengthen our relationship with all the water utilities in the Denver metro region. That relationship can only continue to benefit our community.” WISE is a partnership among 10 south metro communities, Denver Water and Aurora Water. The purpose of the group is to identify solutions for long-term water issues and then share additional water supplies, infrastructure and costs. A majority of the participants in the WISE partnership are located within Douglas County. As part of the agreement, Denver Water and Aurora Water, starting in 2017, will sell water to Castle Rock Water and other members of the WISE partnership. Additionally, the agreement allows for that water supply to be increased in the future. “It’s an agreement that’s really a win-win for everyone involved,” said Marlowe. “This is the best option because we can work together to not only secure future long-term water for Castle Rock, but also throughout the entire region.”
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
Small increase for a big investment Finalizing agreements like the purchase of the Western Pipeline is a step in the right direction for Castle Rock Water. However, preparing for our water future, and keeping up with the Town’s current demand, comes at an escalating price. That’s why Castle Rock Water users will see a nominal increase in their water rates in 2015.
The total increase for typical Castle Rock residents will be less than 1 percent compared to 2014 rates. For the average resident, that will mean an additional 82 cents per month. This essential fee bump will help Castle Rock Water fund Legacy Water Projects, like the purchase of the Western Pipeline, without taking on any additional debt. Incremental increases each year also help to minimize rate shock for customers – fees are increased minimally each year instead of all at once, when a project is complete. While Castle Rock Water knows any rate increase can be an inconvenience for residents, this small increase now will be a big investment in the Town’s water future.
“It’s an agreement that’s really a win-win for everyone n, involved, This is the best optio to because we can work together m not only secure future long-ter o water for Castle Rock, but als .” throughout the entire region - Mark Marlowe Director, Castle Rock Water
Who is WISE?
Who is part of the WISE? (Water, Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency) The water entities that make up WISE are: Aurora Water, Centennial Water & Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District, Denver Water, Inverness Water and Sanitation District, Meridian Metropolitan District, Parker Water and Sanitation District, Pinery Water & Wastewater District, Rangeview Metropolitan District, Stonegate Village Metropolitan District and Town of Castle Rock.
CRgov.com
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’Tis the season to gift and give back, so why not shop locally and give back to your Town? Shopping in Castle Rock gives a boost to your local community. The Town’s budget is derived, in large part, from sales tax. So when you spend money in Town, you’re investing in important services your Town provides such as fire, police, snow removal, street maintenance and more. Local, independent business owners appreciate the support. When you buy from them, you’re helping to maintain the charming character and small-town feel that residents love about Castle Rock. And, shopping at any of our retail stores – independent or larger, national chains – generates sales tax and enhances employment opportunities for those living in the community. So, forget the boring experience of shopping online, and don’t fight traffic by heading into Denver –shop Downtown, the Outlets at Castle Rock or anywhere else in Town.
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015
2015 Budget maintains levels of service
Average property taxes to the Town
$40 FOR A RANGE OF TOWN SERVICES
For years, the Town has had the same five core priorities: 1) securing long-term water, 2) completing the North Meadows Extension 3) providing outstanding public safety services 4) creating jobs/expanding the tax base 5) developing the first phase of Philip S. Miller Park Significant progress has been made toward these priorities, and Town Council this year has been discussing what additional priorities should be set for the community. Decisions are expected in early 2015. Meanwhile, Town Council is required to pass a budget for the upcoming year in December. So, any new priorities set in early 2015 will be added into the budget after it is passed, as amendments. The budget as proposed – and as Town Council unanimously approved on first reading in November – is a base budget intended to complete currently approved projects, like those mentioned, as well as to maintain current service levels.
Castle Rock’s population has grown by 20 percent since 2010. Along with that, additional miles of roads have been added, park area has increased, and Police and Fire calls have gone up. That means additional Town staff is needed to maintain the same levels of service amid these added demands.
The Town’s 2015 property tax mill levy rate will be 1.703, which is unchanged from the current year. Below is a breakdown of property tax paid on a $300,000 home in Castle Rock for 2014. Entity
Tax rate
DC School District Douglas County Gov’t
Tax amount
Tax percentage
4.8277
$1,152.85
65.27 %
1.9774
472.20
26.73%
0.4030
96.21
5.45%
Town of Castle Rock
0.1703
40.67
2.30%
Cedar Hill Cemetery
0.0187
4.47
.25%
Metro Districts
various
DC Libraries
The proposed budget includes $189 million in expenditures – $98 million toward capital improvements, debt payments and interfund transfers, and $91 million for operations. Capital improvements include $34 million for the North Meadows Extension; $2.28 million for additional amenities at Miller Park; and $395,000 for improvements at Butterfield Crossing Pool. Also within the budget is a $6 million investment for street maintenance in the central part of Town and reconstruction of Plum Creek Boulevard between Emerald and Mount Royal drives.
There are no tax increases, new taxes or new fees within the budget. The only proposed increased cost to residents is 82 cents per household on the monthly water bill. The owner of a $300,000 house will continue to pay only $40 a year in property tax to the Town, which is less than 2.3 percent of the total property tax bill. Town Council was set to make its final vote on the 2015 Budget at its Dec. 2 meeting, which was after press time for this publication. Full details are available at CRgov.com/2015Budget. CRgov.com 17
Before the fire “Though we train and prepare for the worst, it is our hope the emergency never happens in the first place. The only way to do this is through effective prevention activities.” - Chief Art Morales
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Winter • Spring 2015
e starts
Another front line for fighting fires is prevention While most of what we think of firefighters doing is saving lives and extinguishing blazes, a whole other side of their jobs is to prevent the call from coming in. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Life Safety Division fights fires through education and prevention. The division reviews building plans for fire safety, inspects buildings for fire hazards, plans for the worst at public locations, and helps the public understand what they can do to prevent fires in their homes and businesses. The first step in preventing fires is to make sure buildings are constructed with safety in mind. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue plan reviewers evaluate building specs before construction can begin. This evaluation includes things like fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms and fire hydrants. Evaluations are based on adopted codes and standards, which are created and vetted by a consensus of experts. Once the plans are a go, construction begins. When construction is complete, firefighters check the building again to
make sure it’s safe for public occupation. The goal of these inspections is to minimize potential loss of life and property. Fire department inspectors look at how extension cords are being used, or other fire hazards. Similar inspections are also done annually to ensure code continues to be met. In the event these efforts can’t prevent a fire, CRFD has a plan in place to respond to a fire in the best way possible. Through preplanning, firefighters gather information about public buildings – such as schools, hospitals and businesses – that could help them make life-saving decisions in the future. These plans can help determine where to deploy firefighters and what could be expected at the scene. Lieutenants at each station are responsible for maintaining and updating plans for their areas. “Every significant fire is investigated to determine the cause and actions necessary to prevent occurrences in the future,” said Castle Rock Fire Chief Art Morales.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, is getting public help in preventing emergencies. Through car seat inspections, CPR classes, school visits, station tours and more, CRFD finds ways to reach out. There are 35 certified car seat technicians on staff throughout the department. These technicians are available to answer questions, help with car seat installation and check car seats. The program is available at all four stations between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week. In addition, the department offers CPR classes and other opportunities for involvement. Visit CRgov.com/fire for more information. “Though we train and prepare for the worst, it is our hope the emergency never happens in the first place,” Morales said. “The only way to do this is through effective prevention activities.”
CRgov.com
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Winter • Spring 2015
Creating a new place to shop, dine and enjoy closer to home An outdoor theater, fireside lounge, farmers markets, new restaurants, fresh retail and other amenities are coming to Castle Rock as part of a new shopping destination on the north end of Town.
“It’s a priority for us to bring in new amenities for our residents and give more people reason to visit our terrific Town,” said Mayor Paul Donahue. “We’re excited this project is moving forward for our community.”
Portions of the new Promenade at Castle Rock broke ground in November, shortly after developer Alberta Development Partners, LLC and Forum Real Estate Group purchased the land, setting the stage for residents to get access to a variety of amenities while Castle Rock remains a stand-alone community.
The initial phase to go vertical is located on the south side of Lowes and the Outlets at Castle Rock. It is slated to include 60,000 square feet of new retail and restaurants. It is expected this phase will be completed in 2015.
The Promenade at Castle Rock will bring 200 acres of new features for residents and visitors between Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 85. It has the potential for almost 1 million square feet of commercial space and 350 residential units.
Before the rest of the project gets underway, there will be time for public comment, because there are zoning changes, signs and overall plans that require approval from the Town’s Planning Commission and Town Council before construction can begin. Watch for updates online at CRgov.com/InYourBackyard. If approved, these other phases could be opened alongside the opening of the new North Meadows Extension roadway project in mid-2016 (see Pages 4-5). Alberta will make market-based decisions regarding which new businesses will come to Town. The exciting part is that nearly all of those businesses coming to the Promenade will likely be new to Castle Rock. If you’ve shopped at SouthGlenn in Centennial or Southlands Mall in Aurora, you’ve seen Alberta’s destinations. Learn more about this project at CRgov.com/promenadeproposal.
Get involved and stay updated Your Town knows there are many opinions about this new project. There is still time to help provide feedback. The developer will host public hearings regarding the re-zoning of the property in addition to the site development plans for areas larger than 10 acres or for sites with more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space. Watch CRgov.com for more information, or sign up for Town news, including updates on the Promenade, at CRgov.com /notifyme.
CRgov.com
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Proactive policing
Castle Rock Police uses data-driven approach to stop crime Most residents would agree: Castle Rock is a wonderful place to live. There are locally owned stores, a thriving Downtown and low crime rates. Ensuring residents feel safe in their neighborhoods is something the Castle Rock Police Department makes a priority. But oftentimes in thriving communities, crime rates can reflect the increase in growth. Here in Castle Rock, our Police Department is making sure that’s not the case. Castle Rock police officers wear many hats in our community. It’s not just about catching the bad guys and writing speeding tickets. Our officers are invested in improving, and maintaining, the quality of life in our community. That knowledge is what motivated officers to look at a more data-driven approach to law enforcement. By monitoring crime and traffic incident trends, officers are able to take a more proactive approach when it comes to policing the Town. 22
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Winter • Spring 2015
Right now, there are several programs within the Police Department that use data collection as their primary tool when battling crime. Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety, takes one specific area of Town and overlays two issues – traffic accidents and crime. Officers then saturate the area with resources to help combat the issues using enforcement, education and visibility. “Every time our officers pull a motorist over, it’s an educational opportunity,” said Commander Jason Lyons. “We’re trying to get people to modify their behavior. While the data shows our officers are stopping more drivers, they’re writing fewer tickets.” Computer Statistical Data Gathering, also known as COMPSTAT, is another program that uses data-driving policing to decrease crime rates. The department analyzes crime patterns and trends, and uses that information to proactively move resources and get ahead of crime before it occurs.
“Most agencies have officers drive around in their designated districts until they get a call for service. Our officers know about the crime trends in their areas. We’re able to deploy officers based on the data and hopefully prevent continued problems,” Lyons said. Oftentimes, officer presence in known trouble areas can prevent crimes and traffic incidents. Motorists see the officers, slow down and minimize their risk for accidents. However, car accidents will never be completely eliminated. Using data, identifying trends and limiting repeat problems helps the Castle Rock Police Department efficiently keep our community one of the safest in the state.
“We live in a safe community, and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but residents still need to be vigilant. Locking your car is the best way to protect yourself.” - Police Chief Jack Cauley
If you find yourself involved in an accident, here are a few tips:
Vehicle trespasses
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Call the police.
Protect your car from being broken into this holiday season
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If there are no obvious injuries, move your car out of traffic and to a safe area.
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Stay in your car until police arrive.
A data-driven approach to policing has helped reduce crime around Town. Car break-ins, or vehicle trespasses, have decreased by 50 percent since 2012. Police say this is one example of how monitoring statistics helps reduce crime in our community, but there’s more residents can do to make sure they don’t become victims of a crime this holiday season. “We live in a safe community,” said Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley. “And we wouldn’t have it any other way, but residents still need to be vigilant. Locking your car is the best way to protect yourself.” Most vehicle break-ins are the result of unlocked cars. Here are a few more ways to keep your car safe: • Park inside the garage as often as possible. • Don’t leave valuables in plain view – consider covering shopping bags and packages. • If possible, lock all registration, insurance and personal information in the glove compartment. • Don’t leave car or house keys inside the vehicle. • If you must leave the car outside, remove the garage opener, or consider locking the door between the garage and your home.
To stay up-to-date
on other ways Castle Rock Police is working to keep our community safe, visit CRgov.com/police.
CRgov.com 23
Leadership wanted Turning policy to results, search underway for Castle rock’s next Town Manager When Town Council makes a policy decision – like that the community needs another fire station, neighborhood park or highway interchange – someone must lead the effort to produce those tangible results. Under Castle Rock’s Council-Manager form of government, the person who leads such charges is the Town Manager. Mark Stevens, who has skillfully served the community as Town Manager for nearly 14 years, will retire in April. In order for Castle Rock to remain a premier community, it will be important for Town Council to select a new Town Manager as talented and thoughtful as Stevens. The process to find a new Town Manager typically takes several months. That’s why Town Council launched its search soon after Stevens announced his retirement in September. Council has worked with an executive recruitment firm to survey the community regarding the expertise and characteristics that are desired in Castle Rock’s next Town Manager. That information was used, along with other feedback, to develop the position advertisement that’s currently published nationwide, in hopes of attracting candidates who are most qualified to be the next leader for the Town’s staff. Of course, it’s possible that the best candidate could come from within our community. In January, Town Council is set to narrow the candidate pool to a small group of finalists, who are expected to be interviewed in February so that Council can select the next Town Manager. It’s a vital decision. In addition to leading Town staff in implementing Town Council policies and direction, the Town Manager assists and advises the Council and ensures the effective provision of Town services in a fiscally sound manner. Updates on the process that might be of interest to the community will be kept current at CRgov.com/Manager, and the new Manager will be profiled in a future edition of Outlook.
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OUTLOOK
Winter • Spring 2015