Floyd Hill parcel to remain undeveloped

Albert Frei & Sons donates 18 acres to Mountain Area Land Trust

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e pristine landscape on Floyd Hill that some consider the gateway to Clear Creek County will remain that way forever.

at’s because Albert Frei and Sons purchased a developer’s option on 18 acres known as the Homestead parcel and donated it to the Mountain Area Land Trust. MALT property can never be developed. “ e company contacted us and asked if we would be open to accepting the property,” said Lynn Caligiuri, executive director of the Mountain Area Land Trust. “We know that neighborhood has for years been really interested in making sure it stayed protected and conserved. In light of that and the wildlife that uses that area, how could we say no?” e meadow at Floyd Hill can be seen from another MALT-conserved property, Floyd Hill Open Space, which is on the north side of Interstate 70. e Homestead parcel is at the northeast corner of Homestead Road and Beaver Brook Canyon Road. It is generally across the street from Ski Country Antiques & Home. It abuts the Clear Creek High School property.

She said standing up for wildlife and natural resources was part of MALT’s mission to make sure it is protected forever.

Becky Jo Rigo with Albert Frei & Sons said one of the company’s principles is to work with the community.

“(Albert Frei Jr.) knew this was a shining star for the neighbors on Floyd Hill,” she said. “We met and had focus groups with homeowners associations, and they all unanimously wanted to conserve the land and keep it for open space.”

She added that many people consider this property the front door to Clear Creek County.

“A lot of residents don’t want to look at high-density residential on that property,” she said. “ ey want to keep the viewshed.”

In 2018, a developer was interested in developing the Homestead property, which is already zoned and approved for 188 apartments plus some commercial development.