SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
GETTING FESTIVE Fall festivals and events are beginning in the metro area P16
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ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
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Independence project breaks ground More than 900 homes are planned when community reaches build-out BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
More than 100 local officials and community members gathered Aug. 24 for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Independence community, which is being touted as Colorado’s largest residential conservation community by its developers, Craft Companies. “As the first community of its kind in Colorado, we hope it will serve as a model for sustainable development moving forward, and that all Elbert county residents will directly benefit from our sustainable, low-impact development practices, in addition to the open space and diverse mix of home types,” said Tim Craft, company principal. Homes could be available for purchase as early as summer of 2019, but a complete build-out of the project, which will include more than 900 single-family homes, might take up to 10 years to complete. Independence will include parks, a site for a school and more than 433 acres of open space that will be “preserved in a contiguous natural state to improve wildlife habitat, maintain the rural environment of the county and promote resident wellness,” according to Craft. SEE PROJECT, P7
Officials turn the first shovels of dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Independence community in Elbert County at Hilltop Road/County Road 158 and County Road 5. From left are Commissioner Chris Richardson, County Manager Sam Albrecht, Commissioner Grant Thayer, Tim Craft Principal, Craft Companies, and Commissioner Danny Willcox. MARK WOOLCOTT
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As of Sept. 1, there are 18,247 active registered voters in Elbert County. Source: Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
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VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 34