Parker chronicle 1129

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Chronicle Parker

Parker 11-29-2013

Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 5

November 29, 2013

A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourparkernews.com

New homes proposed for Clarke Farms area Development could mean up to 223 houses on 63 acres in town By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com

Parker couple Les and Heather Crosby just opened the Learning Express Toys store in University Village in Highlands Ranch. The store features all sorts of hands-on fun and a wealth of exciting and top-name kids games and activities. Photo by Ryan Boldrey

Parker couple opens toy store Hands-on features offer fun ways to learn By Ryan Boldrey

rboldrey@ourcoloradonews.com The nation’s largest educational toy seller, Learning Express Toys, opened its doors to imagination and playtime in Douglas County this past weekend — just in time for the holiday shopping season. The 130th location in the country — and second in Colorado, joining Fort Collins — the franchise is run by Parker residents Les and Heather Crosby. “My dream has always been to do

something with kids that would impact them somehow,” said Heather, a mother of three and former elementary school teacher. “With my teaching experience, combined with Les’ business experience (as a financial analyst) this just seemed like the perfect fit.” In addition to selling toys, the couple plans to host regular community events at the Highlands Ranch store, conduct fundraisers for area nonprofits and schools, and already has plans for a local Girl Scout troop to come in and earn their “Women in Business” badges. The community element is a big part of the Learning Express model. The company’s first store opened in Massachusetts in 1987 as a nonprofit that helped to raise

money for a struggling school in the community. Like the other Learning Express locations across the country, the Highlands Ranch store offers free year-round giftwrapping and complimentary personalization of select toys, such as Plasma Cars — one of the hottest items on the shelves. And the franchise prides itself on having a unique selection that includes traditional toys that have been around for years as well as all the newest brands on the market. Rainbow Loom classes are taught daily at the store, and all employees are familiar with how to make the popular bracelets as Toys continues on Page 8

School board president says goodbye VP urges unity at first meeting since fiery election By Jane Reuter

jreuter@ourcoloradonews. com Outgoing Douglas County School Board President John Carson gave a lengthy farewell speech during the Nov. 19 board meeting. Carson quoted several notable figures, assured community members their voices would be heard and said the district is stronger for the education reforms introduced during his tenure. Carson, elected to the board in 2005 and named its president in 2009, received a partial standing ovation after his nearly-18-minute address, and was praised for his efforts from a parent and charter school principal later in the meeting. In the first meeting following the high-stakes Nov. 5 board election, Vice President Kevin Larsen followed Carson’s final message with a speech about one-fourth as

long, which was identified on the agenda as a “unity speech.” Larsen is expected to take the term-limited Carson’s spot as president when new board members are sworn in, likely during the Dec. 3 meeting. A few community members also expressed unhappiness with the election results during the meeting, and their hope the board will adopt a more inclusive philosophy. One teacher announced her resignation at the meeting. Both Carson and Larsen recognized the intensity of the recent school board election, during which four Republican-endorsed, reform-friendly candidates defeated four candidates supported by several community groups. “But now the election is over and it is time for all parties to work together for the benefit of students and teachers and parents,” Carson said. “To those who disagree with certain programs … you will find the hand of friendship extended.” Carson praised the district for leading the nation in parental choice programs, in-

Outgoing Douglas County School Board President John Carson gives a farewell speech during the Nov. 20 board meeting. Photo by Jane Reuter cluding online, home school and charter school programs, as well as the legally challenged voucher program. “I believe in my heart one day soon that program will blossom and become a model for public education,” he said. “If American democracy and capitalism are to shine brightly and continue as an example in

the world, our students must be the best educated in the world. In my view, that means we need more choice and yes, we need more competition.” Carson’s lengthy speech included quotations from Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert Frost and Ronald Board continues on Page 8

Following a series of development proposals that never got off the ground, a new plan to build homes next to Clarke Farms has surfaced. The Parker Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an application Nov. 14 to rezone 63 acres south of Mainstreet, just east of Clarke Farms and west of the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. The request would change a plan approved in 2005 to develop The Overlook at Cherry Creek, an 844-unit age-restricted retirement village with an assisted-living facility and memory care. Using the same name, the latest developers want to construct up to 223 singlefamily homes — at a gross density of 3.5 dwelling units per acre — and remove language that allows for apartments, said Stacey Nerger, associate planner for the Town of Parker. They also want to delete references to the previously approved senior living community. The proposal was submitted in August by United Development Companies LLC, a Denver-based real estate development firm. It is scheduled to go in front of Parker Town Council at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at town hall. A sketch plan is now under review by Parker’s community development department. While Nerger has not received an official comment from the Clarke Farms Homeowners Association, a handful of residents attended the Nov. 14 planning commission meeting to inquire about potential impacts to home values and traffic congestion on nearby roads. The neighborhood would have an access point off Motsenbocker Road, which has experienced an increase in vehicle traffic since the fall opening of American Academy’s Parker campus. A preliminary analysis showed that the level of service on surrounding streets would be “acceptable,” a planning document says. The homeowners also asked if a buffer in the previous plan to separate existing homes from new construction would be honored. Nerger said those details will be addressed in future phases of the development review process. Significant grading will have to occur because of the undulating terrain, and United Development Companies LLC would likely be required to build a small section of the future East West Regional Trail that will lead to the Cherry Creek trail. It would also be responsible for road improvements on Motsenbocker Road. As part of its recommendation for approval, town staff said the 63-acre parcel is the “correct site” for the proposed development. The Overlook at Cherry Creek would create “minimal” environmental impacts, and the ones that exist can be mitigated, a staff report to the planning commission says. Homes continues on Page 8

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