COSTLY CONCERN
May 13, 2016 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 28 | FREE
A sharp rise in child care costs has impacted the finances of many families. PAGE 12
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Commissioners block Hilltop subdivision County denies application to rezone land near Elbert County boundary By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Douglas County commissioners rejected an application to rezone property for a proposed housing development on Hilltop Road near the border of Douglas and Elbert counties. Commissioners Roger Partridge, David Weaver and Jill Repella all voted to deny the application, citing concerns over the proposed project’s compatibility with neighboring agricultural areas and its ad-
herence to the county’s Comprehensive Master Plan. “I feel that the county commissioners did their job and I’m very pleased with the outcome,” said Tina Huston, a Parker resident who led opposition to the rezoning plan. “This development was way off the mark from the get-go.” Huston was one of approximately 70 people who showed up for the hearing. Many brought signs displaying their opposition to the project, though Weaver, the board chairperson, asked them not to wave them. A total of 14 citizens spoke against the proposal, including a PowerPoint presentation by Huston and three other residents. Hilltop continues on Page 5
Parker resident Ed Beard addresses the Douglas County commissioners in Castle Rock on April 26. Beard said the application to rezone the Hilltop property didn’t align with community values. Photo by Tom Skelley
Pine Curve rezoning postponed Staff report
Lauren Nier, right, throws a punch in a self-defense drill as Eddie Afyoni coaches her at his Karate for Kids studio. Afyoni’s studio, at 10970 S. Parker Road, Parker, hosts a biweekly class for special-needs students. Photos by Tom Skelley
‘She loves the class’ Karate instructor brings out best in special-needs students
A statement released May 4 on the Town of Parker’s website stated the mayor and town council have decided to table the zoning project for the Pine Curve property east of downtown. No time limit has been set, but the statement said the project will be postponed for a limited duration. The process is designed to create Planned Development zoning for the land, allowing commercial development of the property. Many residents have voiced opposition to the rezoning, citing concerns over traffic, pedestrian safety and loss of the area’s unique character. The statement says the decision to postpone the process was made to give officials time to “review the comments, address potential concerns and incorporate appropriate responses in the final zoning.” According to the announcement, the postponement will also give the mayor and council time to evaluate financial Pine Curve continues on Page 5
DOWNTOWN DAY
By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Martial arts instructor Eddie Afyoni begins each class by reciting the same mantra with his students: “To be a good person — knowledge in your mind — honesty in your heart — and to be a good friend.” The beginning of his classes are identical, like the level of respect and professionalism he shows all of his pupils. But he can be forgiven if one class holds a distinct place in his heart. Every Wednesday for the past three years, Afyoni has taught martial arts to students with special needs. They come to his Karate for Kids studio in Parker with different abilities and challenges. But Afyoni’s goal for each of them is the Karate continues on Page 5
Students at the Karate for Kids studio in Parker practice a sequence of moves on a recent Wednesday. Pictured from left to right are Rhianna Klene, Paul Triggs, Ana Jessen, Megan McNish, Hannah Vaughan, Lauren Nier, Samantha Power and Elizabeth Perkins.
Coors Field provided the backdrop for the Ponderosa versus Northglenn game. PAGE 21