by Lane Roberts

Preliminary results of the economic feasibility study to explore the proposed incorporation of Castle Pines North (CPN) will be presented by CH2M HILL OMI to residents on Tuesday, April 10. Two meetings will be held at Rocky Heights Middle School, located at 11033 Monarch Boulevard; one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m.

This will be the first in a series of public meetings that will explain the results of the study currently being conducted by CH2M HILL OMI. Each meeting will include new information with specific details on the financial aspects of a potential incorporation.

“We have reached the midway point in the development of the incorporation financial feasibility study,”said Gary Miller, senior vice president for CH2M HILL OMI. “The study and supporting analysis are intended to provide citizens of CPN with information regarding potential revenues and expenses if the community were to incorporate.”

While the community continues to wait for the Douglas County District Court’s ruling on the CPN election, (no decision had been made as of press time) research will continue. “This information is one of the components that is important to determining how feasible incorporation is for CPN, the revenue sources it would receive, and an estimated budget and cost for management of a city and providing services to its citizens,” said Miller.

Incorporation Process Non-Stop Since November -

For the past five months, incorporation efforts have been moving at a rapid pace. The first effort began last November to ensure CPN residents would reserve the right to vote on incorporation, culminating in the hiring of attorneys, the formation of the Citizens for the Preservation of CPN, and the filing of a petition to incorporate on December 5, 2006.

Since then, numerous community meetings have been held to keep CPN residents informed of every step of this process. A web site was created (www.cpnpc.org) and two “Special Editions” of The Connection were printed and hand-delivered to every CPN home in an effort to keep residents apprised of the latest developments. In addition, financial firms were interviewed with CH2M HILL OMI being selected in late January to conduct the economic feasibility study.

Volunteers were galvanized and continue to play a vital role in this process, whether serving on Communications Review, Communications Distribution, Research, or the “Get the Vote” teams. The CPN Preservation Steering Committee continues to make decisions on issues ranging from ongoing negotiations with Castle Pines Village, to assisting CH2M HILL OMI with the economic feasibility study.

Throughout the process, ongoing communication continues with representatives from Castle Pines Village in an effort to search for any compromise that would mutually benefit both communities. (No agreement had been reached as of press time.)

Now, following all the hours of hard work and effort of many volunteers, the community will begin the process of looking at the first phase of the economic feasibility study on April 10, prepared by CH2M HILL OMI. This study will assist in determining whether or not the incorporation of CPN is a viable option.

“We have come so far in such a short amount of time in this effort,” said Preservation Steering Committee Leader and Master Association President Maureen Shul. “And we have remained focused not only on protecting the future of our community, but making sure every resident is provided with the most current and factual information every step of the way.”

The CPN petition stands as submitted and the waiting continues. The 90-day countdown to Election Day has yet to begin. Until an election day is set by the Court, residents are encouraged to send questions or comments to the Preservation Committee at or call 303-957-5300.

“Everyone needs to stay informed during this process,” said Shul. “Information changes daily and it is important to keep up to date.”

As developments occur and information is announced, watch for ongoing updates at www.cpnpc.org.