by Lisa Crockett

After months of delay, the planned shopping center at the northeast corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. The County Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for the center, which is being developed by Minneappolis-based Anxon, Inc.

Anxon is ready to start construction. Referrals to community groups and other interested parties have been completed and agreements regarding easements for utilities and drainage have been reached. Development of the parcel could be stalled, however, because of a legal dispute between the land broker and the original seller. Anxon is not involved in the dispute and is moving ahead on the project.

“We don’t think this [legal matter] will slow us down and we’re gearing up to get started as soon as possible,” said Max Heitzmann, the manager on the project for Anxon. “We’re hoping to get some things done before winter weather slows us down.”

The next step in the process, a hearing before the County Commission, was tentatively scheduled for late September as of press time and is unaffected by possible legal proceedings.

Once the Board of County Commissioners approves the plans, construction and development of infrastructure – including substantial grading of the property to allow for the construction of an access road – will be set to begin. Heitzmann said the company hopes to begin construction in early October.