Chris Fellows, principle of HF Holdings

by Terri Wiebold

HF Holdings, LLC, developer of the parcel of land in Castle Pines North known as Lagae Ranch, is negotiating a financial mitigation settlement with the Douglas County School District (DCSD).

“Although not required or bound to do so, we promised during the re-zoning hearing back in August that we would work with the school district to reach an agreement,” said Chris Fellows, principle of HF Holdings.

According to Fellows, HF Holdings will contribute roughly $334,000 to the DCSD, $50,000 of which will be allocated directly to Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE) in Castle Pines North. The remaining estimated $284,000 will go to the school district to use at its discretion.

This mitigation negotiation is in addition to the six acres of land HF Holdings dedicated to American Academy Charter School and the cash-in-lieu of dedication to the City of Castle Pines North of 1.08 acres.

“Prior to the election, we had some discussions with Mr. Fellows that were largely predicated on a successful bond and budget election,” said DCSD Chief Operating Officer Steve Herzog. “I will need to consult with Superintendent Christensen and our planning staff before I will have any information on how our tentative agreements with Mr. Fellows might now play out.”

In addition to negotiating the mitigation, Fellows said HF Holdings is in discussions with the school district to find a home for a kinder center and a competition swimming pool at Lagae Ranch. “A pool would benefit Douglas County school kids and would also provide an important amenity for the Castle Pines North community,” said Fellows.

Fellows said he did not know what effect the failed school bond election would have on the school kinder center and the pool, but that they are “trying to work with the school district for a positive outcome.” Fellows continued, “Similarly, we hope the failed ballot measures for the city [of Castle Pines North] do not result in negative consequences for the community.”

Fellows expressed appreciation to the City of Castle Pines North officials, its staff (CH2M Hill OMI) and its Attorney, Erin Smith, for working in an efficient and timely manner. He was equally grateful to the CPN Metro District, the Castle Pines Parks Authority, God’s Grace Community Church, and American Academy.

“We are very pleased that after working with various groups in the community, our collaborative efforts have brought about this tangible result of a vision that the community task force started more than three years ago,” expressed Fellows. “We look forward to seeing its completion.”