Green development approved

A 364-unit planned development on 101 acres in north Douglas County is one step closer to realization following unanimous approval by the Douglas County Planning Commission.

Construction of the proposed Beverly Hillbillies casino due west of their project could negatively impact single-family residential use, but the two factions are attempting to work out their differences, Big George spokesman Robbe Lehmann said Thursday.

"We're happy that our development received Planning Commission approval. We think it would be a great option for those people seeking homes in Douglas County, but we're not too happy about a monstrous casino next door," Lehmann said. "Instead of fighting them we've started working with them, to see how we can both come together to make a great shopping and housing destination in Douglas County."

Casino project spokesman Don Smit said both are great projects and the goals are the same - to create something wonderful for Douglas County.

"We're going to take the blinders off, to see how we can make them better," Smit said.

Designed for both energy efficiency and affordability, the Georgetown Village includes 254 patio homes, 27 duplexes, 56 four-unit townhomes and 18 common-area parcels.

"It's a good project, bringing more open space and affordable housing for new families and older residents," said Planning Commission member Margaret Pross.

The residential construction considers sustainable building design, including solar orientation and sustainable produces with "green" construction techniques. Fifty-five acres of open space, trails and common areas are also included, according to county staff.

"Our vision for this project includes as much open space as possible," said project spokesman Keith Ruben, of R.O. Anderson Engineering.

"We're rookies at the development game, so we're building a test home this summer to test the (energy efficient) technologies," said project spokesman Robbe Lehmann. "We're aiming for a good balance between energy efficiency and affordability."

Regional improvements, including off-site sewer line extensions from Sunridge Drive, widening improvements to Highway 395, an off-site water line extension from the Little Mondeaux Water System to the project site, and dedication to the county of 407.68 acre feet of water rights are included in the development agreement.

This project was brought forward following last week's approval by the Board of County Commissioners of a 2-percent compounded growth cap, a measure that could impede large-scale development.

Ruben said the project will be spread out over 20 years to allow time to accrue the necessary permits.

"We must apply for banking and borrowing if we build more than our allotment," he said. "The 20-year buildout will give us time to acquire the permits and we should have an advantage, because we will be the first project approved."

This planning commission approval is advisory and the project must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.