November 1999 Newsletter

PHA  HOMEOWNER

PUBLISHED BY THE PINERY HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION

AREA CONCERNS ADDRESSED AT
SEPTEMBER MEETING

Pinery Drainage Survey

   A substantial number of residents heard Douglas County Public Works Director Fred Koch describe the need for the ongoing Pinery Drainage Survey and propose some possible solutions to existing problems. Several of these residents spoke of considerable problems that they have had with storm runoff resulting in flooded basements and substantial erosion. Mr. Koch said that most of the existing Pinery drainage system was put in place to handle a two-year frequency storm due to previous lack of funds or insufficient personnel to adequately provide for major storm runoff. With increased taxes from Douglas County’s much expanded retail sector, the county can now hire another Drainage Engineer and two more people in the Building Department. This will allow the county to take a more proactive role in assessing problems and prioritizing solutions in the six projects upon which they are currently focusing. An outside consulting firm, PNS, has been hired to assist in this effort. Work should begin next year to correct some of the most severe problems. Possible solutions would include reconstruction of drainage ditches at roadsides within the county right-of-way. In answer to expressed concerns, Mr. Koch said that the county would try to be flexible and work with residents as much as possible, assessing each situation individually on a case-by-case basis. One problem dealt with by the county this past year cost $150,000, however, implementation of the total drainage plan will ultimately cost millions. Mr. Koch indicated that there is strong commitment on the part of the county to solve drainage problems in the Pinery.

Developments In & Around The Pinery

The Timbers

Dave Perkins, On-site Manager for The Timbers, told attendees that the first Timbers filing has 133 homes, most of which are complete. The second filing has 70 lots, most of which are under construction, and 10-15 homes have been sold. Curb and gutter and paving in the third filing will have been finished by this date, and Fox Sparrow Road, connecting South Pinery Parkway and Bayou Gulch Road, should be open. This will take much of the traffic originating in the Pinery and destined for the two schools on Bayou Gulch Road off Highway 83, easing the before and after school congestion.

An additional filing of 124 lots will be opened in The Timbers next year. The Timbers cooperated with Douglas County in building the North-South Pinery Parkway connection. Mr. Perkins indicated that the don’t plan to build in “the woods” beyond the current intersection of Ponderosa and North Pinery Parkway for at least two to four years, nor do they plan to develop the Elizabeth Street-Powell Road loop before that date. Later this month the county will tear out the portion of Ponderosa that connects into Misty Pines to realign and redirect traffic to the Parkway instead of through Misty Pines.

The Tree Preservation Plan is going well with no trees having been lost that were inventoried on the plan, nor have there been any fines for violations of the plan. If the county thinks that roads can be moved to save trees, the developer has done so. Last summer, there was standing water most of the time in some of the detention ponds that must be dry every 48 hours to preserve water quality. Steps are being taken to ensure more efficient draining of the ponds. While standing water will not be completely eliminated, it will drain more quickly.

Reata

Susan Peterson, Vice President of Terrabrook, told the audience that they have submitted a preliminary plan to the county for Reata, formerly known as Betts Ranch. The 1,700 acre-parcel that is directly north of the Pinery would include a gated community of 169 single family homes with an overall density of one home site per ten acres. They are also proposing an 18-hole private golf course, an equestrian center, and a 60-room lodge with spa, with possibly 30 cottage units surrounding it. Ms. Peterson stated that Reata has adjudicated ground water more than adequate to serve their needs. Lot prices will sell for $120,000 to $300,000. A multi-purpose trail would traverse the open space corridor at the south end to allow access to the Cherry Creek Trail. They hope to get county approval and break ground in 2000 with sales of lots to begin in 2001.

A second parcel of 700 acres lies north of Hilltop Road and is bordered by Crestview Subdivision on the east, and the Town of Parker on the north. Terrabrook is proposing 1100 units on this property and dedicating 300 acres at the east end as open space. The Town of Parker reviewed the annexation/rezoning proposal for this parcel on September 20th and tabled it for 180 days so that the project could go through all the planning channels. Gondolier Farms’ 300 acres at the southern edge of the Pinery would become open space to be purchased by the County, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and Terrabrook. A third parcel, Reata West, consisting of 115 acres at the southwest corner of Parker and Stroh Roads would consist of 300 residential units (townhomes, patio homes or condos), offices and active recreation areas such as ball fields or a regional recreation complex. The latter would represent a 40-acre donation from the developer. Interested parties will be notified and asked for their input at least twenty-five days prior to public hearings.

PINERY WOODLANDS: Used or Abused?

There are two large woodlands in the Pinery that are used daily by Pinery residents for recreational pursuits. One of these, Filing 10, is truly an “open space” and will always remain so. The other, the “woods” at the top of Pinery Parkway is privately owned by Great Gulf Group and is part of The Timbers. This property has been platted for development since the Pinery was approved in 1970.

A Little History: Filing 10 is a 37.5-acre tract of land, agriculturally zoned, that is home to deer, fox, coyotes, hawks, owls, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, porcupines and many species of birds. In 1986 the Pinery developer approached the county to have the land rezoned for housing. A group of residents led by former resident Fred Rossiter formed PHOOEE! (Pinery Homeowners Outraged Over Excessive Expansion) to oppose the rezoning. They recognized that the Pinery didn’t have a lot of open space that was accessible by the residents, and that as more houses were built, wildlife habitat would disappear. This group of less than two dozen people, most of whom resided within a few blocks of Filing 10, worked feverishly to gather support to insure that this property would remain in its natural state. They were successful, and this unique area, just east of Irish Pat Murphy Drive in the vicinity of Lt. Wm. Clark Road, was dedicated by the developer to Douglas County as an open space wildlife area later that same year. One of the restrictions on this land, is that it is an open space wildlife refuge. Construction of paths or other amenities that would interfere with wildlife habitat is prohibited. A sign at the Lt. William Clark Rd. entry clearly states that dogs must be leashed.

The Woods in “The Back of The Pinery”:  This property of several hundred acres just east of the North Pinery Parkway-Ponderosa intersection, has always been planned for single family homes, although the property was down-zoned to two-and-one-half acre lots in the mid 1980s. It is part of the Pinery Fifth Amendment and was rezoned in November of 1995 to several hundred lots ranging in size from one-third to one-and one-half acres. After a series of destructive acts, the developer barricaded the property at all entrances accessible by motor vehicles, and posted it against trespassing. This was disappointing to residents who had been walking or jogging in “the woods”, since moving to the area, some of them in the early 70s. Several of these residents approached the developers to ask permission to continue walking or jogging there, provided they were as sensitive to vegetation and wildlife as possible, however, the entire area remains posted against operation of motorized vehicles and open flames for obvious reasons. Although North Pinery Parkway has been extended to connect with South Pinery Parkway, it will be several years before construction of homes in the area begins.

A Plea For Good Judgement… We hope that residents who unleash dogs upon entering Filing 10 will consider the consequences of their actions both to wildlife and to others enjoying these natural surroundings. Please do your part to make sure that Filing 10 remains the wildlife refuge that was envisioned by those who worked so hard for this generous land donation for perpetual use by Pinery residents.

There also seem to be more parents who are making the significant monetary commitment to buy their kids ATVs, dirt bikes, or go-carts. These vehicles are being operated in the woods at the back of the Pinery, with apparently no awareness (or concern) that the operators are violating the postings against motorized vehicles, or that they are destroying vegetation and wildlife habitat in the process. Please make a similar moral commitment to transport your kids and their vehicles to the Rampart Range Road on the western edge of Douglas County, the only public place in the county where they can be legally operated. Your fellow residents will thank you!

NOTES FROM THE PHA

Trash Program/Membership Rate Increase

The PHA Board of Directors has, after considerable deliberation, announced a rate increase for the Pinery Trash Program. This is the first rate increase in the three and one-half years since the inception of the program in May of 1996. The new rate will be $42 per quarter, a raise of $5.25 over the current $36.75 or 14.3%. PHA has already absorbed one rate increase from Waste Management and anticipates another in the year 2000. In the process of adjusting the trash program rate, PHA is raising the dues rate to $7.50 per quarter or $30 per year. The Board’s feeling is that it will try to minimize rate changes on the trash billing portion of the program. They have instead chosen to raise membership dues, which have been unchanged since 1992, even though community programs and expenses have steadily increased. At the $42 per quarter level, the combined trash fees and homeowner dues remain well below what individuals could pay for trash service alone.

COMMUNITY-MINDED RESIDENTS NEEDED FOR BOARD

PHA Directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2000. Scott Campbell, Sonia Eyre, Ron Henkel and Dave Kristick have completed the terms to which they were elected or appointed, and must run for re-election if they wish to continue on the PHA Board. There is always a need for residents who have an interest in the community to become involved in the decisions and activities that shape it. The PHA Board holds monthly meetings, and there are three General Membership meetings each year. If you would like more information, please call the PHA office, 303-841-8572.

THANK YOU, LOU!

Lou Elmo, who has served as a PHA Director for the past year and one-half, has just received word that he and his wife will be relocating to North Carolina where they had previously lived. The Board reluctantly accepted his resignation. Sincere thanks Lou, for your willingness to undertake whatever projects needed your capable help. You will be missed by all who worked with you!

One year remains on Lou’s term. Anyone interested in filling out his term is asked to call the PHA office or speak to a Board member.

The Canyons - Community Alert!

Plans for the development of the property known as The Canyons (formerly Happy Canyon) are working through the process with Douglas County planning. The Canyons is situated west of Cherry Creek and extends to I-25, which lies directly in the view corridor of many of our homes in the Pinery as we look toward the Front Range. This proposed development requires a rezoning of the 5600 acres from an agricultural (A-1) designation (which allows for one dwelling unit per 35 acres) to a nonurban Planned Development. The plan includes almost 2700 homes on lot sizes from 35 acres to ¼ acre, of which the smaller lot sizes make up the majority of the overall housing density. Golf courses, equestrian center and trails and open space are also part of The Canyons.

This development, as currently proposed, will impact residents of The Pinery. The plan is in direct conflict with the Douglas County Master Plan. The Master Plan designates this land as a separation and buffer area between Parker, Castle Rock and the Denver metro area. Traffic will pour onto Highway 83 off of Crowfoot Valley Road. The developer plans overlot grading. In addition to the negative impact on wildlife habitat, the scrub or Gambel oak indigenous to this region, will be stripped away by one scrape of a bulldozer blade. The scars left on the landscape by overlot grading will forever change the contours, drainage and natural beauty of the land.

The Canyons rezoning request is currently scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in November. We have the chance to make a difference! We are working together along with other homeowner groups affected by this development to stop the rezoning. We need your support (attendance), in numbers, at the Planning Commission meetings. Please watch the information boards at the North Pinery Parkway entrance and Betts Ranch Road or check the PHA web site for information on meeting dates and times.

When we work together, we can and have made a difference. Now is the time to continue the fight and have an impact on the growth in Douglas County. Our generation is the caretaker of the land for future generations to come. Through participation in this process now, we can ensure that developers adhere to the requirements of the Master Plan. We must remain vocal and active to make sure that future citizens of Douglas County will continue to live where Quality of Life Comes First! For questions call 303-841-8572.

Covenant Corner

ACC Policy Statement on Window Casing Colors

The Pinery Architectural Control Committee, at the board meeting of October 5, 1999, adopted the following policy regarding windows:

White is not an approved color; however, due to changes in house colors that are approved (e.g. gray), there are some situations where window replacement using a non-white window would not be appropriate. On a case-by-case basis, the board will consider and may approve white window casings where needed to match the house.

Earth Tone Colors

Pinery Protective Covenants state that exterior building materials “shall be in earth tones indigenous to the area”. At times residents read that statement, see when the Covenants were filed (early 70s), and think this was written to encourage the greens and browns popular in the seventies, and is no longer applicable. This is not the case.

It was the intent of Pinery Developers that homes would blend with the environment, to emphasize the natural beauty of the area. Colors with high intensity and brightness, in addition to colors not found in naturally occurring earth tones do not meet this test of the Covenants. This is one of the primary characteristics that makes the Pinery a unique community today. This harmony with the environment led many of us to select the Pinery for our home.

If you need to repaint your home, please stop by the office with your paint samples to see our ‘color board’ which provides samples of the range of colors pre-approved for use in the Pinery. Our secretary can work with you on how to submit your samples (colors clearly within the range don’t need approval but we do note your color change for our files.) If you have questions, please call the office at 303-841-5305.

Volunteers' Corner

Community Cleanup - Thank You!

We had a great turnout of volunteers on Saturday, October 9th. Bags and bags of trash have been removed to the benefit of our entrance, Pinery Parkway and Bingham Lake! Our thanks to Tiger Cubs Den 11, Pack 649 in addition to Greg, Terry and Kyle Dougherty, Christopher Nemat, Larry, Charlene and Chris Luzum, Mike, Denise and Connor Leigh, Dave Kristick, Peter Condoulis, Barb and Tom Kimball, Julie, Nicolle, Christian and Dan Pidoux, Charles Rosmorduc, Bill Hames, Anne Eccles, Elsa Swyers, Bob and Taylor Hammervold, Wendy Rabon and Doug and Connie Stephenson. It was great to see so many of our residents giving their time and efforts to improve the community.

Pinery Logo Baseball Caps & Jackets

PHA has very attractive, top quality navy and green Pinery nylon microfiber jackets available in adult sizes small through 2XL available at $50.00. Also available are the popular green denim caps that have an embroidered Pinery name and logo, adjustable leather straps and cost just $9.50. These can be seen at the PHA office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Proper Control of Dogs
Douglas County Leash Law

Dogs running at large have once again become a problem in the Pinery. As a reminder, Douglas County’s leash law requires that “control over dogs with restraint of the dog by means of a leash or similar tether no more than 30 feet in length” must be maintained for dogs not otherwise confined. Please show consideration for the safety and property of your neighbors - leash your dogs! Dogs not under control are subject to confinement by Animal Control with an applicable fine imposed on owners.

For complaints about dogs at large, call Pikes Peak Humane Society, the Animal Control Agency for Douglas County, at 303-660-7529. Please follow the instructions on the telephone tree and an officer will contact you, usually the same working day. For emergencies, contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s office at 303-660-7500. Courtesy of Robin DeSio, Supervisor of Animal Control Services

RV Lot News

Please Note: Billing Cycles to Change

Traditionally, spaces have been leased for the six month periods: January 1 - June 30 and July 1 - December 31. July Fourth, probably the biggest summer holiday weekend in terms of RV use, occurs just a few days after the July-December rent is due. Gate combinations are changed on the first day of each rental period to insure security. These combinations are not mailed out to lessees until their rent has been received. Therefore, even though the rent may have been paid prior to the due date, there may not be sufficient time for the combinations to get to lessees who may be leaving a little early for the Fourth of July weekend. In the past this had resulted in frantic calls to various PHA staff and Board members at home, where RV storage records are not available.

To avoid these problems, the Board recently voted to change the RV billing cycles to November 1 - April 30 and May 1 - October 31. Lessees should now have access during this peak use period. Assuming that rents are paid in a timely fashion, there should be fewer problems with the time lapse between payments and release of combinations.

To transition to the new billing cycle, invoices for the first rental period in 2000 will be for four (4) months, January 1 - April 30. The second rental period will be for the usual six months, now from May 1 - October 31.

Bingham Lake Usage

To fish or boat at Bingham Lake, each party must live within the area served by the Pinery Water District and have a Lake Permit for the current year. A liability waiver is signed when a permit is received. Acknowlegement of having read and received use regulations is noted.

This year, the Lake Committee has encountered an increase in the number of people attempting to use the facilities for boating and fishing without a permit. To facilitate the checking of permits, the permit must be worn on the outside of clothing, effective immediately.

Guests of permit holders must be accompanied by the permit holder at all times when fishing or boating at the lake. The regulation requiring the permit holder to live within the Pinery Water District has been posted in various locations surrounding the lake and was included in the waiver signed when obtaining the permit.

Both from a liability and cost consideration, we ask your cooperation in our effort to control this recreational facility.

Pinery Parks Update

Work is underway at Pinery Park (adjacent to Pinery Station) to install new playground equipment and make other improvements. This should be completed by late fall.

Playground equipment at both Lakeshore Park (intersection of Lakeshore Dr., Irish Pat Murphy Dr. and Thunderhill Rd.) and North Park (corner of Ponderosa Way and Sunridge Hollow Road) will also be replaced. Safety audits recently completed for both of the parks indicated that equipment is in need of updating. Therefore, new equipment is being ordered, and the sand base will be replaced with an approved base.

NEWS FROM THE WATER BOARD…

Winter is fast approaching and it is the time of year to winterize your sprinkler systems. Every Spring we get calls regarding water leaks in service lines. Many times these leaks are in the lawn irrigation system and are directly related to improper winterization of these systems. Please keep in mind that all components of your water system past the meter are the responsibility of the homeowner. A little bit of work this Fall will save a lot of problems come Spring.

Vandalism and littering in and around Bingham Lake still continue to be problems. Please keep in mind that this is a resource and asset of the community. Spending money to repair damage and pick up trash takes money from other services for the community. If you see vandalism occurring, please notify either the Water District during business hours or the Douglas County Sheriff’s office if after normal business hours.

At the upcoming November Board meeting we will be reviewing the year 2000 budget. In this budget we will be further outlining our plans to continue to improve the service that we provide to you, our customers. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for public review at this time. Please feel free to attend this meeting to further discuss the direction and services that you feel we need to take in the upcoming years.

If you or any other member of the District have questions or concerns on any water or sanitary sewer issues, please feel free to contact us at (303) 841-2797. If you wish to meet with us in person, we encourage you to attend the regularly scheduled board meetings, held at the District Offices, the second Tuesday of every month, at 7 o’clock in the evenings. If this is not possible, then please stop by the District Office during the week, Monday through Friday, 8-4 daily. Someone is always available to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
David C. Eyre, Civil Engineer, P.E.
Director

Pinery Bird Sanctuary

The Pinery Bird Sanctuary project has been underway for well over a year now, and many residents have asked what the final outcome of the project will be. It is our intent that this will be an ongoing project, serving many purposes:

It’s about community building. We hope the project will serve as a vehicle for people to meet their neighbors. Those of us already involved have enjoyed meeting many wonderful friends, and we are constantly thankful for their help. Most recently, workers from kids to retirees helped us spruce up the sanctuary for the winter. Many thanks, all of you!

It’s about appreciating Colorado’s environment. The sanctuary can serve as a vehicle to encourage people to garden for wildlife, educating them about noxious weeds and water-wise plants. Recently, Robert Kelley of A Good Roofer, donated 90 such plants (arriving next spring). We are very grateful for Robert’s generous donation. These bushes were selected from a list we compiled through research on xeric, native plants that attract wildlife. Please stop by the PHA office if you would like a copy of our list!

It’s about educating our kids. So far, the sanctuary has provided community service opportunities for Ponderosa High School students and Boy Scouts. It also inspired a lesson plan on civic duty that has been delivered to Northeast Elementary students. Soon, Girl Scouts will plant wildflowers with the help of money collected at Northeast, and Will Keogh will do his Eagle Scout project on the site - installation of a sprinkler system. Many, many thanks to you Will, and to all the kids who have helped!

It’s about cooperation. Organizations involved in our project so far include the PHA, the Pinery Country Club, the CSU Cooperative extension office, the Neighborhood Resource Center of Metropolitan Denver, Ponderosa High School’s National Honor Society, Douglas County Weed Control, naturalists at Castlewood Canyon State Park, and of course, students and scouts. Also, if not for a waived tap fee for water at the site, courtesy of Pinery Water and Wastewater District, the project would never have been possible. In addition, many businesses have provided us with donations, discounts and consultation.

So where is this ongoing project leading us? We hope this area will eventually look like an exceptional meadow, bursting with wildflowers and bushes and filled with happy birds. No structure is planned. Permanent fixtures, such as nesting boxes, will be limited. It will be a place where we can meet new friends, challenge our traditional concepts of gardening, strengthen our community, and learn everything from citizenship to ecology. Want to join in? Call Deb Dieter at 303-840-4360.