Falcon update
By Kevin Curry
For readers who may not be familiar with Friends of Falcon, it is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve the Falcon area’s unique identity as a harmonious mix of rural and urban homes and businesses. We advocate for responsible development and partner with The New Falcon Herald and the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce to promote Falcon and attract needed businesses to the area.
In that effort, Friends of Falcon has renewed its outreach to hospitality groups in hopes of filling what is arguably the area’s biggest service gap: a moderate to upscale sit-down restaurant. Specifically, we contacted Colorado Locals and Beers, which operates Bonny & Read, The Rabbit Hole and other notable restaurants in Colorado Springs. We also reached out to Altitude Hospitality Group, which includes Till Kitchen, Garden of the Gods Market & Café and other establishments. We have not yet heard back from either company, but we will keep readers informed of any developments.
Friends of Falcon also works to inform area residents about proposed developments so they can follow the proposals and provide input to the El Paso County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. We are currently tracking three notable projects.
One is called “The Ranch.” There have been no updates since its sketch plan was approved in 2019. The proposal would add 2,100 homes to the west side of Falcon, north of Woodmen Road. If completed, the development could put additional pressure on area resources and worsen traffic congestion.
Another project is known as “Autumn Acres,” also called “Autumn Hills.” The county’s development application website shows that the project was canceled last year. However, developers may revive it if they can resolve the traffic flow and water availability issues that affected the original plan. If completed, the project would add 619 residences on former State Trust land southwest of Meridian Road and Stapleton Drive.
The third project of interest is “Falcon Reserve.” It proposes rezoning property northwest of Meridian Road and Stapleton Drive from commercial to residential use, allowing for the addition of 140 homes. The application process remains ongoing at the preliminary plan stage.
Each project raises its own concerns, but the cumulative impact may be the greatest concern. Together, the three developments could add nearly 3,000 homes to the area and significantly increase traffic on Meridian Road and Stapleton Drive, particularly during already busy rush-hour periods.
Friends of Falcon will continue to monitor proposals like these and inform readers and mailing list members of developments. To learn more, visit TheFriendsOfFalcon.org.
