WHY THIS MATTERS

The stakes couldn’t be higher. If our community doesn't act, 16 acres of old growth forest will be permanently erased, replaced by invasive new roads, and 24 new residential lots zoned for duplexes. The consequences of 48 new dwelling units will ripple far beyond the forest line—this reckless development will irreparably harm our local ecology and community safety.

We’ve already experienced the devastation of the Pinecrest Ridge development above the Safeway and Evergreen Discount Liquors. Evergreen cannot afford another out-of-town developer, pursuing a profit-at-any-cost scheme, causing irreparable permanent damages, and leaving us to clean up the mess. 

ANOTHER GET RICH QUICK SCHEME MUST BE SHUT DOWN

We have seen this before. The disastrous 2023 Hilltop proposed development was directly across the hillside from WKLR. And strikingly similar on most every level. Out-of-town developer. Zero experience. Clear-cut acres of forest land for high density units. Single ingress and egress for 500 new residents. No desire to support the community long-term. No local community or neighborhood support. Developers will leave town as soon as they cash out for a quick profit. Our Evergreen community rallied together and was unified in defeating the Hilltop development. AND WE WILL DO SO AGAIN. Amateur developers looking to harm our beautiful land to snake a quick profit have no place in Evergreen. The time to act is NOW.

Link to articles and facebook page regarding Hilltop development:

https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2023/07/07/residents-trying-to-stop-townhome-development-in-evergreen-developer-says-he-will-work-with/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1144656239593838/posts/1146718426054286/

Major Concerns with WKLR Development

• Emergency Services: There is one single road in and out. One. Jeffco Emergency Management - In the case of Hilltop, Jeffco required the developers create a second form of egress. With good reason. Imagine 150+ additional vehicles trying to evacuate one road to merge into an already overloaded Lewis Ridge Road in case of wildfire or other emergency

• Unregulated Housing: One suggested use for the proposed 24 duplexes (48 total housing units) would host high-risk “Recovery”  (the “R” in WKLR) transitional housing for homeless individuals, parolees, convicted felons, sex offenders, and substance abusers. Due to Colorado House Bill 24-1007, meaning these new units could house over 500 unlimited unrelated occupants, creating significant safety and oversight challenges for our community.

• Proximity to Vulnerable Populations: The WKLR high-risk housing directly borders neighbors with young children, allowing high-risk housing in such close proximity could endanger the safety of our most vulnerable residents.

• Extreme Population and Traffic Density: The proposed single road in-and-out of the WKLR development could serve people living in the proposed 48 new dwelling units. Emergency services and evacuation would be impossibly overwhelmed. Traffic safety for the local wildlife and current residents, including minors, will be dangerously and unalterably changed. 

• No Neighborhood or Community Support: 100% of residents abutting the proposed WKLR development are categorically opposing the development, and specifically to the WKLR company members which include foreign citizens.

2. Environmental Violations

• Erosion and Flooding Risks: This large scale proposed development is directly and steeply uphill from existing homes and the Troublesome Creek waterway. WKLR has shown no competence and has zero experience in mitigating the severe erosion and flooding risks that accompany construction in our community. The Pinecrest Ridge development west of Highway 74 uphill from the Safeway Center mudslide and flooding disaster is a glaring reminder of the potential for catastrophic failure of developers. 

• Clear-Cutting of Old Growth Virgin Forest: This plan would obliterate hundreds of old-growth trees—some over 150 years old—to construct new roads, zero-lot-line duplexes, and fire code compliant homesites. Devastating the local ecosystem and removing a vital natural barrier for Troublesome Creek. The existing trees and foliage also provide a natural barrier between the Sewer Treatment Plant and surrounding homes.  When the area is clear cut, local homeowners will be subjected to noise and odor pollution from the sewer plant.

3. Illegal Activities

• Trespassing and Land Clearing: WKLR has already demonstrated their disregard for the law by illegally entering multiple neighboring properties and clear-cutting old-growth trees to build unauthorized roads. (link to below photos)

• Unpermitted Construction: Ongoing road grading, structural repairs, and other construction have been conducted without required permits, showing a blatant disrespect for local regulations.

4. Ethical and Legal Concerns

• Misrepresentation and Fraud: A 70-year-old property owner was duped into selling under false pretenses. WKLR claimed no development would occur, yet they had already drafted plans for roads and duplexes on that exact parcel. As the seller remarked: “If I had known the truth, I wouldn’t have sold to them. Period.”

• Lawsuit Against Elderly Neighbor: WKLR is now suing an 85-year-old local resident reliant on social security, for over $350K in damages to force the sale of their property —a cruel and exploitative move.

5. Lack of Credibility and Experience

• Inexperience: WKLR has zero experience and has never completed a single development project, making this proposal reckless and amateurish at best.

Community Distrust: Evergreen residents are tired of seeing poorly executed projects that leave lasting damage. This ill-conceived scheme must not move forward.

Additional Concerns

This extreme density will overwhelm community resources, exacerbate safety and fire concerns, and create a permanent burden for the Evergreen community.