On December 2nd, the UNELECTED Downtown Review Board unanimously approved the OneVeLa Luxury Apartment Skyscraper, ignoring public opposition. But we are fighting back.

On February 14th, 2025, an appeal of the Downtown Review Board was filed with the City, forcing a public hearing before our ELECTED City Council—forcing they go on record for betraying the people who voted them into office with the exception of Councilmember Donelson fought to let voters decide on Building Height Limits, but ALL eight of his colleagues refused to even allow a discussion. They blocked your voice.

Now, the City is at it again—pushing a biased survey (you can see questions below) to create a false "majority" in favor of skyscrapers. It’s a tactic we’ve seen before—like during the Broadmoor Land Swap—where multiple biased surveys were used to justify ignoring public outcry.  The people stopped those too.

Building Height QUESTION 12:  

12. New buildings have been recently built or are proposed to be built that are visible as part of Downtown’s skyline. Do you believe that tall buildings (e.g., greater than 8 stories) are appropriate in Downtown Colorado Springs?

Yes

No

I don’t know

Other - Write In

Bias: Uses the word "appropriate," implying skyscrapers are a standard part of a downtown environment. Additionally, framing tall buildings as greater than 8 stories is misleading since Downtown already has a 16-story building (Wells Fargo Tower) and the proposed One VeLa project is 27 stories.
Flaw: Lacks an option to oppose tall buildings due to trapping pollution, view obstruction, overdevelopment, or traffic.

Take Action Now: Don’t Let Them Manufacture Your Consent
Take their survey and make sure your opposition to this skyscraper is heard by answering "No" on a Question 12. Don’t let them claim you are silent.  A PDF of the actual survey can be viewed here with all questions and an analysis of the survey is provided at the link and below.  We recommend objecting, where possible, in the "Other" choices where you can provide input like "This survey is biased and designed to MANUFACTURE CONSENT to densify, force walking/biking biased outcomes and build skyscrapers."  At a minimum, answer question 12 which is what they are trying to manipulate. Email the Interim CEO of the Downtown DDA (a taxpayer-funded entity to promote development in downtown) and copy us and the media for transparency and ask why they are producing such a biased survey.  A list of the board members on the Downtown Development Authority can be seen here.    It's a very powerful group.  The Downtown Master Plan update and the issue of building height limits was promised to occur BEFORE skyscrapers...they have intentionally pushed it to after OneVeLa was approved to open the doors for the 4 more waiting the wings which will, undoubtedly, be taller as it becomes a race to who has the tallest building.
 
Email: Chelsea@downtowncs.com  CC:  integritymatterscos@gmail.com, chelsea.brentzel@krdo.com, breeanna.jent@gazette.com, brennen.kauffman@gazette.com, talkshow@aol.com, news@kktv.com, news@krcc.org, achalfin@krcc.org, news@koaa.com, news@cpr.org, news@krdo.com, news@fox21news.com, lwatson@kktv.com, kktv-news@graymedia.com, newsroom@coloradosun.com, newsroom@denverpost.com

Help Us Win the Lawsuit Against This Abuse of Power. ​

Donate to the OneVeLa URA lawsuit.  Our appeal is critical to stopping this misuse of taxpayer dollars through the Blight Law. Winning this case will set a precedent and protect our community from future backroom deals.  But we can’t do it without you. While all legal work is pro bono, we must cover hard costs like certified records for the lawsuit.  Every dollar counts. Your donation funds the fight to hold our leaders accountable.
 

Analysis of Bias and Flaws in Downtown Colorado Springs Survey

Introduction Bias:

Video to watch preceding that is absolute bias and frames Downtown as already thriving and vibrant, which may bias respondents into agreeing with this positive outlook. It frames growth as inherently positive and implies that supporting the Master Plan is the right choice.

1. What typically brings you Downtown?

Bias: Assumes that people visit Downtown and frames it as a destination. There is no option to indicate that they avoid Downtown due to crime, parking, or other concerns.
Flaw: Missing an option like "I rarely or never visit Downtown" to gather negative experiences.

2. How often do you come Downtown?

Bias: Frames frequency as a positive measure, assuming that regular visits indicate a thriving Downtown without allowing respondents to express reasons for not visiting.
Flaw: Does not ask why people visit less frequently.

3. How do you usually get around Downtown?

Bias: Emphasizes alternative transit modes (walking, biking, e-scooters) to imply that car use is undesirable.
Flaw: Does not allow multiple selections, preventing a more comprehensive view of transportation habits.

4. What are the biggest challenges you face when navigating Downtown?

Bias: Focuses on pedestrian and bike issues while splitting parking concerns into three categories, which may dilute the impact of parking dissatisfaction.
Flaw: Missing concerns like panhandling, homeless encampments, or aggressive behavior.

5. What are Downtown's greatest assets?

Bias: Includes "Recent housing development" as a presumed positive without acknowledging overbuilding or vacancies.
Flaw: No option to mention declining business health or closures.

6. What are Downtown's greatest challenges?

Bias: Frames challenges around the need for more housing and amenities, implying that more development is the solution.
Flaw: Does not include options for overdevelopment, vacant units, or small business struggles.

7. What types of housing would you like to see more of Downtown?

Bias: Promotes high-rise and multi-family housing while burying "Single-family homes" in a long list.
Flaw: Ignores current 34% vacancy rates and does not offer an option to oppose more housing development.

8. Do you feel safe Downtown?

Bias: Assumes that Downtown safety is only a matter of perception rather than underlying crime rates.
Flaw: No option to explain what specific safety concerns exist.

9. What would make you feel safer Downtown?

Bias: Focuses on community-led programs and infrastructure rather than addressing crime enforcement.
Flaw: Missing options such as stricter law enforcement or addressing drug use issues.

10. What events/activities do you like to attend Downtown?

Bias: Frames Downtown as an active cultural hub without asking what events people avoid or why.
Flaw: Missing an option to say "I do not visit Downtown due to crime, cost, or inconvenience."

11. How do you feel about how things have changed Downtown?

Bias: Focuses on a 10-year positive progress narrative rather than specific changes respondents may dislike.
Flaw: No opportunity to comment on negative impacts of changes such as high-rises or business closures.

12. Are tall buildings appropriate in Downtown?

Bias: Uses the word "appropriate," implying skyscrapers are a standard part of a downtown environment. Additionally, framing tall buildings as greater than 8 stories is misleading since Downtown already has a 16-story building (Wells Fargo Tower) and the proposed One VeLa project is 27 stories.
Flaw: Lacks an option to oppose tall buildings due to view obstruction, overdevelopment, or traffic.

13. 2016 Master Plan Values: Which are still relevant?

Bias: Suggests these values are correct and only need updating rather than reconsideration.
Flaw: No option to question the direction of the 2016 Plan entirely.

14. Vision for the Future:

Bias: Open-ended, but framed after multiple questions promoting growth, density, and development.
Flaw: No prompt to include concerns like stopping overdevelopment or preserving neighborhood character.

15-18. Demographic Questions:

Bias: These may be used to segment responses to support predetermined goals.
Flaw: No opportunity to provide feedback on how demographic data will be used.

19-20. Incentive Questions:

Bias: Offering a prize may encourage participation from those more favorable toward Downtown.
Flaw: May exclude critical voices who distrust the process.
 

General Survey Bias:

The survey subtly directs respondents toward supporting increased density, alternative transportation, and more high-rise development while minimizing concerns about overbuilding, safety, and business closures. It frames Downtown’s changes and future through a pro-growth lens without providing room for dissenting perspectives.