Dutch Creek Horse Farm and the surrounding open space at 6859 S Iris Street, Jefferson County, Colorado, hold a cherished place in our community. This iconic area is now facing a potential threat—the proposition to rezone this beloved property and development of the property into at least 55 units despite the risk of a coal mine that could collapse below the surface. As residents, property owners, and stakeholders invested in the preservation of Dutch Creek, we are urging authorities to reconsider this plan for the reasons we outline below.

1. Firstly, the proposal for rezoning is fundamentally incompatible with the existing zoning and land usage patterns. This change would disrupt the delicate balance and character that we have maintained in our neighborhood for decades. The rezoning proposes a transition that doesn't align with the values and lifestyle synonymous with the Dutch Creek area. Many homeowners bought in the area due to the desire for open space. 

2. Moreover, public safety takes precedence, and the presence of abandoned coal mines in close proximity raises significant risks. These mines magnify the potential hazards associated with rezoning the area for purposes other than what it has been historically used for. The alteration could lead not only to structural concerns but unforeseen accidents detrimental to our community's health and safety. .

3. Environmental and public health concerns cannot be overstated. Our open space serves as a green lung for our neighborhood, supporting local wildlife and offering residents a respite from urban life. Rezoning and subsequent developments could compromise this haven, leading to detrimental effects on local flora and fauna, and possibly introduce pollutants that impact health standards.

4. Floodplain and drainage challenges are notorious in this area. Any changes to the zoning might exacerbate these issues, leading to increased flooding risks for residents. It's critical that our neighborhood maintains the ability to manage stormwaters and prevent the severe water damage that could arise from ill-considered development.

5. Additionally, the lack of meaningful public engagement in the rezoning decision-making process is a glaring oversight. The voices of the community should be pivotal in shaping the future of our own neighborhoods, and decisions of this magnitude require thorough public consultation and transparency. Our neighborhood has already had a development approved in the exact same area, despite repeated opposition from the entire neighborhood. It was even granted exceptions such as to elements such as height requirements. We fundamentally feel concerned that our public officials are not representing the neighborhood's concerns or shared desires and are instead pandering to developers that are focused on profits, not the folks left with the development once it's done. 

6. In terms of traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood safety, this area could face severe stress if rezoning proceeds without strategic planning. Increased traffic could compromise safety and overwhelm existing infrastructure, leading to degraded living conditions. 

7. Furthermore, the proposed rezoning fails to meet the standards for thoughtful and sustainable development, which should emphasize preservation, community values, and safety above all.

8. Many of these recent approved developments focus on the profits and benefits of the developers who have moved to the suburbs to focus on quick profits--instead of keeping the integrity of open spaces that residents live in the region for.  

We implore Jefferson County to listen to the concerns of its residents and prioritize the maintenance of the Dutch Creek area's integrity. The rezoning plan should not proceed without first considering these intricate aspects that affect not only the environment but the well-being and safety of the individuals who call this area home.

Please sign this petition to express your opposition to the rezoning of Dutch Creek Horse Farm and support the preservation of our treasured community grounds. First meeting is January 12, 2026 5:30 PM for the Community Engagement Rezoning Meeting with the Developer and Jefferson County. Additional County info below. It's vital to sign the petition.  

Case Type: Community Meeting

Case Number: 25-130245CMT

Meeting Location: Virtual Meeting

Where: 6859 S Iris Street

Case Manager: Sara Homeyer, (303) 271-8732, shomeyer@jeffco.us

Purpose: Virtual Community Meeting to discuss a proposed Rezoning to Planned Development (PD)

to allow for up to 48 single-family detached lots.

Community Meeting Information: Jan 12, 2026, 5:30 PM

Online Community Meeting. Please visit https://www.jeffco.us/meetings for directions on how to

join the meeting.

This Community Meeting is required by the County in order to provide for an information exchange

between the applicant and the community members.

Documents for this case can be accessed through the Planning & Zoning Website.

http://jeffco.us/planning-and-zoning/active-cases/

or by contacting the case manager.