I am a resident of Karl's Farm in Northglenn, CO, deeply concerned about the potential loss of our local natural environment due to rezoning application (Case Number Z-2-23) filed by Eastlake Land Holdings, LLC. This application seeks to rezone a flourishing 16.7-acre property from Agricultural (AG) to Multifamily (RM-2). This area currently functions as a natural park and open space consistent with its current zoning classification. It provides habitat for abundant/diverse wildlife and contributes significantly to the overall health and wellbeing of our community. With the proposed rezoning, I understand that the property would be relegated to higher density land use for up to 60 domestic units per acre.

The preservation of such natural spaces is crucial not just for maintaining biodiversity but also for promoting community wellness. According to research published by the American Public Health Association, access to natural green spaces has been linked with decreased mortality rates and improved mental health among urban residents (American Public Health Association). Rezoning this property would likely mean replacing these invaluable natural elements with housing units  - a move that could have far-reaching implications on our local ecosystem and community life quality.

Furthermore, the rezoning application includes a letter from Norris Design, an urban planning consultant, that makes questionable and one-sided claims to the City about the nature of this property. It gives the appearance that the application meets the minimum requirements of Section 11-6-4(a)(3)(E)(iii) - Rezoning Approval Criteria of the Northglenn Unified Development Ordinance. The letter also makes claims about being consistent with Karl's Farm Master Plan without providing any detail on what this consistency would look like. If re-zoning were successful the owner would be free to develop the property in any way such that it complies with Section 11-3-2 - Table of Allowed Uses of the Northglenn UDO. During the Planning Commission meeting at the Council Chambers of the City of Northglenn held on October 17, 2023 it was made abundantly clear that the objective of Eastlake Land Holdings LLC was to develop multifamily dwellings on this property without consideration to existing natural elements. I believe this is contrary to the Karl's Farm Master Plan.

As part of the Karl's Farm community I claim that the statement "Current current land use no longer desired", made on slide 19 of the Eastlake Rezone presentation given by the Planning Commission, among other claims, is not representative of my views and not in the interest of current residents of this community. I urge Northglenn City Council members and other relevant decision-makers to not only consider short-term economic gains but also long-term environmental sustainability when deciding on this rezoning application.

Please join us in opposing this rezoning effort by signing this petition today! Preserve our green spaces for future generations!