Hughes Stadium Redevelopment Controversy
By Maya Jensen
Oct. 27, 2019
Lennar wants to build 600–700 homes on the 165 acre site right off of Overland Trail and north of Larimer County Road 32.
The worn down Hughes Stadium and surrounding land was recently sold by its owner, Colorado State University, to the famous home developing company Lennar, in February for $10 million.
Lennar Homes website paints a picture of the type of mass planning developments they have designed in the past, as they are the second largest home construction company in the United States. However, it is still within the early planning development stages and the city has a lot of hearings to go through before a final decision is reached.
Residents have already begun submitting their own ideas of what to do with the land to the Hughes Redevelopment Ideas website. Many have commented on how this will negatively impact the surrounding wildlife. Those who live in Fort Collins take pride in the natural beauty Colorado has to offer and want to preserve the open land that is left. Although the population is continuously growing here, there are more sustainable ways of developing homes.
While the plan to build homes is definite, the developer should not only keep the neighbors in mind, but also the animals. The only open space Lennar plans for is a community park linked to a trailhead in the area. The Wildlife Trusts organization designed a document on how to build homes for people while still taking the wildlife into consideration. Some of the design ideas included permeable boundaries and corridors connected to open spaces to allow animals to pass through free of harm. It also mentions planting trees, hedges, and other plants of local origin within the landscape to support the habitat’s diversity. Renewable energy and water efficiency systems can also help to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the threats it poses to the animals.
CSU said in an official statement that one of its top priorities is creating more affordable housing for its staff and administrators. Except, they did not state anything about reserving or giving first priority to its employees for the new houses expected to be built. In recent news, there is no official agreement that requires any of the houses to be set aside for CSU administration or include affordable housing. Additionally, former President Tony Frank said some of the proceeds from the sale will help fund the newer Canvas stadium in an effort to not use tuition money or state funding.
Going forward, it is up to the Fort Collins community to voice their opinions and help decide what type of housing development is going to be built on the Hughes Stadium property. If Lennar does not officially purchase the property by Oct. 30, of 2020, the deal will terminate. To follow this story more, visit The Coloradoan.
