Castle Pines Deems Crowsnest Annexation Eligible

Developer seeks to annex 795-acre plot for nearly 4,000 new homes, sparking concerns from neighboring Parker

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A developer is asking the city of Castle Pines, Colorado to annex a 795-acre plot of land called "Crowsnest" that could be developed into nearly 4,000 new residences. While Castle Pines city council has deemed the annexation petition eligible, the proposal has faced strong opposition from neighboring Parker, whose mayor worries about the impact on infrastructure, wildlife, water, and taxes.

Why it matters

The Crowsnest annexation represents a major development that could significantly alter the makeup of Douglas County for decades to come. As a "flagpole annexation" that connects the land to Castle Pines via a single road, the proposal has raised concerns about the appropriateness of the annexation and its potential consequences for the surrounding communities.

The details

The Crowsnest property is located south of Parker along Crowfoot Valley Road. If approved, the 795-acre plot could be developed into nearly 4,000 new homes, along with 70 acres of dedicated open space. While Parker town officials have already told the developer they do not want to annex the land, Castle Pines has found the annexation petition eligible based on a legal process of four connected annexations. The developer says the project could bring over $600 million in revenue to Castle Pines over the next 40 years and will pay for the widening of Crowfoot Valley Road.

  • On February 25, 2026, the Castle Pines City Council found the annexation petition was eligible to be considered.
  • On March 5, 2026, the planning commission will weigh zoning for the Crowsnest development.
  • On March 10 and 24, 2026, the city council will have the first and second reading of the annexation and zoning.

The players

VT Crowfoot Valley Landco LLC

The developer seeking to annex the Crowsnest property and develop it into nearly 4,000 new homes.

Joshua Rivero

The mayor of the town of Parker, who has urged Castle Pines to deny the annexation due to concerns about the impact on Parker's infrastructure, stormwater, and amenities.

Lacy Bradley

A Castle Pines resident and part of an organized group of over 100 neighbors opposing the Crowsnest annexation.

Donna Cook

A Castle Pines resident who has become increasingly concerned about the Crowsnest annexation proposal the more she has learned about it.

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What they’re saying

“Step by step, they're getting to an end that we don't want to see.”

— Joshua Rivero, Mayor of Parker (CBS News)

“The more I learned about it, the more I became concerned. The more I learned about it, the more it didn't make sense. It's so far removed from Castle Pines with a flagpole annexation. It's one road that sort of connects us together, but not really. It borders Parker on three sides.”

— Donna Cook, Castle Pines resident (CBS News)

“I feel like there's a great financial risk to all the residents here, and so that's why I decided to get involved.”

— Lacy Bradley, Castle Pines resident (CBS News)

What’s next

On March 10 and 24, 2026, the Castle Pines City Council will have the first and second reading of the annexation and zoning for the Crowsnest development.

The takeaway

The Crowsnest annexation proposal has sparked a contentious debate in the region, with Castle Pines and Parker at odds over the potential impacts of such a large-scale development. As the process moves forward, the voices of concerned residents will be crucial in shaping the outcome and determining whether this annexation aligns with the long-term vision and values of the surrounding communities.