The Edgewood Commission will hear appeals against the approval of a minor subdivision requested by Campbell Farming Corp on March 6 at 2 p.m. in Town Hall.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the meeting time. The story has been updated to state that the hearing is scheduled for March 6 at 2 p.m.
The “quasi-judicial” hearing will address concerns about a plan to develop thousands of homes in the East Mountains, which residents have debated for over two decades.
The Campbell Ranch Master Plan includes four villages, 4,000 homes, two golf courses, and a hotel. Edgewood approved the plan to develop the 8,000 acres in 2002 but dirt has not moved on the property since then.
In November, the Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commission approved dividing a portion of Campbell Ranch into five smaller sections. That decision is being appealed.
The hearing to address the appeal of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval was originally scheduled for Jan. 30. Just hours before the meeting, the Town of Edgewood announced that the meeting has been “canceled and continued” to March 6.
“Attorneys for the parties requested and by mutual agreement continued the quasi-judicial hearing…The continuance will allow additional time for review and to ensure compliance with the proper notice requirements,” said community liaison Linda Burke.
The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC) expressed discontent with the decision, saying the town acknowledged that affected parties were not given adequate notice to file appeals and that the Edgewood Town Commissioners recently retained a new attorney.
At the rescheduled meeting, EMPAC plans to communicate its familiar concerns surrounding the intended development, citing water availability, infrastructure issues and a lack of transparency.
Charlene Smith, spokesperson for EMPAC, criticized the decision to reschedule the hearing but stressed the importance of guaranteeing the opportunity for all parties to file appeals.
“We understand the continuance was asked for because the Town realized it had not adequately given all affected parties an opportunity to file appeals,” Smith said.
EMPAC will continue to strongly oppose the development due to its potential environmental risk to the land and the community.
“This is a significant disappointment for us,” Smith said. “We and several appellants are thoroughly prepared and ready to present numerous facts—once again—on why the Campbell Ranch should not be approved as a Master Plan lot or any number of lots, for that matter. Clearly, water is a major concern given that the proposal includes 4,000 single-family homes and two golf courses, and the developers and the Town of Edgewood have provided no plans for the infrastructure to support this community, even though we have asked repeatedly. Of course, we want all affected parties in this matter to have the opportunity to take action that they are entitled to.”
The March 6 meeting will allow appellants, applicants and town staff to present evidence for consideration. Public comments may not be considered due to judicial procedure protocols.