Some Highlands Homeowners Oppose Plan For New Apartments

DENVER (CBS4) - A group of homeowners in Denver's Highlands neighborhood say they are fighting to save their community.

The group has launched a campaign to stop the potential building of three mid-level apartment complexes near 32nd and Lowell.

The apartments are being proposed by Red Peak Properties, which says it has been working with city council and neighborhood groups to build units that would fit in with the neighborhood.

The spot is home to of Denver's most popular neighborhood shopping areas. The planned buildings would take up three lots off Lowell and demolish part of the historic Highlands Church.

Residents say they are concerned about losing the unique character of the neighborhood and are also worried about the added traffic and lack of parking for all the new residents.

Some businesses say they like the potential for new customers, but homeowners say they are trying to prevent taller buildings from being erected.

In a statement to CBS4, Red Peak says it is "planning a high quality project that will add to the neighborhood and preserve the iconic church structure." Red Peak says the plan does not require rezoning and uses existing use and height requirements in place for over 50 years.

Evan Lichtenfels, Development Director for Red Peak says, "We have a great design team with an impressive record of preserving and enhancing established Denver neighborhoods."

Red Peak also says the apartments will be LEED certified and will meet all aspects of the current zoning and will actually exceed the required parking. The company is also pursuing bike share and car share stations.