Controversial Catholic Retreat Approved Despite Neighbor Concerns
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A proposed Catholic retreat and conference center in Jefferson County has been approved despite scrutiny over neighbors' concerns that the development would pose an imminent wildfire threat.
Jefferson County Commissioners unanimously approved the controversial rezoning that will allow the retreat and conference center outside Conifer.
The 241-acre facility will be built on the property the Archdiocese bought in 2015. The church is trying to have the property rezoned so it can build a main lodge with 52 guest rooms, meeting and eating facilities along with a chapel, a dormitory-style youth retreat center and small cabins.
The Archdiocese's last mountain retreat -- St. Malo in Allenspark -- burned down in 2011 due to an accidental fire.
The Jeffco facility would act as a replacement for St. Malo. Dollins said the church was attracted to this parcel of land due to its proximity to Denver, about a 45-minute drive, along with the peaceful setting and abundance of hiking trails.
But neighbors are spooked by the sheer number of potential visitors and the Archdiocese being allowed to eventually construct up to six outdoor fire pits.
