A New Community Planned in Rural El Paso County

Anyone who drove down Highway 94 this winter likely noticed a semi-trailer parked near Enoch Road and Highway 94, with a banner announcing Flying Horse East.

Development of a new community

According to the Flying Horse East website, 5,500 acres have been purchased near Schriever AFB for the development of a new community.  It was purchased by Jeff Smith, co-owner of Classic Companies. Per the website, this community is expected to include residential units, office parks, schools, trails, hotels, restaurants, an age-restricted community with golf course, and an additional golf course and 5-star resort. It also includes a “village” area with multi-family dwellings, condominiums, and retail space. It is estimated by the company that some 100,000 residents will ultimately call the area home.

According to a Gazette Article from last October, Flying Horse plans to request annexation this year from Colorado Springs, using a flagpole annexation request. (Colorado Springs developer eyes massive mixed-use project near Schriever AFB, east of town). This would use Highway 94 as the “flagpole” connecting the Flying Horse property to Colorado Springs some 9 miles to the west. In the above referenced article, it is mentioned by Mr. Smith that if annexation is denied it is possible the property will be broken up into ranchettes instead of an urban community.

There has been no announcement of specific timelines or updates on the annexation request so far. A large piece of the puzzle will depend on the ultimate awarding of the permanent home of the Space Force, especially as the website states “Welcome Space Force.” Since it does appear that the Space Force only has a temporary headquarters in Colorado (though local leaders are trying to overturn that decision)  the future plans for this development remain uncertain for the time being.

Positive Impact

If Flying Horse’s plans come to fruition, there could be some positives for the eastern portion of the county. To support a community of this size, it seems necessary to implement some infrastructure improvements that will support the estimated 100,000 residents. This might necessitate widening Highway 94 from two lanes, improving the road maintenance, and bringing more high-speed internet to the rural portions of the county.

Having more businesses available to rural citizens is a benefit for the entire community. Closer shopping and amenities without the commute are generally a good thing. This would bring more options to these residents and would allow for more employment and business opportunities. Having these conveniences and amenities closer may positively impact property values as well.

Negative Impact

However, building a community of this size in a rural area is bound to impact the existing residents in negative ways. An immediate concern is how 100,000 additional residents could affect traffic flow and congestion. Highway 94 is only two lanes, and not in the best shape. If not widened and improved, it seems possible that adding thousands of vehicles to the road every day will increase the likelihood of accidents, congestion, and road hazards; especially during inclement weather.  

Another major concern is water. Eastern El Paso County already has water concerns but adding that many residences (presumably with lawns and community pools) and businesses, as well as at least two golf courses, seems like an exceptionally large stress on an already stressed water table. The county has supposedly taken this into account in its recently released Master Plan, but concerns remain.

Another question that remains is how Emergency Services will be handled. There is no mention on the Flying Horse East site of building additional police and fire stations. If annexed by Colorado Springs, the nearest Colorado Springs fire and police departments are both located on Tutt Boulevard, approximately 20 minutes away.

If county resources were contracted to cover this area instead, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will have to supply more deputies than are currently used to patrol the eastern half of the county, likely either pulling them from other areas or by hiring more deputies. The nearest fire departments are Ellicott, Falcon and Schriever AFB. These are at least closer but will need more equipment, staffing and stations to cover a community of that size.

Either way, by using city or county resources, they need to be paid for. Will this be affecting taxes? 

“I left town for a reason”

A less tangible but still important factor is also how this community will affect the rural lifestyle and scenic views currently enjoyed by residents in the area. The quote above is from an acquaintance on the subject. Many people have chosen to live outside of town because they prefer the rural life, the enjoy the peace of country living, they have horses or other livestock, or they just simply dislike living in town.

Now that town may be moving to them, with its accompanying traffic, noise, congestion, light pollution, and possible competition for water usage and emergency services, some people are not excited about this community as it is planned. No records have been found of the annexation request, nor a chance for the public to comment on the request so far, but that could change any time as the process moves forward.

It remains to be seen if this project will be going forward as announced, with modifications, or not at all. If it is built as planned, it will bring a mixed bag of conveniences and headaches for citizens living east of the Springs.

The Maverick Observer, or “The Moe” as we affectionately call it, is an online free-thinking publication interested in the happenings in our town. We launched in February 2020 to hold our politicians and businesses accountable. We hope to educate, inform, entertain, and infuse you with a sense of community.