Golf course developer driving for summer homebuilding start
Post Independent Staff
NEW CASTLE – Developers are moving a lot of dirt around at the future Lakota Canyon Ranch golf course subdivision in New Castle, just east of Castle Valley Ranch.
David Myler, attorney for the development, confirmed Tuesday that work is progressing on Phase 1A, which encompasses 60 residential lots and portions of Lakota’s 18-hole golf course.
“Construction is continuing on roads, utilities, and curb and gutter work, as well as golf course shaping,” he said.
The Lakota Canyon Ranch PUD received conditional approval from the New Castle Town Council on Nov. 19. But according to New Castle town administrator Steve Rippy, the approval was contingent on a set of conditions, including golf course community programs, wildlife mitigation and improvements to existing roads.
The last of those conditions – constructing a 1.6 million gallon water storage tank above both developments – was finally agreed upon between Lakota Canyon Ranch Development LLC, Castle Valley Ranch and the town of New Castle early this month.
The agreement allows work to begin in earnest on Phase 1A’s 55 acres, which will eventually contain 194 residential units, a public park and five acres of the development’s 18-hole golf course.
The entire project, at buildout, is planned to contain 827 residential units on its 487-acre site.
Rippy said although the economy is in a downturn, the housing market in New Castle remains strong.
“There’s no doubt in my mind the economy is softer,” Rippy said, “but my understanding is the project has upwards of 80 reservations.”
Myler confirmed interest is high for Lakota Canyon.
“We’re entering into contracts for the sale of lots in Phase 1,” Myler said. “We anticipate we’ll start to see home construction by this summer.”
Rippy said as far as New Castle is concerned, he thinks the town is set for housing development capacity.
“Once Castle Valley and Lakota are at buildout, we’re going to have more than enough housing here,” he said.
At buildout over a 20-year period, the two developments will ultimately be responsible for adding 2,227 residential units to New Castle.
Contact Carrie Click: 945-8515, ext 518
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