Plans are underway to develop the vacant land north and east of Mesa Middle School, about 290 acres characterized by unique rock formations, bluffs, mature trees, plants, and wildlife. The Bella Mesa Metropolitan District aims to integrate these elements into community amenities, including trails, scenic overlooks and a nature park that all neighbors can enjoy. Bella Mesa Metropolitan District is preparing to issue bonds to help fund these significant new neighborhood amenities.

The Bella Mesa Metropolitan District is hoping to implement these plans in collaboration with Cardel Homes, who plans to develop the site. The developer will pay for the site development and infrastructure needed to support the new homes.

Learn More on our Project Fact Sheet

Nature Trails & Park Bond FAQ:

Q: What will the new amenities include?

A:  Nature trails, scenic overlooks and a natural park. Ecologists and trail and landscape planners will evaluate the land and recommend areas to preserve for open space, and how to incorporate natural parks and trails into the area. These trails and scenic overlooks will make this stretch of Mitchell Creek an exciting educational experience for area residents. Signage and markers guide trail users and provide interpretive information.

Q. How will foot traffic on the new amenities be managed?

A. Most of the area shown as open space will have minimal disturbance. Only the areas required for trail enhancement, safety, and access will be noticeably altered. The intent is to maximize preservation. Parking is planned as part of developments but may be limited to avoid over-use of the trail. Over the long-term, it is not anticipated that the area will be overly trafficked.

Q.    What is being done to address traffic backup around Bella Mesa Middle School?

 A. The development pattern of the Bella Mesa neighborhood, as currently envisioned, will minimize that log jam directly by the school by eliminating the hard corner at West Mitchell Street and “Mitchell Crossover.” Also, the roundabout at Mikelson and W. Mitchell will eliminate another hard corner where carpool traffic backs into Mikelson. Mitchell Street will be re-configured to include two through lanes adjacent to the school and into the new neighborhood.  A town-approved and accepted traffic study has been made, and it is available by contacting the BMMD at bellamesatrail@gmail.com.

 Q. What about the currently existing pond?

 A. The existing wastewater treatment pond must be removed as it is withholding surface water resources (runoff) from the Cherry Creek watershed. It was constructed back in the 1980s by the Town of Castle Rock for temporarily holding wastewater (treated sewage) but no longer serves that purpose.

Instead, a functioning water quality/detention pond, built to town and state standards, will be constructed on the west side of the site, above the eastern side of Mitchell Gulch. Once the old wastewater treatment pond is removed, and the temporary Mitchell Crossover is relocated through the new development, that corner will have a well-landscaped buffer south of the proposed homes. The existing Mitchell Crossover easement will be a landscaped foot and bicycle path from the East Mitchell Street-Castlewood Ranch area over to Mesa Middle School.

Q: Will the new bond raise taxes for current Bella Mesa residents?

A: No. The bond will not raise taxes. In 2020, the Bella Mesa Metropolitan District issued limited tax general obligation bonds in the principal amount of $22.7 million. The Bella Mesa Metropolitan District has the opportunity to issue an additional bond in 2024 to provide funding for the new amenities to be developed within the community. The 30-year bonds the Bella Mesa Metropolitan District  plans to issue will result in no new property tax increases for existing or future residents. The bonds are paid from the proceeds of the existing debt service mill levy and will extend the repayment period for existing residents by about five years. The Bella Mesa Metropolitan District’s total debt is expected to increase by approximately $10.5 million from about $22 million to $32.5 million. The new development will spread repayment among over 600 more residents. The Bella Mesa Metropolitan District 's valuation is estimated to increase by over 500% as a result of these new residences, thereby expediting bond repayment.

Q: What will happen if the bonds are not refinanced?

 A. If the bonds aren’t refinanced, the completion of development at Bella Mesa, and the repayment (with attendant tax reduction) of the existing bonds will probably be delayed. It is also likely that the trail enhancements and accessways shown on the BMMD exhibits will be curtailed and delayed, too.

Q: When and where will construction on additional housing begin?

 A.  Construction will likely start on the southwest side of the site. It is hoped that land development activities will begin in Fall of 2025.