Latest news with #CastleRock
CBS News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Colorado church wins right to shelter homeless in RVs after legal battle with Castle Rock
A years-long legal battle between the Colorado town of Castle Rock and a local church has finally reached a resolution. It all started when the town ordered The Rock Church to stop sheltering the homeless in two RVs on its property. The town claimed it was a zoning violation, but the church argued it was their religious duty to help the homeless and said the town was violating their religious freedoms. The two parties have now reached a settlement that allows the church to shelter the homeless in up to five additional RVs beyond what they previously had. "It's actually a mandate in the Bible to take care of your neighbors, to love your neighbor as yourself, to take care of those that are struggling," said Rock Church lead pastor Mike Polhemus. CBS When Polhemus filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Castle Rock, he was prepared for it to go all the way to the Supreme Court. "We're really fighting for the churches to be able to have their religious freedom, to do the things that we're called to do according to what the scripture commands us to do," Polhemus said. The church's first victory came last July, when a judge granted a preliminary injunction allowing them to resume sheltering people while the case moved forward. The church quickly moved a Parker family of eight in, who stayed for three months. "Now they're they're doing great. They're in their own home. They have a vehicle now," Polhemus said. "They're so thankful that we were able to help them in one of their greatest times of need." This month brought a final win for the church, with a settlement allowing them to shelter people in up to seven RVs on their property. CBS The settlement states the town may choose to pay for and install fencing to screen the RVs from neighbors. The town must also pay $225,000 of the church's legal fees. The terms of the settlement also allow the church to operate a coffee shop on site, as well as partner with the American Red Cross as an emergency shelter in Castle Rock. The Town of Castle Rock shared a joint statement saying: "On May 13, 2024, the Church of the Rock ("the Rock") filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado, in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Rock sought and received a court order enjoining the Town from enforcing its land-use laws to prohibit the Rock's operation of its On-Site Temporary Shelter Ministry, through which the Rock provides shelter to those in need in trailers on its property, during the pendency of the case. Since the Court issued its injunction order, the Rock and the Town have sought to resolve this dispute without further litigation. As part of those efforts, on December 2, 2024, the Town issued a revised Letter of Determination that explicitly permits the Rock to operate its On-Site Temporary Shelter Ministry in the two trailers currently located on the Rock's property and clarifies that the applicable Planned Development zoning regulations do not prevent the Rock from providing additional shelter during public emergencies through its partnership with the Red Cross. The Town and the Rock now wish to inform the public that they have reached an agreement intended to end the current litigation and settle issues regarding the future use of the Rock's property to provide temporary housing to those in need. As part of this agreement, a new Letter of Determination will permit the Rock to operate its On-Site Temporary Shelter Ministry located in its existing parking lot. The Town has the option to install additional fencing or landscaping to partially screen the location of the units from the surrounding neighborhood in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Town acknowledges the Rock's invaluable services to the Castle Rock community through its longstanding efforts to provide support for those members of our community most in need. The Rock acknowledges its responsibilities as a good neighbor and looks forward to working in partnership with the Town while providing those services. The Town and the Rock believe that this agreement is in the best interest of all parties and successfully balances the Rock's religious free-exercise rights with the Town's public interest in enforcing land use regulations and protecting the general welfare, public health, and safety. The Town and the Rock are no longer in an adversarial posture in regard to the litigation and look forward to productive cooperation and potential partnerships on issues in the future." The town looks forward to cooperating with the church in the future, a sentiment Polhemus shares. "We love the Town of Castle Rock. We love everything that they're doing. And our hope is that we can actually work together," Polhemus said. "We're not here to hurt our community, we're actually here to help the community. One of the ways we can do this is help those that are struggling, help our neighbors that have become homeless or in a bad situation, and we can bring them in and quickly get them back on their feet and into a sustainable position and integrated back into society." Today, two people live temporarily in the RVs on site, and the church will set up more RVs as needed. "We find is a lot of the people that are struggling, they don't just need a shelter, but they need people to come alongside them and to really help them in their greatest time of need," Polhemus said. Now that the conflict is settled with the town, the church hopes to explore building workforce housing on their land, an idea that was not popular with neighbors. "I know there's concerns from the neighbors that this is going to reduce their property values and increase crime rates, and I would say to this date, we have done nothing of that sort, and do not plan to do that," Polhemus said. Polhemus says the church will continue to follow its calling, and he hopes neighbors will join them. "Christ showed us love when he died on a cross for us," Polhemus said. "My encouragement to our community, to our churches, is that we would respond in the same love that Christ had for us, and lay down our lives for one another. And one of the ways we do that is by helping those that are struggling with housing."
CBS News
17-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado Safeway strikes expand to Castle Rock and Littleton with more locations expected
New Safeway locations joined UFCW Local 7's strike efforts on Monday, bringing the total to six locations across the state with more expected in the coming days. Among the hundreds of union workers already on strike is Castle Rock store clerk Tanner Vonstein. Vonstein says he voted to support the strike after five years with the company. "I know it's really important that if we're together, then we can win this fight," Vonstein said. Castle Rock Safeway clerk Tanner Vonstein describes working conditions at his store and the reason he and other workers are striking on Monday, June 16, 2025. CBS While shoppers may remember the recent strikes across Colorado King Soopers locations, UFCW Local 7 says this is the first Safeway strike in 29 years. The union says the strike comes to address what it says are unfair labor practices from Safeway. "I was doing the job of four people by myself. I mean, I'm a front-end head clerk, and I was doing produce for about eight months," Vonstein said. "It's very stressful." While dozens of shoppers continued to cross the picket line in Castle Rock on Monday, some turned away after hearing stories like Vonstein's. "I can barely afford rent on what we have now, and with these minimum wage increases, it doesn't make it any easier for me," he said. And from Estes Park to Castle Rock, UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova spent the day driving across the state and bringing workers to the picket lines with more expected to join this week. "As well as workers walking off the job, the entire state of Colorado, all of the union stores, and the union workers inside, they are so upset with their employer they're ready to strike this entire state," Cordova said. Managers Michael (no last name provided) and Denise (no last name provided) hold signs during a protest against Safeway in Littleton, Colorado on Monday, June 16, 2025. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images But some shoppers are asking how long this strike could last. "They haven't resolved the unfair labor practice charges that we have against them, so we're still far apart, and the strike is going to continue to grow until we reach a contract with them," Cordova said. In a statement, however, Safeway disputed claims of unfair labor practices and shared the following statement, in part: "Safeway in Colorado remains committed to productive discussions with UFCW Local 7, and we are disappointed the union has chosen to strike some of our stores. We respect the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining and are negotiating in good faith to achieve a balanced agreement that rewards our associates, benefits our customers, and is sustainable for our company in the competitive grocery industry." But as negotiations continue, Cordova says so too will the strikes. "You may see, it could happen today, it could happen tonight. It can happen tomorrow, but the strike is going to expand until we reach a contract," Cordova said. Cordova explained that as negotiations continue with King Soopers as well, it could be possible that both chains eventually strike at the same time, but emphasized that the focus right now is on Safeway. In its statement, Safeway also said that it expects stores to remain open for customers throughout the strike.
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TVInternetUSA's New Provider Comparison Tool Makes Telecom Shopping Easier Than Ever
06/13/2025, New York // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // CASTLE ROCK, CO On June 14, 2025, TVInternetUSA, a leading telecom marketplace in the United States, announced the launch of its breakthrough feature, ' Provider Comparison Tool ' – a decision-making companion that simplifies the process of comparing and selecting the best internet and TV plans available. 'With the variety of ISPs and plan options today, many consumers feel overwhelmed by the complexity of finding the right service,' said Nathan Bar, Managing Director of TVInternetUSA. 'Our new Provider Comparison Tool uses its data aggregation engine to pull key provider-related information into one easy-to-view screen, showing our commitment to helping people make quicker, easier, and smarter decisions.' Comparison Tool: Key Features & Benefits Real-Time Data Aggregation The tool draws the latest plan details from leading internet service providers (ISPs) across all 50 states. This feature ensures that consumers have access to current information on pricing, bundling options, promotional offers, and editorial ratings. Detailed Side-by-Side Comparisons TVInternetUSA's comparison tool presents a clear, side-by-side breakdown of two providers across various touchpoints, including monthly costs, contract terms, installation fees, and speeds, all in one view. Editorial Review Integration Incorporating verified editorial ratings, the tool gives potential subscribers an insider's perspective on provider reliability, support quality, and overall satisfaction. How It Works Choose two providers and instantly view a side-by-side comparison across key areas. Use filters for overview, speed & pricing, bundled offers, promotions, and editorial ratings to narrow your options. When you're ready, simply click through to the provider's page or call the given number to place your order. Why Consumers Need This Tool TVInternetUSA's Provider Comparison Tool is now available to explore. Users can check it out to get the best outcomes when shopping for broadband and TV services. About TVInternetUSA Founded in 2017, TVInternetUSA is a trusted, consumer-first telecom marketplace. What They Do:Combine industry analysis,unbiased insights, and expert recommendations to help users make confident decisions when selecting TV or internet services. Media Contact: Oliver Morgan Head of Communications TVInternetUSA Phone: (844) 413-8999
CBS News
13-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Colorado town settles lawsuit with church over homeless shelters for $225K
A Colorado town has settled a lawsuit brought on by a church that said the town was violating the church's religious freedom rights in trying to stop the church from using a shelter on its property. Attorneys for The Rock Church in Castle Rock on Friday announced the settlement, which includes the town allowing the church to use the trailers it was using as shelters on its property and paying the church's legal fees in the suit -- to the tune of $225,000. "The Town and the Rock believe that this agreement is in the best interest of all parties and successfully balances the Rock's religious free-exercise rights with the Town's public interest in enforcing land use regulations and protecting the general welfare, public health, and safety," the town and the church said in a joint statement. "The Town and the Rock are no longer in an adversarial posture in regard to the litigation and look forward to productive cooperation and potential partnerships on issues in the future." The statement was sent by attorneys for the church, but it was a joint statement from both parties as part of the settlement of the suit. CBS News Colorado reached out to the Town of Castle Rock for additional comment, but did not immediately hear back. "This is a welcome resolution that goes far to encourage churches who care for those in need and a good example of the type of cooperation between church and state that every community should welcome," First Liberty senior counsel Jeremy Dys, one of the church's attorneys, said in a statement. The Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado recently settled a lawsuit against the town, alleging the town was violating the church's religious freedom rights in trying to prevent church officials from using trailers on its property as emergency shelters. CBS The legal battle commenced just over a year ago when the church sued the town in federal court, but the dispute had been going on for years. The church parked two trailers in its parking lot it was using as emergency shelters for those in need, in partnership with the Red Cross, but the town argued that the trailers and their use as shelters violated town zoning rules. In December 2024, the town issued a determination letter that permits the church to operate its shelters and clarified that its zoning regulations don't prevent the church from providing additional shelter during public emergencies. The agreement allows the church to use up to seven trailers as emergency shelters and allows the town to erect privacy fences and screening. As a result of the settlement, the lawsuit itself was dismissed in federal court. "We are pleased that we can continue our church's mission to transform society by loving others as Christ loved us," The Rock Pastor Mike Polhemus said in a statement. "We love Castle Rock and are committed to working with the Town of Castle Rock to provide assistance to those in need, thus helping to reduce homelessness in our community." You can read the full settlement agreement here:
CBS News
04-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Castle Rock approves controversial Pine Canyon development, annexes Colorado land into town
Hundreds of homes will be coming to Castle Rock as part of a controversial development called Pine Canyon Ranch. Up until now, the proposed Pine Canyon development was in unincorporated Douglas County but was surrounded by the town of Castle Rock. For decades, it has been a cattle ranch belonging to the Scott and now Walker family. CBS The land is located on both the east and west sides of Interstate 25. To the east, it is north of Scott Boulevard, south of Black Feather Trail, west of Founders Parkway and east of Front Street. West of I-25, the property is east of Prairie Hawk Drive, south of Highway 85 and bisected by Liggett Road. At a Tuesday night meeting, the Castle Rock Town Council voted to annex the land into the town of Castle Rock and approve its development plan and zoning. This has been a controversial development, with neighbors saying they worry about its impact on traffic and town resources. But the public was notably absent from Tuesday night's meeting, as originally there was no public comment scheduled. CBS After the vote, landowner Kurt Walker spoke to CBS Colorado on camera for the first time. "What's the next step for you guys now?" CBS Colorado's Olivia Young asked Kurt Walker, Pine Canyon project manager and sixth-generation landowner. "Take a breath!" Walker replied. It's the yes Walker and his family have been waiting 20 years for. "It's been a very, very long lead-up, multiple decades. We're excited and relieved to have this chapter closed," Walker said. Most recently, Walker sought approval for the development through Douglas County, which drew outcry from neighbors and the town of Castle Rock itself, citing concerns that the development would develop solely off nonrenewable groundwater and would tax town resources without supporting them. Ultimately, county commissioners directed the applicant to meet with the town of Castle Rock, and after months of moving through the town's process, the land Walker's family has ranched for the last 150 years will soon be officially a part of Castle Rock. It has also been greenlit for development. "As of today, we get to be part of the fabric of the town itself and we are darn excited about integrating into the town," Walker said. The proposed Pine Canyon Ranch will include 800 single-family homes, 1,000 multifamily homes, open space and commercial space, which could include a hotel and spa. Many community members have said it's too much. "I'm worried about the traffic on Founders," said Laura Cavey, Castle Rock mayor pro tem. "I would love to see a little less density and some real focus on the traffic." "Nobody wants a hotel there. Everybody I talk to thinks it's a bad idea," said Castle Rock Town Councilmember Mark Davis. Echoing those concerns, three town councilors voted against the development plan. "I cannot vote yes," said Castle Rock Town Councilmember Tim Deitz. "We have one shot to do this right. Basically, I don't like the fact that we would piece-meal it." CBS But with four councilmembers voting yes, the development plan and zoning regulations passed. The annexation passed unanimously, and a final motion to approve annexation, a vested property rights agreement, and vesting site development plans passed 6-1. The only no vote was Councilmember Deitz, who said at times he felt the town was being "held hostage" in this process. "They're giving us all of our groundwater and we'll be able to keep our sanitation process safe going forward," said Kevin Bracken, Castle Rock town councilmember. Bracken voted yes on the development plan, saying he was not willing to risk having the development move through the county. He and other councilmembers said it would be a "bait and switch" to reject the proposal now. "We've worked really hard and done our due diligence to make sure it's done in the town of Castle Rock," said Jason Gray, Castle Rock mayor. "There are some things we don't love about this. At the same time, we do love that it's in the town of Castle Rock and not the county." Walker, pledging to listen to those concerns, as development begins: "We very much appreciate those comments and we look forward to working to do exactly what was said, which was work together to find the solution that works for the entire community," Walker said. While the project has been greenlit, the approval won't be formally official for 30 days. A town spokesperson said: "The annexation and zoning for Pine Canyon was approved by Town Council. There is a 30-day referendum period that starts now. Following that, the applicant will provide all of their signed mylars and agreements to the town for recording. Every project is different on when final documents are signed and submitted to the town. This typically ranges from one to six months from when the annexation and zoning was approved. The annexation and zoning are effective once all final documents are signed and recorded with the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder's Office." This approval is just the first step of a long development process. Next, site development plans will be submitted for approval. The developers say they will look at doing an updated traffic study as part of this process.
