Judge rules Castle Pines can block McDonald’s development

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A Judge Upholds Castle Pines City Council Decision to Reject McDonald’s

A judge has ruled that the Castle Pines City Council was within its authority to deny a developer’s plan to build a McDonald’s in the upscale community. Judge Stacy Guillon affirmed the council’s decision, citing competent evidence for the denial.

The debate over the fast-food chain’s potential location at Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road culminated in a public meeting in May 2024, where residents chanted “No clown in our town!” One hundred people attended the meeting, with two dozen voicing their opinions before the council voted 5-2 to reject the McDonald’s proposal.

Following the decision, Ventana Capital, the landowner, sued the city council, alleging arbitrary reasoning for the denial. However, after a year of litigation, Judge Guillon upheld the council’s decision, stating that the law does not allow for second-guessing based on personal preferences.

Despite the disappointment from Ventana, the ruling is seen as a victory for the city government and residents. Castle Pines North Homeowners Association President Doug Gilbert expressed satisfaction with the council’s protection of property rights and school children in the area.

City Manager Michael Penny welcomed the judge’s decision and emphasized the importance of future development aligning with community needs along the Castle Pines Parkway corridor.

Legal representation for Ventana includes Carolynne White, David Meschke, Maxwell Porteus, and Alexander Jack at Brownstein, while Castle Pines is represented by Josh Marks and Geoff Klingsporn with Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti. The HOA is represented by Jonah Hunt and Marcus Wile at Orten Cavanagh Holmes & Hunt.