Active Stapleton residents received bad news last week when Forest City announced its plans to begin building housing on much of the Stapleton area trail system beginning in 2018. “The trail system was never meant to be a permanent thing,” said Forest City spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “Forest City has always been open about the fact that when the opportunity arose, we would rezone and restructure the area to be more residential housing. It just makes more sense.” Stapleton residents who have just started using the trail system after its completion are very disappointed. “I can’t believe this,” said Stapleton runner Scott Huebner. “What am I saying. It’s Forest City. Of course I can believe it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be angry about it.” Other residents agree with Huebner. “Not only is it bad for all the residents who bike, walk, and run, it’s bad for the homeowners in the area,” said resident Tiffany Wolf. “That is going to be a pretty major construction area, plus now they will be looking at homes instead of a trail system. It’s really ridiculous.” The areas most affected will be Westerly Creek Park and Wetlands Park. “The space in that area isn’t perfect for housing,” said Ayers. “But our project leaders are going to make it work. Ultimately, the high cost people are willing to pay to live in Stapleton pushed us to this decision. It’s just too much money sitting there.” The project will not begin until the spring of 2018, according to Ayers. “Residents still have over a year to get out and enjoy the current space,” said Ayers. “Get out and enjoy it while you can. The trails really are great. But those eight hundred thousand dollar homes we’re going to build there are going to be even greater.” Residents shouldn’t be surprised. Forest City hasn’t always had the best “track” record.]]>