Douglas County Commissioners voted unanimously to establish a metropolitan service district to potentially allow for the commercial and residential development — and possibly a spa — within the Roxborough neighborhood.

Canadian-based developer Pomeroy Lodging, which bought the northwest unincorporated Douglas County property in January, is planning development on a 35-acre plot within Roxborough Park. The firm hopes the new metro district will pave the way for future developments, with an emphasis on what could be 31 new residential units.

And — what was talked about most by attendees at a public hearing on Tuesday — a proposed Nordic spa.

The metro district has drawn worries from neighborhood residents, who cited its proximity to existing homes, natural rock formations in the area, increased traffic and water needs, and wildlife impacts.

Pomeroy’s property is located between two holes at the renowned Arrowhead Golf Course, west of Sundown Trail and east of Rain Dance Trail. The area is scattered with tall, jagged rocks inhabited by some wildlife — characteristics that neighbors fear would get diminished, destroyed or displaced.

Marcus Pachner, the land use representative for Pomeroy, said the metro district is “important for us to establish as it allows us to help address some of these issues, fire, medication, security, access to the community, traffic.”

“We’re able to use that tool right to help address those solutions,” Pachner said.

The land use representative emphasized that the county’s approval is solely for the metro district, telling The Denver Gazette it is “a great first step” for future development.

Pachner, who oversees many land use developments in Colorado — including the ongoing Pine Canyon annexation dispute near Castle Rock —  said he has never seen as many people oppose a metro service district in his career.

Dozens of residents expressed opposition on Tuesday; many are residents of the Roxborough neighborhood. Several speakers said they worry the developments would diminish home values and complicate water systems in the area.

On Wednesday, following the metro district approval, Pachner said, “We certainly hope to develop a Nordic spa site.”

“There’s certainly a great deal of community dialog about the proposed Nordic spot,” he added. “It’s great to hear from neighbors, to hear perspectives, to see if there’s things we can address.”

A metro service district provides funding for future projects, ensuring taxpayers outside of its jurisdiction aren’t impacted, according to attorneys.

Metro Districts are a common financial strategy throughout Colorado. In fact, there are 2,423 metro districts statewide, according to Megan Becher, attorney for Pomeroy’s development.

She said metro service districts are “a tool that allows development to pay its way in Colorado, without putting additional financial burdens on surrounding jurisdictions.”

Developer Pomeroy Lodging, the metro service district applicant, created conceptual plans for what could be the site’s use. If the developer chooses to develop commercial use or a Nordic spa, then the site would need to go through a separate rezoning process to be approved.

“Pomeroy has already made significant investments into the property,” Becher said. “They have the right under the existing planned development for residential uses, and desire to move forward as expeditiously as possible with development, and this is one step to be able to do that.”

Brian Lence, the general manager of the Roxborough Homeowners Association, said Pomeroy’s service plan is “deficient.”

“A metro district for a 35-acre parcel in the middle of a golf course deep in the heart of a private residential community doesn’t make sense,” Lence said. “There is no public benefit.”

The HOA manager questioned the need for a metro district and argued that the developer is “rushing the process.”

“Why does a commercial spa need a metro district?” Lence said. “It is not clear what their planned development is … either a commercial spa or a conflicting number of residential units.”

“Whatever it is,” he added, “they’re saying ‘we must be a government’.”

“We’re not trying to establish any governance,” Pachner said. “This is just a document that forms a district to construct and finance infrastructure on the site.”

In supporting the metro service district, Commissioner Lora Thomas noted the proposal met the requirements.

“It’s in their best interest to get this metro district approved so they can get some services in there, they can get some infrastructure there,” she said.

Looking out to a crowd of residents mostly opposing the plan, Thomas said: “Even though I have listened to all of you, a lot of you talked about something that will probably be considered at another hearing. This is about the metro district and I believe all nine criteria have been met.”

A call to Arrowhead Golf Course for comment was not immediately returned.