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ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. -- "Not in my backyard." That's what some neighbors in Arapahoe County are saying about a proposed 24-hour Waffle House in their community.
At a community hearing Wednesday night, developers and neighbors of the Huntington Estates neighborhood, off of Parker Road and Illif, made their voices heard about the proposed addition to the neighborhood.
The neighbors say the restaurant would bring noise and other problems to their homes.
“It’s kind of a sleepy little neighborhood," said Cindy Alm. "To have a 24-hour establishment of any sort just kind of plopped in the middle of an all residential (zone) is counterproductive to what our lifestyles are in this area."
Victoria Vernon has lived in her home for 20 years and she said the original agreement for the land stated nothing about a 24-hour restaurant.
"This is a classic case of bait-and-switch," Vernon said. "This is what they said and agreed to, now this is what they’re doing."
The Waffle House would be located a few hundred feet from the neighborhood. Vernon said the she worries the restaurant will bring noise, parking problems and crime.
“There is an increased crime around 24-hour operations," she said, "whether it be a liquor store, a restaurant."
Speaking to concerned neighbors, Michael Shelton, the attorney for the builder, said the builders have agreed to get rid of the iconic yellow Waffle House signage in favor of a more subdued look.
”To remove these ugly yellow bands and make it more masonry.” said Shelton.
Off camera, developers told us many people support the plan, including workers at nearby Kaiser Permanente — where shift workers like the idea of a 24-hour eating option.
More specifics will be discussed at a public hearing next Tuesday. Vernon said she’ll be there.
“They’re affecting not only the environment, but the resale value of our home,” she said.
Tuesday’s meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the County Building on Lima and Arapahoe. The public is welcome to attend.