HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Hundreds of Highlands Ranch residents packed into a crowded room Monday nght in a fight to keep their open space from being used for a university.

Colorado Christian University has expressed interest in buying about 100 acres of land in an area that is designated as open space.

"I wonder why we're even here -- it's bone-headed, it's hair-brained," said one angry resident in the informational meeting.

Another resident, John Cannaba, said he moved to "The Ranch" for the quality of life.

"I hike. I mountain bike. I go on walks with my family. For me, the open space is a real benefit to the community," said Cannaba.

Even though the proposed land is designated open space, the zoning allows for specific types of development, including universities.

Colorado Christian University President Bill Armstrong said the plans are preliminary, but a campus would be a center of academics, music and culture for the community.

"There's just some things when you bring them to a community makes it a better place to live, and having a good university in your town is one of those things," said Armstrong.

But hundreds of residents didn't see it that way.

They expressed concerns about increased traffic in an already congested area, a reduction in property values and a negative impact on the wildlife in the conservation area.

"Currently today, I can't go in that area. It's off limits because it's a wildlife corridor. So if I can't go up there today to go hiking, I don’t know why we can build a campus on that land," said Highlands Ranch resident Darrin Buttery.

Armstrong said there is widespread support for the plan in the community, although not at these meetings, which were intended for people to voice their concerns.

It was the first in a series of informational meetings scheduled through January before the Highlands Ranch Community Association votes on whether to approve the sale.

Learn more about the citizens' group called 'Save Highlands Ranch Open Space' on their Save Highlands Ranch Open Space Web site and at the Highlands Ranch Community Association Web site.