Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

LAKEWOOD INFORMER

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Councilor Admits Zoning is a Developer Handout

"Yes, zoning is a developer handout" on top of City Council Member Sophia Mayott-Guerrero on the podium
Trickle down housing explained: Give developers a handout and hope that some taxpayer-subsidized units unfold

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Zoning Change Links to Information

Fact Sheet: Proposed new zoning code will: * Convert existing single-family zoning to multi-family and retail *Eliminate occupancy limits CITYWIDE so every home can be used as multi-family * Change height restrictions * Reduce mininmum lot size * Eliminate parking minimums * Sacrifice home rule

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Comprehensive Plan update from Lakewoodtogether.org

The Comprehensive Plan Bait and Switch

July 2, 2025/

Comprehensive plans are easily readable documents that explain a vision for the future of the city in a moment of time. It speaks in plain English to what the zoning code describes in technical detail. The problem is that the zoning code details are what carry the force of law and because technical details are harder to read, it is easy for residents to overlook inconsistencies in proposed zoning compared to plans. This is otherwise known as a bait and switch. For instance, in the comprehensive plan, Lakewood promises to maintain neighborhood character; while in the zoning code, Lakewood implements high-density urbanization which resulted in the destruction of Belmar Park-adjacent property. Pieces of Lakewood’s Comprehensive Plan were used as evidence to fight against the Belmar Park development. Lakewood officials discounted all such arguments. Now that residents have caught on to the inconsistencies, Lakewood staff argues against using the Comprehensive Plan to guide zoning. Instead, Lakewood proposes changing the ordinance so that the zoning code is no longer tied to the comprehensive plan. With this change, residents could not form legal challenges based on compliance with the comprehensive plan and there is less room to fight against maximum buildout in adjacent properties. Do Residents Need a “Vision” Document Why have a comprehensive plan at all? This is a long-term plan that locks in the vision for this moment in time. It includes aspirational goals with no implementation details. Therefore, the details are filled in by staff using their discretion to interpret...

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DISCOUNT TIRE CELEBRATES NATIONAL TIRE SAFETY WEEK WITH COMPLIMENTARY TIRE SAFETY CHECKS NATIONWIDE

DISCOUNT TIRE CELEBRATES NATIONAL TIRE SAFETY WEEK WITH COMPLIMENTARY TIRE SAFETY CHECKS NATIONWIDE

July 2, 2025/

From Discount Tire From June 30 through July 3 during National Tire Safety Week, Discount Tire, a leading independent retailer of tires and wheels, is offering free tire safety and air pressure checks across more than 1,200 locations in 39 states nationwide. Last year, AAA estimated 70.9 million people were going to travel for Independence Day weekend. As one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, Discount Tire recommends taking a moment to check your vehicle, as tires can be the difference in arriving at a destination safely. “National Tire Safety Week is an opportunity for us to team up with partners like the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to elevate our No. 1 priority message: tire safety,” said Tom Williams, chief experience officer at Discount Tire. “Drivers often overlook the fact that tires are the only part of their vehicle that makes contact with the road. Having properly maintained tires is crucial, especially during hot and heavy travel months.” Discount Tire recommends drivers keep the following tips top of mind for safe driving habits: During National Tire Safety Week, drivers can schedule a complimentary tire safety check online at any Discount Tire or America’s Tire location. Discount Tire partners with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to spread driver safety education year-round. For drivers who need or are shopping for new tires, Discount Tire is offering up to $80 instant savings on select tires and wheels from June 28 through July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. For more information, visit discounttire.com. ABOUT DISCOUNT TIREDiscount Tire is a leading independent retailer...

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Save the Land at the Old Lutheran Hospital

Save the Land at the Old Lutheran Hospital

June 30, 2025/

Wheat Ridge is facing the same pressures as Lakewood. Both cities want to turn established neighborhoods and properties into something completely different with little public input. Does any of this sound like the Belmar Park problem to you? High-density, no setback, no parking… a big change that the city has to make big changes for while not listening to big public pushback. Update: A quick count of the days shows that Wheat Ridge is giving residents 9 days to petition instead of 10 because July 4 is a holiday. There’s always another challenge. Let your Wheat Ridge friends know to get over to sign soon! From Stop Zoning of High Density Housing in old Lutheran Hospital Save the land at the Old Lutheran Hospital from becoming a high-density housing project! 1,200 Signatures needed. Wheat Ridge residents: Meet at The Historic Blue House @ Old Lutheran Hospital to sign June 24-July 3 , 7am-7pm What’s up with the new zoning of the old Lutheran campus?Here’s what people are saying: A change of this magnitude should be voted on by all citizens of Wheat Ridge. Allows the creation of a crowded urban environment on much of the property: More than 2,000 housing units can be built, according to the developer. [Sec. 26-1404]Maximal building coverage. [Sec. 26-211, 26-1405] No setbacks. [Sec 26-1405] Minimal landscaping and open space [Sec. 26-1405; 26-1409, 26-502]. No parkland dedication to the City is required. [Sec. 26-414] Minimal parking [Sec. 26-1407, wheatridgespeaks.org/items/1522] Variances from even these minimal standards are...

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The community potluck was a fantastic success!

The community potluck was a fantastic success!

June 29, 2025/

I am overwhelmed by the many people who came because they are concerned about Lakewood’s direction. We had loads of great food – I will never worry about participation again. You are all wonderful! The majority of people who came were very concerned about the new zoning changes. Many of them had not heard anything about them until Karen Gordey posted a summary about how Lakewood is Selling Out Its Neighborhoods. There are a lot more explanations to give about that and we didn’t dive into many of the other shenanigans going on due to lack of time. Please take a look at the Lakewood Informer and if you don’t find the information you are looking for, please contact me. I will schedule a phone call or get an article out so that everyone can find the answers to these questions. Summaries and answers to questions: Next Steps: July 28 – First Reading on Zoning Karen Gordey is leading the charge against the undesired zoning changes. Please come to silently protest. Wear a white shirt and bring a sign. Please be respectful, take a seat if there is one and do not block the exits. This is how Littleton SUCCESSFULLY fought against the exact same zoning changes there. Thank you once more to everyone who participated, to our fabulous group leaders and to everyone who helped make this a success.

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Lakewood Does Provide Sanctuary

Lakewood Does Provide Sanctuary

June 23, 2025/

Lakewood has reason to be concerned about being placed on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) list of sanctuary cities. Email records show they do not comply with federal immigration law, nor do they plan to. Sanctuary was not granted through official vote of City Council; however, sanctuary from federal immigration law was undertaken behind the scenes while using word games to muddy the issue. From the emails, it appears that some Lakewood City Council Members do not appear to know the full extent of Lakewood’s defiance of federal law. On the other hand, DHS knows more than is publicly apparent – which makes sense because they are the ones that have been stonewalled for years. So although Lakewood does not pay for migrant support, it is clear that there is good reason for Lakewood to be placed on a sanctuary list, no matter the word games Lakewood plays. Lakewood City Council has repeatedly denied being a sanctuary city – which is true if defined by formal vote. However, it is not true that Lakewood does not provide sanctuary for illegals. Lakewood DOES provide sanctuary by not verifying immigration status or cooperating with DHS. In the beginning of the sanctuary city debate, the general public understood that a sanctuary city was just that – a safe place where your immigration status wouldn’t be questioned or held against you. Lakewood never made a public motion or official policy stating that they are a sanctuary city but it is apparent that they...

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Why should habitats including Belmar Park be protected?

Why should habitats including Belmar Park be protected?

June 22, 2025/

From SaveBelmarPark.com Because “biological annihilation” is happening NOW according to Stanford biologists Paul Ehrlich, Rodolfo Dirzo and colleague Gerardo Ceballos.  Key quotes from the paper: “Earth’s sixth mass extinction episode has proceeded further than most assume.” What is Lakewood City Council doing locally to help the planet deal with this crisis? Lakewood’s answer is to ignore science and promote luxury housing that will harm a riparian habitat while citing the fake ‘housing shortage’. Yet the city council wants everyone to think there is not enough housing for a ‘growing’ population.  City council, when does your denial of reality cross the line from being misinformed to being blatantly dishonest? The county has lost 4% of population in 4 years.  The local school district has closed 21 schools since 2021.  School buildings are actually up for sale in Lakewood.   Lakewood’s housing pipeline already has a 10-15 year supply based on the city’s own study!  Zillow shows over 1,500 rentals advertised in Lakewood today including hundreds of units within walking distance of Belmar Park. Council members, if this summation is not correct, then please explain why you refuse to protect habitats including Belmar Park.  Eminent domain is at your service if needed. Yes, the Kairoi Belmar housing project, as planned without a science-based raptor buffer zone, will harm the rare riparian wildlife habitat at Belmar Park. Lakewood City Council cannot fix a global problem.  But they can show leadership and be a model for how cities can play an important role. City Council, please do not take...

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