Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

LAKEWOOD INFORMER

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Will Lakewood remember problems when finally issuing permit

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Get the background before Lakewood makes a decion on a Navigation Center permit

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Local Lakewood Artist to be featured at the 45th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days™

Local Lakewood Artist to be featured at the 45th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days™

July 3, 2025/

This summer, the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum invites you to celebrate a milestone: the 45th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Western Art Show & Sale, running from July 17 to August 10, 2025. This long-standing tradition honors the enduring spirit and imagery of the American West while showcasing the country’s top Western artists. No other show captures the West quite like this one. From sweeping landscapes to dynamic wildlife, and from powerful portraits to intricate sculptures, this exhibit brings together over 50 renowned artists whose work reflects the heart, grit, and beauty of Western life. This year, we are proud to include local Lakewood artist, Jennifer Johnson, a Western oil painter. Since 1981, the Western Art Show has raised over $3 million in support of the Museum’s Art, Education, Exhibits, Collections, and Operating funds whose mission is to preserve and share the heritage of the American West as experienced through the celebration of Cheyenne Frontier Days™. The public exhibition runs July 18 through August 10 and is included with regular Museum admission. Want an early look? Join us for the Opening Reception on July 17, where guests will enjoy an elegant evening complete with dinner, open bars, a special reception at the Governor’s Residence, and the first opportunity to see and purchase the art. Tickets are available now at cfdartshow.com or by calling the Museum at 307-778-7243. Come be part of one of the most celebrated Western art traditions in the nation – and experience the West through the...

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Follow the money

Sacrificing Neighborhoods Allows Homeless Funding

July 3, 2025/

Why the big rush to change the zoning code? Follow the money. The money trail leads to state grant funding, which primarily supports homeless and sustainability initiatives. Without that agenda, Lakewood could decide for itself which, if any, of the state initiatives make sense locally. Colorado has decided to override local zoning in a power grab against local home rule. Other cities are fighting back against Colorado with legal cases. But Lakewood will not fight for home rule. They are not only implementing the state law but going further in densification, all while citing the need to comply with state law Lakewood receives millions of dollars in state grants for initiatives like sustainability and the new navigation center. The purchase and renovation of the old Harley Davidson building was done using state grants. To continue funding sustainability and homeless initiatives, Lakewood must either fund it internally (a political impossibility) or comply with state zoning codes. And if the state zoning codes are not what Lakewood residents had in mind when they discussed “affordable housing” solutions, that’s a sacrifice Lakewood is willing to make on your behalf. Note: For the purposes of this article, “Lakewood” means the majority opinion of city officials. It is hard to tell who is speaking in public workshops, there is a lot of backroom personal communications, as well as conflicting explanations given in ward meetings. To establish personal beliefs, please contact your city official with detailed questions that are beyond the scope of this article. Lakewood’s...

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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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