Genesis Gallery (1390 Brentwood, Lakewood Co. 80214) is honored to announce their latest art exhibition Warriors of Palabra, opening July 18th, running through Aug.18th.
This unique show addresses the challenges youth face when navigating the juvenile justice, educational, and mental health systems. Hosted by Huitzilin Warriors, a program under the Denver Healing Generations, it utilizes art to advocate for transformative change in the community.
Curator Brenda Vargas invited 10 emerging “Raza” artists to help tell the stories of 10 local youth. The exhibition features each youth’s photo and personal story, alongside a creative portrait crafted by their paired artist, inspired by the youth’s individual journey and experiences. Featured artists include: Guillermo Ruiz, Gabriel Lopez, Santiago Padilla-Jaramillo, Tayz Enriquez-Bañuelos, Diego Flores-Arroyo, Victoria Loosearrow, Brenda Vargas, Mario Santacruz, Aalycia Rodriguez, and Leenz Rivera.
“It is our responsibility to uplift the stories of our youth,” said Vargas. “This show is so special because it’s a collaboration of youths’ storytelling of their lives with the artistry of local artists from Denver/Greeley. Our young people have so much fire, and it’s our duty to fan those flames and keep the movement going.”
“This show is especially dear to our hearts,” said Brenda Gurule, executive director of the Chicano Humanities Arts Council. “The Genesis Gallery at Lakewood United Methodist Church (LUMC) is a public space where a plethora of artists and non-profits are housed. It is our pleasure to support the gallery and the Huitzilin Warriors in their efforts to bring this powerful exhibition to the gallery for a month.”
The show previously was on display for just one day in early June, and will be traveling to Chicago in Sept, noted pastor Ben Hensley of LUMC. “This is a huge honor for the Genesis Gallery to host this exhibition. We are thrilled to give the community here in the Metro area another chance to see it before it moves on to another venue.” Sponsors of the show include the Colorado Folk Arts Council, CHAC, LUMC, DAIF, and the Community Acts Fund.
An artist reception will take place as part of the 40 West Arts District. First Friday celebration on August 1st, from 5-8 pm at Genesis Gallery. Gallery Hours are Monday-Thursday 9 am-1 pm and Saturday 11 am-3 pm
Free and open to the public. For more information, contact.
Councilor Ken Cruz announced that the first reading of the proposed zoning code has been pushed from July 28 to August 11. From Councilor Ken Cruz’s newsletter:
“Lakewood Zoning Code Timeline Extended A Real Opportunity to Engage
“The City of Lakewood is extending its zoning code update timeline to allow for deeper review and stronger community engagement.
🔹 Final Draft Release: Monday, July 14 🔹 First Reading at City Council: August 11 🔹 Public Hearing (Second Reading): August 25
“This update isn’t just about timing, it’s about trust. With this additional time, we have a real chance to dig in, ask questions, and have meaningful conversations before any votes are cast.
“💬 In the coming weeks, I’ll be hosting a series of roundtable conversations here in Ward 3. These won’t be presentations or lectures. They’ll be real, two-way conversations grounded in the actual text of the proposed zoning code and the realities of housing and land use in Lakewood.”
As of the last public meeting on zoning, City Manager Hodgson argued that the meeting schedule was full so keeping to the July 28 first reading made the most sense. Council agreed. However, as of the Lakewood Informer Community Potluck on June 26, the new redlined draft was still not available. At that time, inquiries to the city revealed the redline was due out the first week of July.
The new redline was not produced the first week of July but was also pushed back to coincide with the new first reading date. Residents will have a month to review the document before first reading.
The roundtable discussions by Councilor Ken Cruz is a new format by a Council Member. Some other Councilors have expressed the opinion that their constituents overwhelmingly support affordable housing solutions, and therefore they assume that means any zoning code changes will be accepted.
For those interested, the property at 1031 S. Union Blvd., next to the Green Mountain Swim Club, will have a public hearing for subdivision on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 7:00PM.
“Notice is hereby given that the Lakewood Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the City of Lakewood Council Chambers, 480 S. Allison Parkway, to consider Preliminary Plat and Final Plat applications for a 12 residential lot Major Subdivision in the Small Lot Residential (R-1-6) zone district, submitted by Matt Hill and Matt Dendorfer of Compendium Developers for the property located at 1031 S. Union Blvd. The meeting will also be available to live-stream via Lakewoodspeaks.org. For information, please contact Kara Mueller, Project Manager at (303) 987-7982.”
This lot is next to Green Mountain Elementary but does not involve the closed school. The single-family housing has been planned for about three years.
Word games and a lack of trust have led city staff to accuse residents of “misinformation.” This time, the issue involves the plans to eliminate or reduce physical printed editions of the Lakewood newspaper, Looking@Lakewood. The plans for this switch are still being formed and testing is currently underway — starting with the July edition, which is digital only. Although Lakewood says this is only a test, the city will only commit to one future, printed edition, which substantiates concerns for a permanent elimination. Full elimination may only be conjecture, but according to a response from Lakewood, some city staff believes that mistake is purposeful “misinformation.” This situation is a good example of the word games Lakewood plays and demonstrates the reason that residents continually struggle to make sense of changing policy.
When asked about future plans for printed editions, the city responded that the October election edition will be printed and distributed to everyone. This edition is important not only to voters, but to the City Council members campaigning. However, the city response shows no commitment to future printed editions. Rather, they reiterate the cost and sustainability issues the city is concerned about.
As the response shows, not even Lakewood can say that printed editions will stay; they can only say they “understand that some residents prefer” a physical copy. They have also said there is no CURRENT plan to FULLY stop mailing. Both of those statements are political word games that make no commitments.
Given that evidence, it is easy to see why some residents may mistakenly believe Lakewood has already decided to stop printing completely. Sharing that belief is not “misinformation” but rather “speculation” or, at worst, an honest error. It may also be based on actual experience dealing with Lakewood because historically, the first step Lakewood takes when making a change has been to form a tentative plan, then take a resident survey, and very often to then proceed with the original plan.
As long as a printed version is possible in the future, the city can rightly say “Any information you’ve seen or shared that Looking@Lakewood is going completely digital and won’t be mailed ever again is misinformation,” (bold added).
Meanwhile, if you are interested in receiving news from the city, you should sign up for the electronic version because, for good or bad, you may not receive a printed version. Resident input is still being taken through the signup below.
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 eyes of some of its most talented artists.
Quick Facts:
What: 45th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Western Art Show & Sale
When: July 17 (Opening Reception) 3:00pm – 9:30pm MDT; July 18-August 10 (Public Viewing) see Museum website for times.
Where: Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum, 4610 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Cost: Opening Reception Tickets are $185 per Museum member, $215 per non-Museum member, or $250 per person after July 10. Public Viewing available beginning July 18 with Museum admission.
How: cfdartshow.org or call the Museum Office at 307-778-7243
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 proposed zoning code sacrifices existing neighborhood stability in the hopes of creating affordable housing. Occupancy limits everywhere are eliminated so there can be 20, unrelated, non-owner residents in a house. The house nextdoor may be torn down and replaced with a duplex or a cottage court*. Small retail is now allowed, mixing business with residential. Every property in Lakewood is now a transition zone.
*Cottage Court: According to a 2022 report from AARP, cottage courts are defined as a small collection of bungalow-style homes that are “typically 1 to 1½ stories tall and are oriented around a courtyard that serves as an outdoor community space in lieu of rear yards.” – HousingWIre
There is no guarantee that any of these changes will achieve their desired goals. Studies abound on both sides. However, Lakewood has already been promised affordable housing since the 2012 zoning rewrite that spawned the term “Soviet-style apartment blocks” with zero new “affordable” units created. Is there any reason to think this big change will be different?
Lakewood’s proposed zoning code is not ready for first reading yet, so residents don’t know all the details. The latest redline is from May 19. However, residents do know that know matter what is in there, it is good and necessary because City Council passed a resolution saying so in December of 2024.
Lakewood’s navigation center is a contentious issue that hinged largely on the ability to get “free money” from the state. Many homeless and sustainability measures that were supported by the state did not go through a full public policy debate because that wasn’t necessary if Lakewood wasn’t spending its own money. Now that decision is coming back to haunt Lakewood residents, who will be paying for that money by sacrificing their neighborhood stability.
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 fully embrace and enable the state’s sanctuary status rather than federal immigration enforcement.
No emails asking for removal
When Lakewood was placed on the sanctuary city list, Lakewood did not issue a denial. There are no emails to DHS asking to be removed. That would be the first, honest, response from a city that was NOT acting as a sanctuary and was complying with federal immigration law. That’s what Aurora did. There is no email evidence that occurred in Lakewood. There are no emails asking why Lakewood is on the list. This is despite the fact that there is email from Senator Bennet’s office showing that jurisdictions with questions should reach out via email to SanctuaryJurisdictions@hq.dhs.gov.
The official response to City Council was a bland email stating that Lakewood staff didn’t know why they were on the list or that they were concerned.
Again, parsing the words carefully, staff “didn’t know why they were on the list” is different than “we have no idea why we are on the list.” Lakewood management may not have known the exact reason DHS was citing, but Lakewood would have known what internal procedural changes have been made over the years. Or perhaps Lakewood assumed they wouldn’t be singled out from other cities in Colorado who may have adopted similar, pro-sanctuary polices. Probably, they could rely on not having an official vote cast for sanctuary, which appears to be the case for some Councilors.
Someone must have known there is a reason to be concerned, or they would have asked questions openly and honestly. Instead, Lakewood proceeded by investigating “delicately” (see email below).
Lakewood declined to comment to the Denver Gazette and Denver 7 inquiries. A quick Google search could find no comment in any press coverage on the subject although Mayor Strom did reply to an msn.com inquiry.
Official Response to City Council
Don’t Draw Attention to Sanctuary Policies
Nowhere anywhere did our investigation turn up evidence that Lakewood cooperates with DHS and ICE on immigration matters. There was never a suggestion that the situation was a misunderstanding. There was no proof emailed to DHS that Lakewood is indeed cooperating with federal immigration. There was one email showing that a Lakewood employee signed up for e-verify for the first time on Monday, June 2, in what may be a coincidence or a panicked response.
In this case, Lakewood appears to have taken the approach that the less said the better because Lakewood cooperates with state law. Colorado sanctuary law is obviously intended to conflict with federal law. Lakewood’s cooperation with the state may be seen in multiple subversive actions, rather than one blanket vote by city council for “sanctuary”.
And in fact, Ben Goldstein wrote: “Overall, I think the best strategy is to keep our heads down on this one, but perhaps the cat is out of the bag now” (see below).
Lakewood Does Not Cooperate With Federal Immigration
Proof that Lakewood provides sanctuary by not cooperating with DHS is shown in several ways besides being unable to deny the charge:
Lakewood insists that complying with Colorado’s sanctuary law is federally legal
Does not use DHS database to identify people
Lakewood will not certify that it cooperates with DHS policies
Slow response to DHS request
There are also a couple things conspicuously missing:
Email communications to DHS regarding the situation.
Emails with explanations from City Manager Kathy Hodgson
An official denial that Lakewood is a sanctuary
Evidence that Lakewood is willing to comply with federal immigration law
Complying with Colorado Law Over Federal Law
As one example of City Council opinions, Councilor Jacob LaBure believes being placed on the sanctuary city list is “baseless” (see email below). LaBure’s response is the strong denial of an innocent man – which stands in stark contrast to the “keep your head down approach” from Lakewood management. However, strong beliefs or rewriting definitions of sanctuary does not change Lakewood’s support of migrant polices in 2024 or Lakewood’s vote to help Denver with its influx of migrants or Lakewood’s policy to lessen migrants deportation fears. As previously reported, such support is the original definition of a sanctuary city.
In 2024 Lakewood Informer filed CORAs regarding immigration policy and did not receive any answers as to enforcement actions. The responding supervisor said the public information officer would be reaching out – an action that didn’t happen. Verbal responses in public meetings align with Jeffco’s response. They say that checking immigration status, which used to be a routine practice, was not the job of local jurisdictions. There is no federal law that says a home rule police department must check immigration status. This was just a matter of routine, like checking to see if you had an out-of-state drivers license. Lakewood no longer regularly does these routine checks.
No Use of DHS Database
Colorado law requires Lakewood to NOT share personally identifiable information with DHS non-public databases. However, that’s the primary way of enforcing overriding federal immigration law. NOT accessing federal databases is also harmful to local police who are trying to solve crimes.
One email shows Lakewood police working through Aurora to get a person identified through the DHS database. Aurora successfully argued their case to get dropped from the sanctuary city list, perhaps because of proof like their ability to use the DHS database. It appears that without Aurora’s connection, Lakewood would be unable to identify the person involved in a shooting in Lakewood. Shootings are still a priority crime in Lakewood to be investigated, unlike many others that have been de-prioritized such as having drug paraphernalia. Coordination and cooperation with other agencies is a two-way street.
Remember that the DHS list of sanctuaries was removed because local governments accused the federal government of a breach in trust by not being consulted in the compilation of the list. These developments raise the question of if the federal government was consulted when local governments decided not to cooperate and if that was a breach of trust.
Will Not Certify Cooperation with DHS
Both state and federal grants now include clauses that Lakewood will not share data with DHS databases (Colorado) or that it will (federal). That stipulation illuminates the conflict with state and federal sanctuary polices.
Grants requiring cooperation with immigration enforcement are now problematic for Lakewood. Federal cooperation includes identifying aliens and holding them for ICE removal, both of which used to be standard practice but no longer take place.
Lakewood could previously apply for both sets of funds under the legal theory that there was no conflict. Now that legal theory is in jeopardy. As a result, Lakewood police staff have been advised to “be cautious” of any immigration enforcement or DEI certification language and not to apply for new grants unless essential.
Lakewood Slow to Respond to DHS Request
DHS reached out to help with immigration issues in March. From the emails it appears he repeated the request on May 28, the day before the DHS list was published. Lakewood Police would have to investigate such rumors for proof, which is outside their mandate but this may have been a test.
It is also apparent that DHS regularly emails for help and coordination. It is not clear whether Lakewood responds, which would require further investigation.
It is possible that a pattern of slow or non-response has been noted by DHS.
Lakewood Provides Sanctuary
The moral of the story is to not believe any statement that Lakewood is not a sanctuary city because Lakewood never formally defined such a term. That does not mean they they are in compliance with federal law. Instead, ask questions such as:
Does Lakewood cooperate with federal immigration, or
Does Lakewood routinely check immigration status (a 2 minute process that used to be routine)
Does Lakewood use non-public databases containing personally identifiable information (PII).
Mountain Mineral Market is excited to announce its next immersive community experience: the Summer Solstice Pop-Up, taking place on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, 2025. Open to the public, this vibrant outdoor two-day market will feature local vendor booths, delicious food trucks, and fun summer surprises for all! Don’t miss your chance to join the celebration!
Event Details Location: 2300 Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80215 Dates: Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22, 2025 Times: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Locally owned and operated, Mountain Mineral Market is known for its rare finds of crystals, gemstones, minerals, plants, and jewelry. In addition to pop-ups like the Summer Solstice Market, we host monthly Full Moon Parties. These include immersive offerings such as tarot readings, live music, painting sessions, and henna tattoos, creating a magical and welcoming space for spiritual exploration and creative expression. We also host Reiki and Aura photography pop-ups most months, typically offered separately from our market pop-ups and Full Moon events, giving guests more opportunities to try something new and expand their energetic or spiritual practice
You’d be forgiven if you missed it — after all, the City didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for public input — but Lakewood is in the middle of completely rewriting its zoning code. And on May 21st, the Planning Commission passed 16 amendments in one night. Sixteen. Because who doesn’t want to restructure the entire city with the speed and clarity of a late-night city hall cram session?
Here’s the kicker: Lakewood is a home rule city, meaning we have the power to make our own land use decisions. But instead of using that power to protect neighborhoods or push back on one-size-fits-all state mandates, the City Council passed a resolution last year (Resolution 2024-62) that basically says, “Tell us what you want, Colorado — we’ll make it happen.” Meanwhile, six other cities are suing the state to protect their local control. Lakewood? We’re sending engraved invitations to the bulldozers.
If you’re not paying attention yet, you should be. Because staff expects these changes to take effect in September and if residents don’t start showing up and speaking up, we’ll be stuck with zoning we didn’t ask for, can’t undo, and won’t recognize.
“Home Rule vs Statutory Rule”
Before we go any further, it is important to understand the difference between statutory rule and home rule. So that there is no confusion, I went to the Colorado Municipal League’s website (www.cml.org). The following is their explanation of the two: “Colorado cities and towns operate under provisions of Colorado state statutes (and are referred to as “statutory” cities and towns) unless voters adopt a municipal charter to become a “home rule” city or town.
Home rule is based on the theory that the citizens of a municipality should have the right to decide how their local government is to be organized and how their local problems should be solved. Municipal home rule derives its authority directly from the Colorado Constitution. It affords residents of cities and towns that adopt a local charter freedom from the need for state-enabling legislation and protection from state interference in “both local and municipal matters.” The Lakewood City Charter was established on November 1, 1983. While it has been modified by the voters 5 times (the latest on November 2, 2004, we are still a home rule city.
Lakewood City Charter and Lakewood Together
Page 27 of the City Charter talks about planning and zoning. According to the charter, the city council could have established Ward Advisory Committees to try to corral all these changes but instead are using Lakewood Together for community input. In fact, I attended the Ward 5 meeting on June 14th and Councilman LaBure said that he tried to create committees last year and did not have support for this.
Let’s take a look at the Lakewood Together site. On the front page of the zoning updates section (Lakewood Together Zoning Updates), it clearly references the state law requirements and again we are a home rule city so we are allowed to do what is best for our community. This will be important to remember when I talk about the 16 amendments.
The 2024 City Council Resolution: Pre-Commitment to State Zoning Goals
The City Council passed a resolutionResolution 2024-62that sounds harmless — values like affordability, walkability, and sustainability — but when you read the details, it’s a blueprint for surrendering home rule. The resolution adopts state-level zoning goals before zoning code revisions or public feedback were complete. That includes:
Eliminating single-family zoning
Legalizing zero-lot line housing
Codifying 90-day approvals for affordable housing
Committing to Proposition 123 (as modified by HB 23-1304) requirements
Requiring compliance with parking minimum elimination
Bottom line: Lakewood didn’t just “revise” its zoning goals; it absorbed the state’s playbook wholesale. This was covered briefly by the Lakewood Informer: Jedi Mind Tricks – The New Zoning Code WILL BE Good
Why Didn’t Lakewood Join the Lawsuit with Other Home Rule Cities? Good question!
At the Ward 5 meeting on Saturday, June 14th, I asked our Councilors a simple question: Was our absence because of Resolution 2024-62, which essentially pre-commits Lakewood to implementing state zoning goals? And if the lawsuit is successful, meaning those cities win back their rights to local control, won’t we be stuck with sweeping zoning changes we didn’t have to make?
Councilman LaBure responded:
“We are a home ruled city but we are also a state entity. The state passes things all the time that encroach on local control. The argument has been historically well zoning and parking issues and all those things are matters of local concern and not the state concern. And Judiciary had tended to draw a line there. However, the state has increasingly been making the argument that there is a housing crisis statewide so we need more and more control over local zoning issues because it is actually a matter of state concern. I would have been happy to have jumped on that lawsuit however, other cities already did it and we are part of the Colorado Municipal League (CML). And CML has supported that lawsuit and in that sense we are member and if not the largest so in some sense we are part of that because of our CML affiliation. And it is a fair question to ask about if the lawsuit is successful, then we would be stuck with zoning changes that were not needed.”
Translation: we could have stood up for home rule; but we’ll just let other cities take the heat and hope our dues to the Colorado Municipal League somehow cover us by association.
Councilor Nystrom added that she did ask the City Attorney the same question but didn’t get a clear answer. She also pointed out that HOAs aren’t safe from this zoning overhaul either. While HOA covenants are seen as contracts between homeowners and their associations, local zoning ordinances will override those agreements. So yes, if you live in an HOA and thought you were protected, think again.
The bottom line? There is still no clear reason why Lakewood didn’t join the lawsuit, especially when we had the opportunity and the legal standing. In the words of Councilman LaBure, we’re “essentially deregulating zoning.” Deregulation is one thing. Doing it blindly and permanently, without any legal backstop or flexibility, is another; and it’s not necessarily a good thing for current residents or future housing stability.
The 16 Amendments Passed on May 21st
Let’s talk about transparency or the lack thereof. As of this writing on June 16th, the Lakewood Together website still links to the April 23rd Planning Commission meeting, but not the May 21st meeting where 16 amendments were introduced and passed. You read that right: the most significant zoning overhaul in years, and they can’t be bothered to upload the meeting where it happened. The most recent version of the proposed zoning code amendments? Dated May 19th, which doesn’t even reflect what was voted on.
The May 21st meeting video is available on lakewood.org, which makes it difficult to miss important updates since they aren’t keeping everything together, as originally portrayed. Amendments are still possible but this isn’t up for public discussion on the latest revisions yet.
At the Ward 5 meeting on June 14th, I asked when the public could expect a clean, updated version of the zoning ordinance. Councilor Nystrom responded that Planning Director Travis Parker and his team were “supposed to be” updating it and she will check on that. Spoiler alert: they haven’t. It’s been nearly four weeks, and residents still don’t have access to a finalized copy of the changes that are supposedly going into effect in September.
So what gives? Is the Planning Department deliberately withholding information from the public or are we just witnessing yet another performance of Lakewood’s Greatest Hits: Bureaucratic Incompetence, Volume 23?
Below is a chart of the 16 amendments passed. The most recent redline version of the zoning code? A casual 409 pages. And yes, buried in that bureaucratic brick are more than a few red flags.
Let’s start with the Authority section (17.1.5). It originally cited “the city home rule charter” — a key phrase affirming Lakewood’s autonomy. That language? Now redlined. Gone. Instead, we’re left wondering whether the City is scrubbing references to home rule on purpose… or just by accident (which, frankly, would be just as troubling).
Then there’s section 17.1.7 – General Provisions, which now reads:
“Except as hereinafter provided, no building, structure, property, or land shall be used or occupied and no building or structure, or part thereof, shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, moved, or structurally altered except in conformance with this Zoning Code.”
Sounds straightforward, right? Except it’s not. Take Article 5, for example it limits the square footage of homes above grade. Basements are exempt (for now), but let’s say your 4,000 sq. ft. above-grade home burns down. Under the new code? You may not be able to rebuild it to the same size above ground. Goodbye, replacement value.
And then, scattered throughout this 409-page monster, are things like:
Building re-use allowances, perfect if you’re excited to see old office parks or shuttered schools converted into multi-unit housing or whatever else they deem appropriate. (Spoiler: I’m writing about Emory Elementary next.)
Subdivision of residential land, your neighbor could sell, split the lot, and slap up a quadplex or a village of tiny homes right next to you.
Zero parking requirements and lot line-to-lot line construction, great for density, not so great for your driveway, your view, or your sanity.
Up to 750 sq ft of commercial space allowed in any home, in any neighborhood — for so-called “personal services,” with no parking required. Think hair salons, spa treatments, dry cleaners and even coffee shops… in what used to be a quiet cul-de-sac.
Horse property? That charming acreage you paid a premium for? It could be surrounded, subdivided, or rezoned into oblivion.
Commercial creep into residential zones, yes, more blending of use types with less notice and less input from the people actually living there.
In short: this isn’t a “minor update.” This is a wholesale rewrite of how Lakewood builds, lives, and grows and it’s happening fast, without your input.
Final Call to Action: Speak Now or Get Steamrolled
This zoning overhaul is tentatively scheduled for first reading on July 28th, with the second reading and public comment set for Monday, August 11th. Mark your calendars, but don’t wait until then.
The time to speak up is NOW. Choose any upcoming City Council meeting and use the General Public Comment period to voice your concerns. Demand a town hall. Ask for transparency. Hold them accountable.
Then on Monday, August 11th, we need to pack the room and show up in force. Sign up to speak on the zoning ordinance agenda item and make it clear that these changes are not welcome without real public involvement.
Let’s be honest, this City Council has a long history of ignoring the will of its constituents, and we should be prepared for them to pass this anyway. If that happens, the work doesn’t stop, it begins. We’ll have 30 days to gather petition signatures to either force Council to reverse their vote or take the issue to the ballot as a referendum.
We’re actively looking for team leaders to help organize signature collection across the city. If you’re interested in helping coordinate efforts in your ward or neighborhood, email me at KarenBGordey@gmail.com and include your name, contact information and ward.
This isn’t a drill. It’s your driveway, your street, and your city. Pick a meeting. Grab the mic. Let’s save our Lakewood!
Upcoming City Council Meetings (note: there are no additional meetings in June)
Lakewood Informer wants to hear from you at a community potluck
Is Lakewood on the right track? What events triggered you to get involved in Lakewood politics?
Do you think Lakewood city management listens to you?
And the big question – can you MAKE THEM listen?
Join us for a potluck dinner at Addenbrooke Park on June 26, 5:30-9 pm and meet others who are concerned about the city. Bring your stories to share through the Lakewood Informer.
Meet Lakewood Informer authors to get the latest information and meet your fellow residents. Discuss actions to get Lakewood’s attention on critical issues.
–Karen Gordey on selling out neighborhoods –Lenore Herskovitz on affordable housing –Nancy Pallozi on Emory Elementary –Issues like sanctuary cities, The Bend, home rule, and getting organized –We don’t all agree on any of these items but it’s a starting point for discussion
Tickets are free but a $10 donation would help defray costs for shelter rental and make future events possible. Hot dogs provided.
Bring shareable food dishes at 5:30 for a meeting start time of 6 pm. Small group discussions start at 7 pm Wrap up with solutions at 8 pm Capture your stories with video for sharing all night! Must be vacated at 9 pm Will be held rain or shine
Tickets are limited, so please reserve asap. Maximum 2 tickets per person. Ticketing will be enforced to ensure park capacity limits do not prevent the meeting from happening. Summaries and videos of the event will be posted to the Lakewood Informer afterwards.
There is a $10 suggested donation to cover costs (like park permit).
