Lakewood

Special Zoning Treatment for The Action Center at Emory

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on August 12, 2025Posted in Development, Jeffco, Transparency, Word GamesTagged action center, Colorado, Emory, jeffco, Lakewood, schools, zoning

Lakewood is adding a new word to the dictionary — an innocuous move that covers up a dedicated zoning change for the Emory-Action Center swap while also shutting down future resident protests. Lakewood is planning on adding a new “Community Resource Facility” use to the zoning code to enable an “Amazon” warehouse-type low-income distribution center to operate anywhere in Lakewood. This new use is necessary for changes to the Emory Elementary property that Lakewood proposes to sell or exchange with the Action Center, which will convert it into a “Community Resource Facility”. That swap is not mentioned in the May 19th meeting on the zoning code change, even though the swap is what prompted the change in the first place. To listen to that meeting, one would think that there has just been a glaring oversight for the past 50 years, and no non-profits have been able to operate food pantries. Taken in isolation, residents could be forgiven for thinking that Lakewood didn’t have the ability to allow what is clearly already allowed in multiple places. Therefore, once again, residents must dig deeper to understand what is going on. In this case, allowing high populations of low-income support services in every zone in the city, including those previously reserved for schools. (For background, read Lakewood news at https://lakewoodinformer.com/springsteen-files-injunction-regarding-emory/) Travis Parker, Chief of Planning and Community Development, says Lakewood hasn’t had a request for something like this during his time with Lakewood, which may give residents an idea of the scale of the facility that is envisioned. The Action Center currently operates in a commercial area and sometimes has customers lined up down the block. The new “Facility” will be much larger. Envision the difference between the local retail shop and the Amazon warehouse. Are residents prepared for the warehouse of low-income services anywhere in the city? *Another word game warning: since places like the Action Center and Recovery Works are paid for by donations, Lakewood claims they are different from commercial activities, so they use the word “guests” instead of “customers”. They say this is a “distribution of goods and services” instead of commercial activity. The medium of exchange might be different, but the underlying intent is the same. The new code discriminates against for-profit businesses that are not eligible to operate everywhere in the city. Lakewood is a government, not a charity, and this type of special treatment drives out other commercial businesses who cannot compete with special favors granted by the government. It also discriminates against smaller non-profits that currently operate throughout the city but are not getting financial favors from the city to host a “facility” — like the one envisioned by Lakewood for the Action Center. In a city where small businesses are closing everywhere, why give special treatment to organizations that don’t pay taxes? When a City Council member asked how existing operations were allowed, the answer was that they were in a mixed-use zone, but it was unknown under what technical use definition. Historical precedence seems to be pertinent to the discussion. Is it possible the man in charge doesn’t know how this could have been accomplished in the past? Or is the change specific to something that could be pertinent only to the Emory property swap Councilor Isabel Cruz asked what this change would look like outside of the school disposition process. Her question suggests an understanding that the change is driven specifically by the Action Center swap, even if that is not communicated directly. Councilor I. Cruz asks about smaller non-profits, but they are already allowed under existing rules. This change is necessary only to allow the Action Center’s mega-warehouse tied to land swap. Lakewood is making changes behind the scenes to preempt resident objections. Under current zoning, residents would have a chance to protest the Emory Elementary use change later. Adding this definition makes the change happen now, without specific public notice.

“Rooted In Littleton” Provides Blue Ribbon Example

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 20, 2025Posted in Community, Development, Transparency, Word GamesTagged Colorado, densification, densify, denver, desnity, Lakewood, littleton, Rooted in Littleton, survey, zoning

Littleton residents claim to be amateurs in the political sphere but you won’t believe it when you see how they have successfully organized against density-driven zoning changes. Rooted in Littleton got density changes postponed in January and kept fighting to recently gather enough signatures for a petition. Their website reads: “We are passionate about preserving the small-town charm and beauty of Littleton. Our deep roots inform the perspective that good things grow slowly and knee-jerk responses to large social issues don’t produce lasting results. Let’s not let increased density usher in a new era of increased traffic, crime and big city-problems in our little town.” Does that sound familiar? They have many of the same objections to densification as Lakewood residents, such as the attempt to “to erode our home-rule rights with a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach that could strip our community of its uniqueness.” Check out their website for excellent material that could be used as a blueprint for others fighting this issue: Survey Have you ever felt that Lakewood presents data on “housing density and housing shortages in 2024 [that] was insufficient and skewed toward City Council insiders”? That’s what Rooted in Littleton wrote but Lakewood residents have also been making that point for months. The argument really gained traction after the Belmar Park fiasco. (See these articles from savebelmarpark.com: Lakewood’s Housing Affordable Surplus, Lakewood’s 10-year Housing Surplus, Denver Has Enough Housing.) Instead of just complaining about it, Rooted in Littleton organized a survey of their own and provided it for the public. Unsurprisingly, they found that 45% of Littleton residents felt that densification is NOT the best solution The survey they conducted showed that “76% of the survey participants said they want a voice in all major housing legislation, especially as it relates to adding duplexes, triplexes and multiplexes in currently zoned single family residential neighborhoods.” They also found that a majority of people DO NOT believe in the “benefits” of the proposed densification, as shown below: This group is truly inspiring. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard Lakewood residents share the same sentiments that Rooted in Littleton share: Lakewood residents love Lakewood for the existing characteristics. Just like Rooted in Littleton likes their city. Check out their website and spread the word if you know people in Littleton.

How the West Is Being Lost

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 19, 2025Posted in Community, Development, SustainabilityTagged bikeability, Colorado, Development, economic development, growth is good, Lakewood, public transit, walkability, west

From Alex at Somebody Should Do Something A note: Originally, the article was published on YourHub at https://yourhub.denverpost.com/blog/2022/09/politics-and-development-in-colorado/296507/ We had hand delivered a copy of of it to Jared Polis, Brittany Pettersen, and Ed Perlmutter at some get-together the progressive thought leaders were having in Lakewood: The “representatives” immediately studied the input from the citizens, and drew up a comprehensive set of policies addressing the input. Just kidding. Polis has doubled down on squashing the local governments’ right to govern (as long as corporate-owned rentals continue to be built), in addition to driving the state to a billion-ish dollar budget shortfall this year, while trying to dog-whistle the public with a bridge to nowhere and that nobody had asked for. Pettersen has been shilling for the real estate industry and Mr. Perlmutter is off to… Not sure what – may or may not have something to do with lobbying. The irony of the latest spat of policies trying to squash the home rule rights of cities and towns around Colorado is that when we had reached out to the governors office in 2018 about the actions of the local governments that were destroying the economic potential of the Rooney Valley, we were told that the governor’s office “does not get involved in local land use decisions.’’ I guess, the times are a changing. On to the origional post. “Mortgage lenders are starting to look at the risks of lending for somewhere that doesn’t have a water supply, as that’s not a good investment. Capital markets are getting wise to this stuff. We are seeing the limits to growth and housing affordability and the impacts of poor-quality decision making of where and how to build. We are paying the price for all that now.” Read https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/20/us-fastest-growing-cities-risk-becoming-unlivable-climate-crisis Despite the “growth is good” mantra, we are faced with closing schools, massive fires within the city limits, rising crime, polluted air, lackluster public transit system, and a slew of other problems, such as the dying Colorado River. To see where we could be heading next, look at the work by a group of MIT scientists called “Limits to Growth.” Numerous city council members and other representatives in Colorado have continuously ignored the citizens’ pleas and suggestions when it comes to development. Instead they cater to the providers of the largest campaign donations, constantly using diversion tactics such as “affordable housing”. Yet, nobody has provided an explanation as to how the high-priced rentals, rising crime, more traffic, lack of true city planning and economic development, along with thousands of dollars (per unit, per year) in metro district fees, are affordable. Affordable housing and other political dog whistles have become doublespeak for privatizing the profits for those who donate the most to the “representatives”, while socializing the costs the citizens have to pay in the form of taxes, fees and their time to: Additionally, millions are spent on city and county unelected bureaucrats (think planning, zoning, legal, “economic development”, and the managers’ offices) who, instead of working for the citizens, spend their time pushing through projects which further contribute to the stress on the already-crumbling infrastructure, limited water resources and do not create localized, well-paying jobs. Perhaps, if the money was not wasted on those proactively working against the public, the public would be more open to lifting some of the TABOR limits to pay for things the public actually needs. In Lakewood and Jefferson County, such failures are unfolding in real time. The majority on the city council and others have ensured that Lakewood has made next to no progress in the areas of: They have corrupted the democratic process, pandering to the one-sided narrative, which is already resulting in financial and ecological impacts on the city and the county. A sea of houses with exorbitant metro district fees and high-density rentals is being built to bolster big money profits, instead of doing actual business development and city planning. Thousands have to drive across the Metro for better paying jobs, while the city has been proactively destroying a local business corridor and making excuses as to why barely any local high-tech/software jobs have been brought to the city in the last decade, especially when compared to other cities in Colorado. The dog whistle of “public transit” has not helped as RTD and Colorado are decades behind Boston and New York in public transit and additional decades behind most cities in Europe and other parts of the world. A trip on a well-planned and well-built-out public transit system should be financially and temporally better than using a car, which is not the case with RTD. We are also constantly reminded how growth is good for us and how we need to conserve water. What good is conservation if, instead of retaining the conserved amounts for real economic development and the day when there is a severe drought or to ensure healthy waterways, that water is, instead, used for more unbridled growth? https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/feds-declare-first-colorado-river-shortage-order-water-cuts-2022-n1276934 https://phys.org/news/2022-06-colorado-river-reservoirs-western-states.html You may think that “your” candidate will fix it. There is no “your” candidate. There are those who take large campaign contributions, and a few people who will be pushed out in the next election if they dare to truly stand up for people’s interests. Have a look at who donates to whom; do not presume that those who talk about affordability, fiscal responsibility or climate change intend to address them. The public has already lost in a lot of areas, and what’s left is slipping away rapidly. The degrading quality of life in Colorado along with the ongoing collapse of the Colorado River Basin and Colorado forests is only the beginning. One can only hope that very soon the younger generations will realize what the politicians (and bureaucrats) of all stripes have done to them and will start holding them responsible. Perhaps, that’s what you can do – start campaigns to enact reforms to hold mayors, council people, city staff, and state legislators liable for blatant pandering to those who donate the most to their

Zoning Fact Sheet Summary

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 17, 2025Posted in DevelopmentTagged Accountability, Colorado, Lakewood, resident concerns, summarize, summary, zoning code1 Comment

Below is a one-page summary of zoning code changes and concerns from Lakewood residents. Lakewood Informer authors have posted multiple pages of content and more will be coming but this is a starting point to communicate with neighbors. Feel free to share and help people understand the issues. The fact that there is more to say than can fit on one page is a great indication that the changes are overly complex for a single vote by City Council. It’s very hard for residents to understand all the ways this will affect our neighborhoods, especially with no trials and everything changing at once. Much like the last zoning change which the city promised would solve problems and make things wonderful. In real life, the changes sparked backlash that last to this day. To this day, the city is not correcting those problems, just moving forward with bigger, denser growth. Other articles for more information: For a quick handout, the page below is available:

Warriors of Palabra Art Exhibition gives voice to the experiences of youth in Juvenile Justice System

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 17, 2025Posted in CommunityTagged Art Show, Brentwood, CHAC, Colorado, Genesis Gallery, Lakewood, Warriors of Palabra

From CHAC Chicano Humanities & Arts Council 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. Genesis Gallery (303) 237-7768 info@lumc.net

First Reading on Zoning Code Pushed

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 11, 2025Posted in UncategorizedTagged affordable housing, Colorado, First Reading, Ken Cruz, Lakewood, news, outreach, rezoning, roundtable, zoning code

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.

1031 S. Union Blvd. Subdivision

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 11, 2025Posted in DevelopmentTagged 1031 S. Union Blvd, Colorado, Lakewood, public notice, single-family, Union

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.

Residents Accused of Spreading “Misinformation”

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 8, 2025Posted in Entrenched Bureaucracy, Sustainability, Transparency, Word GamesTagged Colorado, digital, edition, Lakewood, Looking@Lakewood, misinformation

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. The May edition of Looking@Lakewood (below) announced that the July edition would be digital only. 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.

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

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 3, 2025Posted in CommunityTagged Cheyenne Frontier Day, Colorado, Jennifer Johnson, Lakewood, local artist, Old west museum, western art show

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

Sacrificing Neighborhoods Allows Homeless Funding

By Lakewood News from KarenPosted on July 3, 2025Posted in Budget, Entrenched Bureaucracy, Homeless, Statewide, SustainabilityTagged affordable housing, Colorado, free money, home rule, Lakewood, navigation center, zoning code

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.