The community potluck was a fantastic success!

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:

1. People came because the meeting was a hopeful alternative to trying to get Lakewood to listen
2. What’s all this about zoning? In short, Lakewood is trying to solve the “affordable housing crisis” by turning Lakewood into a walkable Denver. That means new zoning for increased urban areas, eliminating single-family housing so that multiple people can live in one place and removing occupancy limits throughout the city, moving small retail and expanded personal service businesses in anywhere, and more.
3. Participants don’t feel zoning changes are needed. They don’t feel there is a housing crisis but agree there is an affordability problem. They don’t feel that the zoning changes will be effective in solving that problem and want an explanation and proof from Council that what they are supporting will help rather than exacerbate the problem. 
4. Location! Location! Location! – Housing prices in Lakewood will remain high no matter how dense because Lakewood is a good location between Denver and mountains. And Lakewood’s own study says there is already a housing surplus
5. Participants would like to see Lakewood join other 6 cities challenging the state to exercise our Home Rule authority.
6. Communicate with/inform your City Councilor and the MayorTestify at City Council Meetings. State your facts, share information, and create an official record on Lakewood Speaks
7. Participants want an authentic campaign season in which they can see and hear candidates share their views and positions on specific pressing local topics such as what Lakewood zoning rules should be and why, how Lakewood should protect our environment and open spaces, and how much influence developers should have on determining the future of the City.  They want to know why the City hasn’t joined the current legal fight to preserve our Home Rule authority.  Citizens want something to be done to ensure our local elections are not being hijacked by dark money campaign contributions.
   • Yard sign campaign
   • Door knocking and phone calls
   • Community outreach with flyers
   • Petitions to solve the problems Lakewood refuses to
   • Suggest specific solutions like reinstating Council oversight on new developments
   • Brainstorm key issues, slogans, and strategies

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.