In a recent city council meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding public access to Lakewood's waterfront properties, particularly the 100th Street access point. The discussions highlighted the importance of these areas for educational and recreational purposes, especially for low-income families and children attending nearby Park Lodge Elementary School.

One speaker emphasized the educational value of the waterfront, recalling how students engaged in hands-on learning experiences at Flat Creek. They argued that limiting public access to these natural resources undermines opportunities for local youth to connect with their environment and learn about ecological stewardship. The speaker urged the council to conduct a study on the educational potential of the 100th Street site before making any decisions about its future.

Lori Miller, another resident, criticized the city council for neglecting public lake accesses, which have deteriorated over the years despite significant taxpayer investment in planning and surveys. She called for accountability and action to restore these areas for community use, rather than selling them off to private interests. Miller highlighted the need for volunteer groups to assist in cleanup efforts and urged the council to prioritize public access over private development.

John Burns raised concerns about the accuracy of past reports influencing council decisions, suggesting that errors in scoring the potential of waterfront sites have led to misguided policies. He argued for a reevaluation of these assessments to ensure that public interests are adequately represented.

The meeting also featured comments from residents worried about the implications of privatizing public access points. One speaker drew parallels to a recent New York Times article about a similar situation in Manhattan, warning that selling off public land could deprive underprivileged children of vital recreational opportunities.

As the council considers the future of the 100th Street access, community members are advocating for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to preserving public access to Lakewood's waterfront for future generations. The discussions reflect a broader concern about equitable access to natural resources in the face of potential privatization.