[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6558032,"mediaKeyId","3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7","parentId",3276866,"title","Lakewood council approves Metro District service plan, urban renewal plan for ‘Bend at Lakewood’ development","audioSeconds",11008,"startMs",6119000,"endMs",17127000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7&start=6119&end=17127","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7/thumbnail_6119000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6558032/Lakewood-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Lakewood-council-approves-Metro-District-service-plan-urban-renewal-plan-for-Bend-at-Lakewood-development","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558032-7bf4406bc34adf7904b320715bfe2c74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207632&Signature=XX98sFxOZcokC4sjtbbVoQd179hsFjQ~l0bDxmAhLCjWSzaxGOocz4~e3tX-hcJvQfxnPNRrRavydY9dGzyEzL56DlWpaQisLlVBSJhTL1Q-9YhieuTMsE8YzcVXBrIOJhKNBYE-tyff4xrEUzWw7wM6g7QEVGwtYCAhfsu6Xj8aokY6b486gnuqwlileFiueO-Bs1qN44CEoTk9To~-pxnBhxU1Z52ZBJ6g4mryz1tUXtcZcYkaD6S7urgfakpexJEeV7BKubQnrjVQhrOJJl5iQ7dWgBWXVNUTC7iGJxtLqbRecIfxlulcykodzcwf2cS5ExcpGAkBH5SAXHOvXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakewood City, CO","date","2025-05-13T06:13:41Z","article","The Lakewood City Council on May 12 approved a service plan to form the Bend at Lakewood Metropolitan District and separately adopted an urban‑renewal plan that will use tax‑increment financing to help pay for public infrastructure and environmental remediation for a proposed mixed‑use project near the Denver Federal Center light‑rail station.

The metro district approval passed 8–3 after extended presentations and questions about environmental cleanup, utility service and how financing and developer commitments will be enforced. The urban‑renewal plan passed 11–0.

The developer, Lincoln Property Company, presented plans for roughly 2,149 rental units and about 100,000 square feet of commercial space, phased south to north across the site. Allie Meister, Lincoln’s project development lead, said the team is committing 10 percent of residential units as affordable housing and expects the southern portion of the site (phase 1) to be ready for construction first. “First and foremost, affordable housing was a goal. And that’s a commitment that we’re willing to make with 10% affordable,” Meister told council.

Why council acted: city staff and the Lakewood Reinvestment Authority (LRA) told the council the combination of URA tax increment revenue and a metropolitan district is the most feasible way to finance public roads, remediation and infrastructure needed to make the site developable. Carol Miller, a city staffer in Sustainability and Community Development, told council the plan “will help transform the corridor into an urban, high‑density, mixed‑use transit‑oriented development and will assist with economic growth as envisioned in the comprehensive plan.”

Remediation and state oversight: the site includes parcels previously investigated by federal agencies. Lincoln and its consultants told council the southern portion of the site has received “no further action” letters from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and is ready for phase‑1 work; the northern portion contains historic landfill/impacted soils and will require a corrective action/materials management plan submitted to CDPHE before earthwork.

Scott Waldemeyer, environmental consultant with Vertex, described the regulatory steps and controls that will be used during excavation and construction, including a materials‑management plan, dust and air monitoring, wetting procedures, and state review and signoff. He told the council that the developer will submit the remedial plan to both the city and CDPHE and execute required measures before beginning the northern phase: “that materials management plan would essentially say that as a part of that, we’re gonna remove the impacted material, put in clean‑fill corridors and provide future utility workers those clean, safe environments,” he said.

Utility service and governance questions: councilors repeatedly asked how water and sewer service will be provided. Lincoln said it has discussed multiple options with area utilities and that one path is to use a metropolitan‑district financing mechanism to fund certain offsite or on‑site utility work; another path would be an intergovernmental arrangement if the existing special district (Green Mountain Water and Sanitation) agrees to serve the site. Lincoln said Green Mountain has declined to continue dialog in recent board meetings and the developer has filed a legal claim; the developer said it will pursue alternate inclusion or exclusion procedures if necessary. The council was told no district debt can be issued until utility arrangements and an approved development plan are in place.

Financing and next steps: the URA projects roughly $89.5 million in property‑tax increment over 25 years to support bonds for public improvements; staff and independent underwriters presented an initial capital plan and costs for public improvements of about $35.9 million (the applicant also presented an alternate utility option that could raise total public costs). City staff told council the URA and metro district financing package was modeled as viable under conservative assumptions and that the developer would be required to cover any shortfalls.

Council safeguards and oversight: council members pressed for enforceable commitments and a clear approval path. City staff and the applicant said the development agreement, the financing agreements and the LRA’s public‑financing approvals will be required before issuing debt. The council added a recital in its approval noting that future agreements — including a development agreement, an affordable‑housing agreement and parkland/open‑space dedications — will set forth the city’s expectations and be made binding. City staff emphasized the metro district cannot issue debt or levy millings for operations until those subsequent agreements and approvals are completed.

Public testimony and historic preservation: supporters of placing Car 25 (an historic interurban railcar owned by the city) at the development spoke in favor of the project and said the development could give the car a climate‑controlled public home with exhibition and event space. Opponents who testified during earlier public hearings raised concerns about contamination, long‑term liability and the adequacy of environmental testing; council discussion referenced CDPHE oversight and the requirement that cleanup plans be approved before northern‑phase work proceeds.

Votes and immediate consequences: the council approved the metropolitan district service plan by a roll call vote of 8 in favor and 3 opposed (Councilors Ryan, Isabel Cruz and Nystrom voted no). The council then approved the urban‑renewal plan 11–0. Staff and the applicant said the LRA will be the entity to review and approve subsequent public‑financing and development agreements; those agreements must be completed before bonds can be issued or construction financed.

What happens next: the applicant and the LRA will draft the development agreement and public‑financing documents; these must be reviewed by the LRA and city staff and will return to the appropriate boards for final approval before debt issuance. The developer must submit any CDPHE corrective action and materials‑management plans for the northern parcels and receive state concurrence before beginning remediation and utility work there.

The council’s approvals clear key legal and financing steps but leave significant conditions in place: state remediation approval, final utility arrangements and the development and financing agreements still must be completed before construction can commence.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-12-2025 Lakewood City Council Meeting Video","oneSentenceSummary","The Lakewood City Council on May 12 approved a service plan to form the Bend at Lakewood Metropolitan District and an accompanying urban‑renewal plan to help finance public infrastructure and remediation for a planned mixed‑use development near the Denver Federal Center light‑rail station.","taxTitle","Lakewood City, Jefferson County, Colorado","taxId",5594,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558020,"At a glance: Lakewood council votes, May 12, 2025",183,4985000,5168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7&start=4985&end=5168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7/thumbnail_4985000.jpg","/articles/6558020/Lakewood-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/At-a-glance-Lakewood-council-votes-May-12-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558020-dd1c9989e851a491641f488f92947f1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207632&Signature=EOeMTO3lnbgSlH79I3bhoWS3uqagtnGS0V9h5JeffYhyUS7hAsiWFbSLH6ejiiKvK4dJJMFrqolrPJDxsVhFs2Q6GeCehmtlMTBUXMiS5iCXBYYCfuL4ZhZtFtAz0Bm~I50XhyEdy3V8O5tEormcRWK-4y-lpl5FRgzceq7wZ-PX1BxiC9ZPwOEBFiOERiO5m1b1J9uw~RIkEO2f1aqYkvISwGnMZ0kD7dM0d5i1FMjNgjmk1qKDoSuU6Hdbh78uV-JMmC1v1nFUD8nZ8VtzonivMwxATQ537uUXmW3qiptNxFUR7UM2mYYxJSI0niqjfwtNVTVFJXBdyAbSG0HXIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood City Council took a series of votes May 12. Below are the formal actions and outcomes taken during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (multiple resolutions): Adopted 11–0. The consent agenda included: R2025‑21 (endorsement of the 2025–2029 consolidated plan and 2025 action plan for CDBG projects); R2025‑22 (2025 Community Grant Program awards); R2025‑23 (2025 Lakewood Youth Programs Grant awards); R2025‑24 (adoption of Planning Commission rules and regulations); R2025‑25 (reappointment to a regional board); R2025‑26 (recognition and salary action for City Attorney Allison McKinney Brown); and approval of several minutes from March, April and May meetings.

- O2025‑16: Authority to acquire property interests for pedestrian improvements on Sheridan Boulevard (Jewell to Florida). Approved on second reading 11–0.

- O2025‑17: Supplemental appropriation to the 2025 budget of $180,000 from federal seizure funds for CMAT vehicle purchases and equipment. Approved on second and final reading, 10–1 (Mayor Guerrero cast the lone no vote). Commander John Pickard explained the funds will replace aging covert vehicles used by the regional auto‑theft task force.

- O2025‑18: Ordinance setting salaries for municipal court judges. Approved on second and final reading, 11–0.

- R2025‑27 (see full article): Bend at Lakewood metropolitan district service plan — approved 8–3. (Nos: Councilor Ryan, Councilor Isabel Cruz, Councilor Nystrom.)

- R2025‑28 (see full article): Bend at Lakewood urban‑renewal plan — approved 11–0.

What the votes mean

- The consent agenda packages routine administrative items and grant awards that city staff and council committees vet in advance; the council’s unanimous vote advanced those programs and funding allocations.

- The supplemental federal seizure appropriation directs asset‑forfeiture funds to replace or equip vehicles used by the regional CMAT task force. Council discussion noted the funds are federal seizure proceeds under the city’s fiscal stewardship; the appropriation does not draw on the city general fund.

- The Sheridan Boulevard ordinance authorizes city staff to negotiate and, subject to further council approval, acquire property interests needed to build pedestrian improvements along Sheridan between Jewell and Florida.

- The municipal judge salary ordinance implements recommendations from the judge salary committee and maintains regular oversight of judicial compensation.

Where to find documents

Supporting documents, presentations and the council audio/video are posted for this meeting at LakewoodSpeaks.org and the council meeting video page on lakewood.org.","Summary of formal votes taken by the Lakewood City Council at its May 12 meeting, including adoption of the consent agenda, acquisition authority for pedestrian improvements, police funding appropriation for CMAT vehicles, municipal judge salaries and other measures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558022,"Residents cite repeated house fires, open‑air drug use near schools; council hears public safety pleas",1205,3579000,4784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7&start=3579&end=4784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7/thumbnail_3579000.jpg","/articles/6558022/Lakewood-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Residents-cite-repeated-house-fires-openair-drug-use-near-schools-council-hears-public-safety-pleas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558022-354b882b5a98582494070b01ce8f5433/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207632&Signature=kQFWkdU3gA7izHBo80lPZ-Lf81Xut6X7ZD~JAuylYDd-JFNXYhQGPDMNaclwaYNMiD5~Po9LfQ6dg-BnxeRTGsMJJJrZSAhYxqv6l5i6o4xxQ4dcb9Nr50AiRYZTPEAcFs~J3dxbjFYG4H-JdQZzb~nSosJbPhbPRfivD~0xw1~ma4fO7GEbS4TtQsKriEk~99yOF0LfQ-FiE6TWsexExqD6j8JpYcHvDx2IwTa1XWRmKq3ICbHzbweTCzNqkKOEAhPXgPoIOClYh1HNs4kSf7OiC5lvcA75ZLFk5QtwtGMlMYf0dqURj323PYaMnLvZ9JLyAXLb4gqnQmXwgw5I5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Ward 2 residents used the May 12 public‑comment period to report repeated fires, continued open‑air drug use and encampments on a property near local schools and to urge quicker city and police action.

Lindsay Driver, a Ward 2 resident, described back‑to‑back house fires at a property “two doors down from my home and across the street from a high school.” She said the house had become “a hub for disturbing and dangerous activities,” including people bringing trailers and campers onto the lawn and “open‑air drug usage.” Driver said she had reported the activity to law enforcement and that “the response unfortunately has been inadequate.”

Other residents corroborated Driver’s account and described an explosion and subsequent fires at a property identified in testimony as 8,000 West Tenth Avenue (near Allison Street). Johnny Hatch and Ariana Kaiser told the council the Saturday fire shook nearby homes; Kaiser emphasized that small children attend schools that route past the property and said she is “outraged” at the lack of visible cleanup or patrols after the explosion.

Chris Fisher and other speakers said they had reported thefts, weapon discoveries, and threatening behavior in the larger neighborhood and that police appearances had been limited to sporadic drive‑bys. Fisher said his home had been burglarized and that he had been robbed at knifepoint; he described inconsistent responses from the police department and told council he had left messages asking for action.

Several speakers said they had shown police video evidence of drug use and hazardous conditions; they characterized the situation as a public‑safety and child‑safety emergency because the property is near Jefferson County Open School and Lakewood High School. Residents asked the city to coordinate with police and building‑code enforcement to have an inspector condemn or board up an unsafe structure and to remove squatters quickly.

Council and staff response: councilors asked staff and the police commander to review jurisdictional responsibilities and the immediate enforcement options. Council members expressed sympathy and urged staff to coordinate with law enforcement and code enforcement; one councilor asked staff to clarify whether board‑up or condemnation orders were available as a near‑term remedy while investigations proceed.

No formal council action was taken during the meeting; speakers asked the council to prioritize coordination with police, building inspectors and other agencies so removal and cleanup can proceed in the short term.","Multiple residents told Lakewood City Council on May 12 that a property near schools in Ward 2 had repeatedly burned, that open‑air drug use and encampments persist, and that police response has been inadequate. Speakers asked city and public‑safety officials to take faster action to remove hazards and protect children.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558027,"Lakewood Advisory Commission presents annual report and reimagining recommendations to council",1665,1301000,2966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7&start=1301&end=2966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276866-eccec491e17fedea91e42d7acfbfa6d7/thumbnail_1301000.jpg","/articles/6558027/Lakewood-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Lakewood-Advisory-Commission-presents-annual-report-and-reimagining-recommendations-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558027-774dabfcf381b3ee4d886752ff9960f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207632&Signature=G5IzY1QadEwKs7N0keqKemlH1vOi1D69U7XqzScqFj7QDG5NbES0ySkLPJZgWPaKd75bxga~fWeQWBzQpcRiCDP6jGEy7YpQLqTYKszSiHRysVjyQ37KiP8wLRDkreydsteiQUPISDOjxB3pBf7uSu4P0MqDQG0KmKdfKWObORQLqP3W3SjCLCk~mJ6ipM4EbE738M-OBeYUvTfHHdTfnoOYgl63tHnmFM6B2oqYl0q45734HvUR4sdhzERUP60TNyjXueBC6TPTiFvobEWcJyvdA0CDDVnn4u9qwo2BtjQ~1ZavwAx3ttOShumrxDpg32e4uPPn-GFjTyn0~XuFrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood Advisory Commission presented its annual report and a reimagining proposal to the City Council on May 12, urging changes to the commission’s structure, recruitment and public engagement to increase effectiveness.

Melissa Colesman, chair of the Lakewood Advisory Commission, and Glenn Wedock, vice chair, told council the commission currently has 20 members and four subcommittees (civic awareness, diversity, neighborhoods and sustainability). They said the LAC wants flexibility to create ad hoc or topic‑specific groups for issues that do not fit neatly within the four subcommittee headings.

“We typically provide a recorded presentation prior to the meeting,” Colesman told council. She said the LAC has added quality‑assurance measures such as requiring the full commission to approve project ideas before submission to council and strengthening its code of ethics to address misinformation.

Wedock summarized the LAC’s reimagining recommendations: align the commission’s work more closely with council goals and the city’s comprehensive plan; add website content and publish LAC reports online to aid recruitment; improve new‑member orientation; and conduct exit interviews to learn why members leave and retain institutional knowledge.

Council response and next steps: council members thanked the LAC for its work and asked clarifying questions about ad hoc committees and recruitment. Mayor Pro Tem Sharizai and Councilor Ryan both said ad hoc groups could provide timely support for narrowly scoped council initiatives without requiring formal, time‑consuming council action. Councilors urged the LAC and staff to publish reports and clearer application materials on LakewoodSpeaks to boost recruitment and clarify expectations for prospective members.

The council noted the LAC’s recommendations will inform broader discussions about potential new boards or commissions and ad hoc structures during the council’s summer work on overall goals and commissions.","The Lakewood Advisory Commission (LAC) presented its 2024 annual report and a 'reimagining' proposal to city council on May 12, recommending structural changes, improved recruitment and stronger alignment with council goals and the comprehensive plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakewood council approves Metro District service plan, urban renewal plan for ‘Bend at Lakewood’ development

At a glance: Lakewood council votes, May 12, 2025

Residents cite repeated house fires, open‑air drug use near schools; council hears public safety pleas

Lakewood Advisory Commission presents annual report and reimagining recommendations to council