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Lakewood approves 76‑unit Springbrook multifamily tax exemption despite calls for neighborhood outreach
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025-12 granting an eight-year multifamily tax exemption for Springbrook Annex Phase 2 (76 units). Councilmember Laura Sella asked to continue the item to seek Springbrook Neighborhood Association input; the motion to continue failed and the resolution passed.
The Lakewood City Council on Aug. 4 adopted Resolution 2025-12, conditionally approving an eight-year multifamily tax exemption (MFTE) for Springbrook Annex Phase 2, a proposed 76-unit apartment project in the Springbrook residential target area.
City staff (standing in for the planning manager) told the council the project meets requirements in the Lakewood Municipal Code for an MFTE and that the applicant elected the eight-year option (rather than a 12-year exemption that sometimes requires additional affordable units). "The proposed project meets all the requirements as defined in the Lakewood Municipal Code," staff said. The packet described the project as adding 76 housing units with 90 parking stalls and noted the development is not required to include affordable units under the chosen eight-year MFTE term.
Council member Laura Sella requested a continuance to a date certain (Aug. 18) so staff could reach out to the Springbrook Neighborhood Association and solicit neighborhood input before final action. That motion to continue was seconded but failed on a voice vote after several council members expressed a desire to proceed; one council member said informal outreach had already taken place and that the project offers housing the city needs.
Outcome and next steps: Resolution 2025-12 was adopted. Staff said the continuation from the prior meeting was intended to correct packet information; the revised materials clarified the project and its relationship to the MFTE program. Council members who opposed immediate adoption asked staff to continue community outreach following the action.
Discussion-only points: Council debate balanced neighborhood outreach concerns and the city's interest in producing more multifamily housing, including units that can serve service members living off base.
Actions: Resolution 2025-12 (conditional approval, Springbrook Annex Phase 2 — 8-year MFTE) — motion adopted; no roll-call objections recorded on final adoption in open session.
