Council denies Trails at Westlake subdivision after hours of public testimony

Broomfield City Council on second reading rejected a developer proposal to build 50 new single‑family lots across two connected plats known as the Trails at Westlake (43 lots) and Westlake Farms (7 lots), voting 9–1 to deny the rezoning, PUD plan, site development plans and final plats.

The applications, presented by TriPointe Homes and their planning team, proposed smaller (35–50 foot) lots clustered to preserve contiguous open space and add trail connections. Judy Hammer, senior planner, told council staff had found the proposals generally consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval with conditions, including a required 5‑foot off‑site drainage easement before the 7‑lot final plat would be recorded.

The project drew more than 20 residents to the podium over extended public comment, centered on three recurring concerns: traffic and safety on local neighborhood streets, loss of mature cottonwood trees and wildlife habitat (including a prairie‑dog colony), and the scale and design of the proposed lots relative to surrounding homes.

"I live on Briarwood Drive. I am in the second house north of the proposed entry and exit way to the development," resident Shirley Baker told council,…