Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Subdivision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission approves Green Mountain Village subdivision: 12 homes proposed at 1031 South Union Blvd.
Summary
The commission approved preliminary and final plats to subdivide 2.3 acres at 1031 South Union Boulevard into 12 single-family lots (R-16), with city maintenance of primary drainage features and required dedications; the vote was 5-0.
The Lakewood Planning Commission on July 16 approved a major subdivision — preliminary plat PM23-0004 and final plat FA23-0003 — to create 12 single-family lots on about 2.3 acres at 1031 South Union Boulevard, an infill parcel adjacent to Green Mountain Elementary School and the Green Mountain Swim Club.
Applicant Matt Hill and his development team presented a plan for 12 single-family homes with a mid-century-modern design palette and a new cul-de-sac street, proposed to be named South Van Gordon Way. The site is zoned small-lot residential R-16; staff said the proposed lots meet the R-16 minimums (lots are at least 6,000 square feet with 60-foot street widths for most lots and required additional widths at bulb/corner lots). Detached sidewalks, street trees and drainage/water-quality features are part of the plat. Staff recommended approval, saying utilities are available and civil plans can be approved administratively after plat recordation.
Kara Mueller, Development Assistance Division, said the subdivision includes detention and water-quality features covered by drainage easements (notably over Lot 6) and that the city's standard practice is to maintain the drainage function of such ponds while the individual property owner is responsible for landscaping and nonessential plantings. Mueller said parkland and school land dedication requirements must be satisfied before the final plat is recorded.
Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff about pedestrian connectivity and sustainability. Several commissioners suggested a pedestrian path from the end of the cul-de-sac to South Union Boulevard to improve walkability and reduce circuitous routes for walkers and bicyclists; the applicant said he would investigate the feasibility, but staff and the applicant noted significant grade differences, ownership lines and potential privacy and liability concerns that make an immediate required connection difficult. City attorney staff explained the subdivision ordinance permits dedication of trails and easements when necessary for access, but this body's approval authority for plats is limited to approval or denial under the code, limiting conditional requirements for connectivity in this application.
On sustainability, the applicant said modern construction and code changes have made new homes substantially more energy- and water-efficient than older stock and described plans to use water-wise landscaping in common areas, a waste-and-recycling plan during construction, HVAC sizing (Manual J/D/S) and blower-door testing to meet energy requirements. Staff added that EV-ready wiring and greenhouse-gas worksheets are required through development and building permit processes.
Neighbors spoke at the hearing. Corey Onisorg, who lives across the street, asked whether the project would use taxpayer subsidies (the applicant said none) and for a construction timeline; Matt Hill estimated that if all 12 homes were built at once the site work and home construction would take about 16 to 18 months, but he said market timing typically determines the buildout schedule. Onisorg and others also raised concern about the adjacent Green Mountain Elementary School parcel, which is owned by Jefferson County Public Schools and currently closed; Onisorg referenced recent state legislation expanding school leasing authority and asked for community discussions with the district before further changes near the school.
Bob Byers, a longtime neighbor across from the proposed cul-de-sac, raised concerns about vehicle lights and safety for a driveway that will be opposite his home. Staff provided a site map and noted the plat materials and civil drawings are available on the city's project portal (Lakewood Speaks).
After questions and discussion, Commissioner Greg Lewinis moved to adopt staff findings and approve the preliminary and final plats; the motion was seconded and passed by roll-call vote, 5 ayes, 0 nays. Staff will ensure required dedications and engineering plans are completed before final plat recordation.
