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Residents urge Lakewood to act on lake access, algae and tree protection
Summary
Residents at the April 20 meeting pressed the Lakewood City Council to address algae and invasive weeds on American Lake, oppose removing mature Gary Oaks, and rethink plans to open small lakes to public access; homeowners offered to fund shoreline work if the city grants the necessary permits.
At the Lakewood City Council meeting on April 20, residents from several shoreline neighborhoods pressed the council for faster action on lake water quality, clearer rules for public access to small lakes and stronger enforcement to protect mature Gary Oaks. Multiple speakers said algae, excess phosphorus and pavement near root zones are harming shoreline ecology and public use.
Joel Verona, president of the Eagle Point Homeowners Association, told council members that American Lake is suffering from rising nutrients and nuisance weeds and asked the city to allow a volunteer-funded shoreline treatment under the city’s permit so neighbors could begin work this season. Verona said the lake’s phosphorus routinely reaches levels that trigger action, and he urged the city to “give us our lake back” by allowing timely treatment and by moving more quickly on permitting.
Other residents who live on smaller lakes including Graly/Gravity Lake said their concerns center on emergency access, public safety and the cost and feasibility of opening private shorelines to general public use. Barb Tucci, secretary of the Graly Lake Improvement Club, told the council that private launches and gate codes are already available to emergency services and asked the city to consider practical safety plans before approving new public access.
Several commenters also asked the city to take stronger steps to protect Gary Oaks and other mature trees from nearby paving and compaction. A speaker who identified herself as Christina Manetti urged the council to expand protections beyond the drip line and to require removal of impervious surfaces that harm root systems.
City staff responded that legal and procurement constraints limit what the city can do immediately. City Manager Russell and legal staff said the state’s lake management tools are available to property owners, and that modifying an existing municipal permit to allow a volunteer contractor could raise liability and procurement issues. Russell said staff will prepare a memo for council outlining the city’s responsibilities, liability issues, and the mechanics of lake‑management districts so council and residents can see the options and their tradeoffs.
Why it matters: lakes and shoreline parks are a continuing source of public safety, environmental and property‑value concerns across Lakewood. Residents told council they are willing to fund some treatments directly, but they want clarity on permits, liability and whether the city will support or manage projects. Council asked staff for written options and further analysis to bring back at a future meeting.
What’s next: staff agreed to bring a memo describing the permit options, the lake‑management district process and liability considerations; council members indicated they will follow up with affected homeowners and consider whether a work‑plan amendment or other tool is appropriate.
