Lakewood council unanimously directs staff to begin negotiations on Mulholland Elementary parcel

Ward 2 residents and nearby homeowners urged Lakewood City Council on July 13 to secure the 17-acre former Mulholland Elementary site as public parkland or a community facility. After listening to multiple speakers describing heavy neighborhood use of the adjoining green space and the building’s deteriorated condition, councilors voted unanimously to direct staff to open negotiations for possible acquisition.

Danielle Becherelli, who lives across from the Mulholland property, said the park is "an extension of our backyard" and asked the city to "purchase and demo the vacant Mulholland building and preserve this property as public green space." Erin Kaufman, another Ward 2 resident, called the site "a once in a generation opportunity" and stressed the ward’s need for additional parks and recreation amenities.

Council sponsors described the building as aging, noted equity considerations for a ward with relatively little parkland, and sought council consensus to begin negotiations. Councilor Rein and Councilor Black asked staff to pursue negotiations and, if directed, to meet in executive session immediately to start discussions with the property owner. Council then voted 11–0 to direct staff to initiate negotiations.

Councilors emphasized that a price and the building’s long-term use have not been finalized. Several members said the city has a narrow window of opportunity to act and that staff should bring back options and any acquisition terms for full council consideration.

Next steps: staff will open negotiations and return with negotiated terms for council review; the council scheduled an executive session immediately following the meeting to begin confidential negotiation work.