Residents Continue to Fight Against Proposed Apartment Building Near Belmar Park
Residents in Lakewood are facing challenges in their battle against a proposed five-story apartment building near Belmar Park. A judge recently issued an order preventing the city from enforcing a new land-use measure that could impact the project.
Jefferson County District Judge Jason Carrithers granted a preliminary injunction against Lakewood, halting the city from requiring developer Kairoi Properties LLC to allocate a specific amount of parkland as part of an open space dedication for their 411-unit residential development.
The ruling was in response to a new ordinance adopted by the Lakewood City Council, which opponents argue could harm property interests and development plans. Kairoi Properties filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that the new regulations not only jeopardize their project but also conflict with a recent state law allowing developers to pay a fee in lieu of open space allocation.
Attorney Jason Dunn, representing Kairoi, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision, while Cathy Kentner from Save Open Space Lakewood noted that the city did not contest the injunction request.
The group Save Open Space Lakewood, which initiated a ballot measure against the apartment building, is concerned about the impact on Belmar Park, a vital resource for migratory birds. They are seeking to intervene in the case to present their arguments to the court.
Lakewood recently requested more time to respond to the lawsuit, citing ongoing revisions to the ordinance. The City Council plans to discuss potential amendments during an upcoming workshop.
Despite the delays and legal maneuvers, Kentner remains wary of potential approval for the project, urging the council to prioritize environmental concerns over development interests.
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