Google Fiber (GFiber) is celebrating its first customer to get connected to its high-speed internet network in Lakewood. Residents in the Eiber neighborhood can now sign up as additional network infrastructure is built out across the city.
In January 2024, GFiber secured over 13,000 square feet of prime space at the heart of Belmar’s Plaza.
This is the next step for GFiber in the Denver metro area. GFiber Webpass has been available in Denver since 2017. GFiber is continuing to build its network out across Lakewood, and will open service in those neighborhoods accordingly.
Construction in Westminster is set to start soon, and actively working on design and permitting for Golden, Wheat Ridge, and additional parts of Adams County.
GFiber is hiring in Colorado.
Lakewood customers will be able to choose any GFiber plan — 1 Gig for $70/month, 2 Gig for $100/month, 5 Gig for $125/month or 8 Gig for $150/month — all with symmetrical uploads and downloads and equipment and installation included at no additional cost, no annual contracts and no data caps.
Local businesses can sign up for GFiber for Business, offering Business 2 Gig for $250/month or Business 1 Gig for $100/month.
An accident on August 24 at 15th and Youngfield Street confirms all the worries of a local group regarding a proposed high-density apartment unit in their neighborhood. A car took the turn and ended up going into the house, causing serious damage and the house to uninhabitable for several days.
Exerpt from an email from a neighbor to City Council:
(Emphasis added)
To the officials at City of Lakewood,
The damage to Pablo and Jonna’s home was extensive to the point of rendering both bathrooms unusable and the home uninhabitable.
There are huge skid marks in the driveway, where the driver obviously braked, before impact. Pablo and Jonna were relaxing on their patio, when they heard the loud explosion. expecting it to be another accident at our intersection, they rushed out to the front. The driver was already trying to pull away and leave, but Pablo stopped them and had Jonna call 911.
We urge all of you to come here today to this site, and realize what we have been broadcasting for 14 months and to please take this seriously!! If you do not reconsider this intersection as not a viable option for and adding more than 300 + car trips daily along with pedestrians and school age children, then any consequences will no longer be unintentional but intentional. We are very offended by the developer and seemingly City officials too, claiming that we are NIMBY’s and are just using the dangers and safety issues as an excuse. We have in good faith tried working with all of you, but our valid concerns are not being heard. We will be contacting the media at this point. These tragedies will only increase and one death is too many.
Domino Service Dogs is a non-profit which trains one on one with owners and their dogs for various services like medical response dogs and floor retrieval dogs for wheelchair users. Rachel Griffin and Clare Johnson were there to represent ACBID. Together with Amy Gordon, media member for Domino, and Barb Henry, they turned dirt with gold shovels to symbolize the start of the project to replace the sign that had been previously struck by a car. Cake followed the ceremony. The grant money had become available to ACBID by a $300,000 rollover from another special district that had sunset this year.
ACBID has some $5,000 grants available for businesses to upgrade their security systems. For more information see the website alamedaconnects.org. The ACBID has regular meetings the first Wednesday at 7:30am.
Domino Service Dogs (DSD) is located at 6505 W Alameda Ave UNIT 102, Lakewood, CO 80226 and their website is dominoservicedogs.com.
On August 12, 2024, Lakewood City Council voted to approve a ballot measure that will permanently suspend TABOR limitations for Lakewood. All City Council spoke in favor of the measure except for Council Member Rich Olver, the sole nay vote.
There was some Council discussion about whether to include a sunset or not but in the end, the vote was to suspend refunds permanently. The Lakewood City Attorney cited a court case that would allow this permanent suspension. Lakewood’s previous suspension was only temporary.
A presentation by the Magellan consultants, who were hired to do a survey of Lakewood residents, claimed that 52 percent of the citizens were in favor of this policy.
There were three people that testified in person about this resolution: one in enthusiastic favor and two against. Online comments were almost evenly split.
This even split reflects the Magellan findings. On the other hand, 90% of Council supported the resolution.
One member of the public questioned the timing of this resolution being voted on the last week before school starts, thinking that was the reason there was not more feedback. Author Joan from Lakewood believes that most citizens feel the Lakewood City Council does not listen to public comment and that after spending $74, 000 it was a baked in vote.
“On July 12, the Lakewood City Council met in a public meeting to vote on a ballot proposal to allow them to keep and spend all excess funds they over collected with our 2024 property tax billing. By law, these excess funds would normally be refunded to us as required by TABOR. I Listened to the meeting on YouTube.. How could they over collect taxes? The County Assessor did a reappraisal in 2023 as required by State law. Overall, the appraised value of all properties increased by about 37%. This will happen again in 2025. By State law, the City Council is supposed to adjust the mill levy so the overall revenue equals the City budget. Governor Polis also sent a letter asking them to reduce the mill levy. They failed to do so. Instead, they intentionally kept a higher mill levy knowing full well they would collect millions of excess dollars. (about $8 million in 2024)”
That post includes a healthy discussion of the issue, along with a similar post by Wendy Shrader, who provided public comments on Monday.
More from LakewoodSpeaks.org
Argument in favor: “I strongly urge the City Council to approve this resolution because it empowers the voters to decide whether we should retain revenue from existing taxes for the most important city funding priorities.” – Kip Kolkmeier
“I support investing in Lakewood, and I support putting it to a vote from all residents.” – Joshua Comden
Argument against: “I personally enjoy my rights afforded by Tabor and generally opt to retain limits on revenue, as I think this is an effective method to ensure government thinks creatively and soberly how best to spend the revenue it does have.” – Michael Newman
“TABOR is the single best gift we voters have ever given ourselves and future generations.” – John Mohatt
The ballot language will be:
WITHOUT INCREASING CURRENT TAXES OR ADDING ANY NEW TAX, SHALL THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND THE FULL AMOUNT OF CITY TAXES AND ALL OTHER REVENUE COLLECTED FROM ALL SOURCES IN 2026 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, IN EXCESS OF THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITATIONS IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20, OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, AND SHALL SUCH EXCESS REVENUE BE SPENT ONLY AS FOLLOWS:
ONE-THIRD FOR PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE;
ONE-THIRD FOR PUBLIC SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT, SERVICES
AND/OR PERSONNEL; AND
ONE-THIRD FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS,
SIDEWALKS, PATHS AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
AND SHALL ALL SUCH EXCESS REVENUES BE MAINTAINED AND PRESENTED IN A SEPARATE BUDGET OR ACCOUNT OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, TO PROVIDE FOR OVERSIGHT BY THE CITIZENS OF LAKEWOOD TO ENSURE THE EXCESS FUNDS ARE USED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED ABOVE?
YES ________
NO ________
Scorecard: Approve Ballot Initiative to Permanently Suspend TABOR
Lakewood, Colorado, June 10, 2024 –The Ridge Pinehurst, an Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care rental community in the Denver, CO area owned and operated by The Ridge Senior Living, has been featured in a British television program as one of the “World’s Most Luxurious Retirement Homes.” The 45-minute documentary, which aired in the UK on June 9, showcased senior living communities that redefine luxury and vitality for their residents.
Photos by Robb Yagmin, Pinehurst
The documentary, produced by the independent production company ScreenDog Productions and the first episode of the series, followed several residents of The Ridge Pinehurst in a “day in the life” format, offering viewers a glimpse into the vibrant lifestyle at the community. The Ridge Pinehurst was featured alongside The Palace at Coral Gables in Miami, Florida, and Danny House in Sussex, England.
“The Ridge was selected because it is a bona fide luxurious senior living community which feels like a slick, modern, hotel spa with state-of-the-art wellness facilities, beautiful artwork, and surrounded by open countryside and mountain scenery,” said Ed Kellie, Founder and Exec Producer of ScreenDog Productions. “Every retirement home we feature is different, but they all complement each other and are all truly luxurious. The Ridge felt like it would stand out for people particularly interested in wellness, sports, and the great outdoors.”
Diane Macheers, Vice President of Corporate Communications for The Ridge Senior Living, expressed pride in the recognition. “It is such an honor to be recognized as one of the world’s most luxurious senior living communities. But what was even more important to us was that the team from London found our residents to be inspiring, fun-loving, and full of vitality. That is the kind of life we want to promote at The Ridge Senior Living, and we believe that came through so completely in the production.”
ScreenDog Productions, known for its audacious formats and unique perspectives, has previously produced notable programs such as Channel 4’s recent hit “The Jury: Murder Retrial” and BBC’s “Stacey Dooley: Stalkers.”
The documentary premiere was July 19, 2024 and was a grand event. See some pictures from seniors right next door to Lakewood.
The Westword has posted a in-depth look at the history of ketamine use in Colorado, highlighting efforts by Lakewood’s own Anita Springsteen. Springsteen witnessed and video recorded an incident of involuntary ketamine dosing by West Metro Fire, and her video contradicts the official story of an agitated individual. Five years later, she is still fighting and bringing a spotlight to the issue.
“As the five-year anniversary of the McClain tragedy approaches, Colorado is widely regarded as being in the vanguard of efforts to reform the use of chemical restraint.”
“Springsteen filed a complaint with CDPHE about the paramedics’ actions in Axtell’s case. She received a letter stating that the department had investigated the matter thoroughly, including “interviews and meetings with persons with knowledge of the event in question,” and determined there were no grounds for disciplinary sanctions. But that investigation didn’t involve talking to Springsteen, an eyewitness, or viewing her video, which contradicts the paramedic’s account of the incident.”
“… delirium was a convenient excuse for police agencies looking to elude liability for in-custody deaths. It also became a ready-made justification for paramedics to bring out the ketamine. “
The Planning Commission presented evidence of health and environmental harm from fueling stations and car washes. No evidence from the other side was presented. With only one side represented, it is no surprise that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended to restrict gas stations in Lakewood, while at the same time increasing electric charging stations. Council comments generally reinforced that view and city staff will be drafting new ordinances to implement these recommendations.
The Planning Commission discussed the issue at three public meetings. In the presentation, this sounds like all sides were heard. However, inviting comment or being open to comment is not the same as researching or actually hearing the other side.
No industry representatives made comment or presentation and no information was brought forth to represent their side. Only one person made comment on LakewoodSpeaks to support the market economy. This led to a one-sided, forgone set of recommendations from the Planning Commission.
An example from the presentation of what the Planning Commission found to be a compelling argument:
“Within 10 years 80% of all fueling stations will be unprofitable (due to the switch to EV cars), leaving stranded assets that will need environmental remediation” – cited by Planning Commissioner Kip Kolkmeier
Does Lakewood have a profit standard for businesses to open? No.
Does Lakewood bear any responsibility for environmental costs if remediation is needed? No.
Is EV car use on track to eliminate gas cars? No, not without government force.
None of that was mentioned.
Planning Commission recommends eliminating gas stations in all mixed use zoning, which they claim are designed for pedestrian, cycling and mass transit use. This statement does not align with ordinance but is a move the city seems to encourage, whether explicitly stated or not. Most public policy discussions that encourage walkability do not explicitly say cars will be eliminated (*Originally worded to be sound harsher)
Purpose of Mixed-Use Zone: “Provide a well-designed site circulation system with a strongly defined pedestrian and vehicular network, good connections to adjacent land uses and efficient connections to transit stops.” Per Lakewood Zoning Ordinance, Article 7.
Planning Commission also recommends increasing electric charging stations, for which there is no business case for proven profitability or need. This argument also proves the misleading nature of “mixed use zoning is for pedestrian, cycles and mass transit.”
Lakewood may consider requiring charging stations as a prerequisite to approving future gas stations. This move will introduce additional market distortions with affects that were not studied at all. Gas stations already have the option to add any charging stations they feel have market demand.
Lakewood staff will be drafting new ordinances to implement these recommendations, while conducting further research.
Lakewood Following Denver
Once again, Lakewood is following in Denver’s footsteps. See some of the other side of the argument from Joshua Sharf, Complete Colorado:
“Never mind your guns, some Denver City Councilmembers are coming for your gas stations.
The Denver Post reports that, concerned by an alleged “sudden proliferation of gas stations,” Councilmembers Amanda Sawyer and Paul Kashmann, among others, have decided that gas stations – apparently uniquely among Denver’s many retail businesses – are taking too much space away from other priorities such as housing. In response to this deadly threat to housing density, they are close to proposing a zoning change precluding new gas stations from being built inside a quarter-mile buffer zone around existing stations.”
A Lakewood resident forwarded the following article from Denver7 pointing out that Lakewood’s push for electrification will cause more problems for an electrical grid that is already going down several times a week.
LAKEWOOD, Colo — Just blocks away from the Colorado Mills Shopping Center, a suburban Lakewood neighborhood had three power outages in five days last week, with one lasting almost 24 hours.
“This stuff has to get thrown out,” said Pat Warling as she sorted through a freezer full of spoiled food Wednesday. “This summer’s been horrible. It’s been going out at least once a week, and last week was three times.”
Next door, Maryann Lamar has been keeping track of the nights she has been left in the dark on her calendar.
Lakewood’s offer to buy Emory Elementary School was turned down by Jefferson County. Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson reported offering in-kind services in return for the school property. City Councilors expressed concern in July meetings at the concept of market-rate pricing but there is nothing the city can do. At the June meeting on the Glennon Heights Elementary School disposition meeting, residents were told that the developer, Cardel Homes, was looking at purchasing multiple school sites for residential use.
No word on what kind of residences would be built in an area that doesn’t have a neighborhood school.
Narrative Change Confirms False Front
The comments from multiple Council Members bemoaning the inability of the city to purchase the school property shows a change in narrative. This change confirms the city was, in fact, trying to buy the property, most likely in concert with the Action Center as previously stated by the City Manager. However, when asked about the purchase in the past, the city narrative from the Manager, Mayor and some Councilors, was that the city “had no direct control over school property.”
This was not a denial. It was misdirection that made residents feel ignorant and foolish for asking when it was true.
This is proof of lack of transparency from the City Manager and Mayor.
“We are working with the Action Center to purchase the property so Lakewood can use existing Action Center property for homeless.” When that got negative public feedback, the story changed to ….
“We have no direct control over the school property” while calling other reports “misinformation”. At the same time, reports were quietly rumored through City Council that….
The City Manager was only interested in purchasing the property to use the soccer fields
No matter what the story, Lakewood has not been transparent since they started working on a plan in 2023.
Win-Win
This may be a win-win for residents. Since Lakewood cannot purchase the property, Lakewood will not make a deal behind closed doors that residents would not have had adequate time to consider before approval.
Likewise the county will not lose money on a private deal for less than market rate.
The sale of school property shows why market forces predominate the housing market. Even when an entity, like the school board, got the land and/or building from the developer for free, no one likes to give away an asset for less than market rate.
Lakewood did not respond to requests for clarification.
On July 26, 2024 , there were at least 20 individuals attempting to wash windows at the Wadsworth and Alameda intersection. Since both Denver and Arvada are addressing this issue, I believe the individuals are coming to a more friendly location. Very sad. Just four blocks from the City Council building and the police station yet no response.
After submitting this story to City Council, not one member responded but someone did forward the email to city staff to address. The response is below.
Why does City Council not feel the need to respond to legitimate concerns? Is responding as Lakewood “always has” enough?
City Staff Response:
“Thank you for expressing this concern regarding people trying to clean windows, we are examining all possible response options. We have also heard concerns of increased loitering at various businesses, panhandling, and issues like this relating to traffic safety, it’s important for us to acknowledge these valid community concerns. I’d like to offer some context regarding the legal and procedural changes that have occurred, which may shed light on the police responses observed in recent years in Lakewood (and across Colorado).
In the past, the City of Lakewood had ordinances addressing aggressive panhandling and panhandling in certain locations. However, a significant legal precedent was set on September 30, 2015, when Judge Christine M. Arguello of the United States District Court issued a decisive order in Browne v. City of Grand Junction. This ruling specifically targeted panhandling ordinances similar to those in Lakewood, emphasizing First Amendment considerations and challenging the city’s ability to regulate panhandling activities while upholding constitutional rights of free speech. Also in Colorado, the City of Greeley instituted a “median ban” for traffic safety and panhandling purposes, while Cranston, RI instituted a restriction on solicitation and panhandling in traffic. Both of those ordinances were defeated as well in ACLU challenged cases. Those, and other court cases around the country, have changed the way police respond to panhandling issues compared to decades past.
Following this legal precedent, the City of Lakewood repealed two specific ordinances related to panhandling, which were “Aggressive Begging Prohibited” (Section 9.50.120) and “Begging in Certain Locations Prohibited” (Section 9.50.130). Consequently, police agents were directed not to verbally warn or ask individuals on public property, holding signs or verbally seeking donations in a non-threatening manner, to “move along,” as had been done in the past, as it became a freedom of speech issue.
Instead, the focus shifted to whether a panhandler’s behavior posed a threat to public safety. Illegal behaviors, such as blocking passageways or refusing to leave private property after being instructed to do so by the owner, are now the primary concerns. Law enforcement prioritizes enforcing laws against criminal activity associated with panhandling, such as disorderly conduct, harassment, obstructing roadways, or trespassing, rather than the act of panhandling itself. We will also focus on traffic safety, such as obstructing traffic or incidents which cause safety concerns to any road user. When local businesses call and complain about people trespassing, we are responding as we always have.
As we see in the news, efforts are underway in the City of Denver to address the issue of mass immigration while other municipalities are identifying what the implications will be for them. What is most visible as people drive around Lakewood are more people on the street participating in activities such as window washing in traffic or panhandling on streets or nearby businesses. Again, we are examining all of our options, which may include education, enforcement and engineering changes. Obviously, the safety of all of our road users is of critical importance and know that we are striving to uphold public safety, and will examine local ordinances and state laws for ways to address any public safety concerns like we always have.”
