Sentinel Lakewood
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 90, Issue 5
September 12, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlakewoodnews.com
Taylor property annexed to city Council unanimously adds 122 acres to Ward 3 By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Lakewood’s Ward 3 became a bit larger at the end of the Sept. 9 city council meeting. The council unanimously approved the annexation, zoning and incorporation of the Taylor property parcel, 6900 W. Lakeridge Road, just south of the Green Gables property, into the city. It is zoned as R-1-43, which allows for agriculture and single developments per acre.
The property was zoned into Ward 3, due to its location and precincts drawn by Jefferson County. “This is a significant milestone for Lakewood, and it’s a privilege to have added this to the city,” said Mayor Bob Murphy at the end of the meeting. “It really is a jewel — it’s a unique property, and there’s nothing like it in the city.” The property is 122.3 acres that has been owned by the Taylor family for several generations, and the property is mostly open land with a house, small lake and is used mainly for agricultural purposes and horse-keeping. Vernon Taylor III, the trustee of the property, said that the entire family is de-
lighted that Lakewood is considering annexing the property, because they feel that Lakewood is one of the best governed municipalities in the area. “It was our father’s stated wish that the property stayed in tact, and if it is ever developed, it’s not developed intensely, and we’re following that,” he said. Eloit Hoyt, the representative for Taylor, said there are no plans for any kind of developments, road connections or any other major changes to the property. Neighbors from Vassar Avenue, a neighborhood right next to the property, were on hand to support the annexation, but wanted to make certain their concerns about potential development were on record.
Roger Wimmer, who created a website about the potential for roads built through the neighborhood and possible developments, said the neighborhood wants to protect its character. Wimmer said he worked with principal planner Mark Doering and the neighborhood feels good about the care the city is putting into protection of the neighborhoods. “I want to thank the Taylor family for bringing this property to Lakewood,” said Ward 5 Councilwoman Diana Wilson. “It’s a beautiful property and open space, and now that it’s part of Lakewood, any potential changes down the line will go through our careful consideration process.”
City hosts FLOWERS ARE IN BLOOM first cleanup day with Arc A chance to get rid of household items, appliances By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
Sharon Koenig, left, and Rebecca Webb, right, volunteers with Denver Urban Gardens, take a look at a plot at the Ute Community Garden. On Saturday, Sept. 7, the garden had a community day to teach people about the garden and other community opportunities.
Tents set up for the Ute Community Garden’s community day, which offered residents a chance to purchase plants and learn about community gardening.
PhotoS by ClArke reAder
Lakewood is teaming up with Arc Thrift Stores to give residents a chance to clear their homes of unwanted and unused items. The city’s free cleanup days will be on Saturday, Oct. 12, for residents living north of West Alameda Ave. and Saturday, Oct. 19, for residents living south of West Alameda Ave. The drop-off site will be at 1655 Owens St. in front of the former Target store on West Colfax Ave. Proof of Lakewood residency is required. On those two Saturdays Lakewood residents can bring furniture, appliances, computers, even engines and car parts to the cleanup. Yard and chemical waste, as well as household trash will not be accepted. “This is something we’ve been working on for a while,” said Allison Scheck, marketing and community relations administrator with Lakewood. “During the annual city council retreat the idea came up as an important matter. Councilmembers wanted to find a way to offer a free clean up day to residents.” Scheck said the city started working with Arc once they realized the company was headquartered in Lakewood, and had been doing similar projects around the state. “Arc provided a channel for the city to do this cleanup, and really help divert people from landfills,” she said. Any funds generated will go to support of Arc chapters around the state. Maggie Scivicque, who does marketing for Arc Thrift Stores, said that the organization brought together the third party groups that are helping make the day possible. One of those groups is Western Scrap, which will handle all of the televisions and monitors, in addition to any other metal scrapping. “At Arc every day is Earth Day, and we find a way to sell everything,” Scivicque said. “Nothing goes to waste once it comes to us.” Scivicque said that arc volunteers will be on site both Saturdays to help facilitate the Arc continues on Page 16
A large sunflower at the Ute Community Garden. The garden hosted a community day on Saturday, Sept. 7. Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.