October 16, 2014 VOLU M E 9 1 | I SS UE 9
LakewoodSentinel.com
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Construction defects ordinance passes Ordinance would make litigation more difficult By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymedia.com Lakewood City Council passed an ordinance by a vote of 7 to 4 that will change the way construction defect issues are handled by builders. No votes were from Ward 3 councilwoman Shakti, Ward 3 councilman Pete Roybal, Ward 1 councilwoman Ramey Johnson and Ward 4 councilman David Wiechman. The ordinance will make it more difficult for homeowner associations (HOAs) to sue developers over alleged construction defects, by giving builders a chance to fix the problems before litigation starts. The ordi-
nance only applies to future projects. The ordinance comes after the state Legislature first took up the issue in 2005, when builders say the assembly froze the new condominium market by making it too easy for homeowners to sue over property defects. This has led to increased insurance premiums that make condos too expensive to build. “This is one of most important pieces of legislation we’ve had as a council. The fact we don’t have this owner-occupied housing is a travesty,” said Ward 1 Councilwoman Karen Kellen. “I’m under no illusion that there aren’t additional problems, but this is the best we can do under circumstances to move the issue forward.” For those against, Ward 4 Councilman David Wiechman said he thinks the decision should be on a state level. “We had a very good analysis of the
problem, but not only do we have to look at problem, look at solution. Are we really going to solve this problem with this solution?” he said. “It’s likely we’re going to be sued and if going to courts, is this going to solve problem? This issue is still going to be up in the air.” Groups opposing the bill held a press conference and demonstration before the meeting, with signs reading “Mayor Murphy = Anti Homeowner” and “Lakewood: Shoddy Construction Welcome.” In the press conference Chad Otto said the ordinance would make it virtually impossible to hold builders accountable for shoddy work. “It’s anti-homeowner and anti-consumer,” he said. “It gives all the power to the builders.” During the nearly two-hour public comment, both sides of the issue emphasized
key themes. Those in favor of the ordinance spoke about the lack of owner-occupied multifamily units and how this has affected business investment in the community. “We want a diverse workforce in Jefferson County and for that we need a diverse housing stock. We’ve seen a lack of construction of condominium housing and that inhibits the ability to retain and attract employers,” said Kevin McCasky, president and CEO of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. Several real estate agents and brokers also addressed council during public comment, telling council that the state legislation have crippled the real estate market for these kinds of condominiums. Defects continues on Page 6
It takes a community to deliver the news A member of the Denver Curling Club tries out the ice at the new Curling Center. The facility opened its doors on Oct. 10. Photos by Clarke Reader
Denver curling finds its center All skill levels are welcome to play By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymedia.com After many years of hoping and a year of planning, the Denver Curling Center opened its doors on Oct. 10 to aficionados of the sport the region over. The center, 14100 W. Seventh Ave., is the only dedicated space for the ice sport between Bismark, North Dakota, and Portland, Oregon. “We have four sheets for people to play on,” said Matt Culbertson, vice president of the Denver Curling Club. “We’re trying to help grow the sport in the area, and we hope to have some programs for elementary school students and older.” Culbertson, who has been
The Denver Curling Center will offer opportunities for all skill levels to try the popular Winter Olympics sport. a curler for seven years, said the center will host a variety of different leagues and classes for people who already play to those who want to learn. “We’ve got competition and recreation leagues, as
well as beginner and novice leagues,” he said. “We’re going to be starting a junior league with certified instructors to teach new people.” One of the goals of the center is to become home to a first
rate adaptive curling league — something that athlete Pam Wilson has been hoping for for years. “I used to be a competitive wheelchair athlete and was looking for my next sport,” she said. “Before we opened here our team had to drive between Fort Collins and the Ice Ranch (in Littleton).” Wilson said her favorite thing about curling is the competition and comradery. “All the people we’ve played with are great people,” she said. For Culbertson and the more than 200 members of the club, this spirit reflects the aim of both the sport and organization. “We’re still building the locker rooms and a kitchen and bar area for our patrons to eat and celebrate,” he said. “We want to build the complete package here.” For more information visit www.denvercurling.com.
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