Westminster approves water treatment plant plan

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After reevaluating an original layout for a new water treatment plant for more than a year, Westminster City Council approved general plans for a new plant on Jan 23 – one that will cost $100 million less than originally planned.

“I feel con dent we are headed in a way better direction than we were,” said City Councilor Lindsey Emmons.

Councilors approved the plan 6-1, with City Councilor Bruce Baker voting no.

“It’s for a property we do not need and for a price too much,” he said.

According to Stephanie Bleiker, capital projects administrator, the improved plant will use existing infrastructure, can treat wild recontaminated water, is exible for future replacement and has robust infrastructure.

BY ROBERT TANN COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

When Chris Laney moved into his new three-bedroom home last summer, he felt like he’d won the lottery. After more than a decade of chasing the cheapest rent across the metro area, the Littleton bar-

Laney is one of a handful of residents who have secured housing through a subsidized program aimed at helping lower- and middle-income people live where they work. But as cities and towns contend with historically high home costs and a lack of supply, residents like Laney have struggled to live in their communities.

“I’ve always felt like I was just passing through instead of living

INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 13 | SPORTS: PAGE 22 somewhere, putting down roots,” said Laney. He has worked at Jake’s Brew Bar in Littleton since 2012.

“ is is where I want to be,” Laney said. “My friends and family are Jake’s.” e median price of a single-

In numerous counties, residents — spanning a range of employment from the service industry to teaching — have faced the brunt of what many o cials are calling a housing crisis.

SEE PRICES, P14

It’s estimated to cost $196 million, plus an additional $15 million for ozonation, though it may cost more with in ation. Ozonation is a process that injects pure oxygen into the water to kill a wide range of biological contaminants and to oxidize metals.

Options e budget is supported by the current water rate structure, she said. e cheapest option – one that councilors decided against –saved money in the short run. It wouldn’t have been exible in the long run to replace in the future, costing more money than the others down the road, she said.

SEE WATER, P2

Westminster will partner with the Je erson Center for Mental Health, a program that provides services for community members experiencing withdrawal and mental health crises.