Featured

By Charley Able • April 27th, 2010

More than 100 people, most of them sporting stickers opposing the county’s rezoning plan, crowded into a standing-room only public hearing that lasted nearly six hours. Approval of the proposal will permit up to 150,000 square feet of retail and commercial space at the corner of West Alameda and Kipling.

Council also adopts more deliberate approach on issues of importance, including current debates on proposed Charter changes and RV parking. The plan will allow more time between study session and the eventual final vote.

Proposal undergoes significant change during Monday night discussion, but what proposed Charter change, if any, goes to the ballot in November will not be determined until July.

Transportation officials plan to install bleachers so folks can watch the move. But drivers may not like the two-day closure of a stretch of W. 6th Avenue. April holds a number of potential head-aches for drivers starting with a major closure Monday.

“We want to sell in this market … we want to buy in this market,” says Commissioner Kathy Hartman, referring to the continued depressed real estate outlook in the metro area.

Proposal runs counter to ideas of neighbors, who are concerned about traffic and the nebulous nature of the rezoning proposal without any firm development plans.

Project, estimated to last 18 months, will replace three bridges, including the Wadsworth Boulevard and S. Pierce Street spans and highway reconstruction.

Another stand of Lakewood’s majestic – but frail – cottonwoods are falling, this time along West 13th Aveunue to make way for the West Corridor light rail line.

Life behind bars awaits ex-con who assaulted a woman during the burglary of a church that had given him a helping hand several times before the crimes.

Lakewood’s dispensary regulations – in the works since late last year – include strict security measures, spacing from schools and each other, and costly fees.

City officials and Lakewood business leaders joined District Attorney Scott Storey, students and other community members in winning a reprieve for middle school.

Lakewood Police Division Chief John Camper is applying for the top police job in Grand Junction. Camper’s assignment as interim chief in the western Colorado city while on Lakewood’s payroll raised questions last summer.

From government action to citizen efforts, the past year brought change and cheer, tragedy and charity to Lakewood. Along the way came swine flu, elections, a sour economy, a mixed bag on transparency and the loss of civic leaders.

The school board will make the final decision on the closures and other changes that would affect students, parents and their communities but could save the district nearly $6 million a year.

Lakewood considers rules governing operation of pot shops after a spate of thefts and robberies raise concern for public safety. The proposed regulations would require strict security measures and limit potential dispensary locations.

After Monday’s total Sheridan closure between 10th and 14th avenues, the light rail project will cinch down that stretch to two lanes for about two years in what could be the West Corridor’s most significant traffic impact.

Current and former city officials say ex-City Councilwoman and longtime civic leader Dorothy Wisecarver had a large impact on the city and it’s residents. Wisecarver died at home Wednesday at the age of 79.

City Hall awaits cost estimates on plans to upgrade the light rail stations, with the primary focus on the major train stop at Wadsworth Boulevard and West 13th Ave.