Claim: "Public Outreach"

Reality: Lakewood’s controversial zoning ordinances were never subjected to the widespread public input and participation typical of previous rezoning efforts. Most public outreach was done prior to release of the proposal.

Proof: Originally released as a single ordinance in July with a vote scheduled for August, the proposal was later divided into four separate ordinances. Traditional rezoning requires direct notification to each affected property owner. Instead, the Council used a process known as “legislative rezoning,” which does not require specific notice—effectively limiting public awareness and engagement.

In addition, no red line of the current zoning with the proposed changes was ever released, making changes difficult, if not impossible, to track.

This procedural shortcut denied residents a meaningful voice in decisions that fundamentally reshape Lakewood’s neighborhoods.

Claim: "We are just promoting housing variety."

Reality: These ordinances strip away the protection of single-family neighborhoods entirely.  There's no protections in place

Proof: This ordinance replaces all residential uses in the tables so that unlimited multifamily housing types are now allowed in EVERY residential zone (i.e. EVERYWHERE) - [summary of ordinance 2025]

Claim: "The new zoning code creates...housing people can actually afford."

Reality: These ordinances don't guarantee affordability; they allow the destruction of the most affordable single-family homes over the span of time. They guarantee the displacement of residents.

Flooding established neighborhoods with high-density market-rate rentals isn't "affordable housing"--it's a developer handout that drives up property taxes and pushes out families. These impacts may not be seen right out of the floodgates, 10 years from now it would be too late to fix.

Having more housing choices doesn't equal affordability. Under the new ordinances, a developer can choose to "replace" a modest, older single-family home (at a lower price point) with three or four "market-rate luxury starter homes--each will sell for the same amount if not more than what they bought that one old home for. You've gained "choice" but lost the only affordable home on the block. They are advocating for density, not affordability. 

Proof: This ordinance replaces all residential uses in the tables so that unlimited multifamily housing types, not just duplexes and triplexes, are now allowed in EVERY residential zone (i.e. EVERYWHERE) - [summary of ordinance 2025]

Interview with Mayor Strom who states that the rezoning won't help with affordable homes whatsoever.

Sophia's public hearing statement: this rezoning IS a handout for developers.

Claim: "We are streamlining the process for efficiency."

Reality: "Efficiency" is gained by removing your right to be notified or to object. Essentially, you can only accept bad, detrimental changes put forth by people who often times don't even live in Lakewood.

Proof: The Director gains expanded interpretation authority. Many standards...can be handled via waiver or interpretation, effectively giving the administration significant leeway. - [summary of ordinance 2025]

Real democracy isn't "efficient"--it's collaborative. These new ordinances strip away neighborhood meetings and public hearings in favor of backroom "Director approvals."

Claim: "We are building a walkable, sustainable, green Lakewood."

Reality: While forcing density on residents, the city is fast-tracking auto-centric sprawl.

Proof: Commercial and light-industrial districts explicitly promote auto-oriented facilities and retails near residential areas. - [summary of ordinance 2025]

Evidence of the last 5 Years:

1. In-N-Out Burger (Wadsworth & Alameda): approved via "Administrative Review" with zero public vote, despite creating massive traffic hazards near an Emergency Room. This is proof of how giving power to the Director and non-elected staff works.

2. 7-Eleven & Gas Station (W. Colfax & Union): A massive fueling station approved in an area the city claims is "Transit-Oriented." There are many old gas stations in the city, yet more gas stations are being approved. Drive around Lakewood and count how many are on each corner.

3. Car Washes (W. Alameda): Multiple new high-intensity car washes approved by Lakewood, which consume massive amounts of water and increase traffic.

4. Storage Units: Huge multi-story storage facilities (Wadsworth & 14th) that provide zero "livability" for residents but do take up prime land.

Question: How does approving more gas stations, car washes, and storage units encourage "walkability"? You can't claim "sustainability" while allowing more auto-centric businesses and facilities. Effectively killing the mature tree canopy that cools our city and provides numerous health benefits to our community. "Special Use" permits are freely issued and granted by the Director and city as long as the request meets an "outdated checklist" that hasn't even been addressed in the new zoning.