Belmar Park Site Plan TONIGHT, Omega Scholarship, Navigation Center renovating for shelter
Likely Defect Identified in Planning Commission Software
From savebelmarpark.com
The 777 S Yarrow public hearing is very close on:
May 7th at 7:00 PM at 480 S Alison Parkway, Lakewood, CO
You may now enter public comments online at: https://lakewoodspeaks.org/meetings/869. You may have to click on item 3.
Unfortunately, a likely defect in the Planning Commission’s online file upload process has been identified and was reported via a follow-up public comment. However, that public comment was rejected by Lakewood for violating comment policy.
It appears the comment was rejected out of an assumption that the Planning Commission software could not possibly be broken.
The city clerk was also very helpful in providing examples of other comments with attachments that were publicly posted as proof that the upload process is not broken.
Notably, NONE of the examples provided by the clerk included the .doc file extension.
Therefore, because Lakewood was obviously not going to investigate a reported defect that could potentially have been suppressing public comment file attachments for a long time, perhaps years, I investigated.
It turns out that the Planning Commission does NOT accept all of the file extensions specified on the file upload dialogue (which is shown in the image at the top of page).
Once I converted the .doc file to a .pdf file, then the upload process was successful!
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to Host Annual Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament in Support of Local Students
From www.HOLMESOMEGA.ORG
Denver, CO — April 29, 2025 — The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is proud to announce the return of its annual Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament, taking place on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the scenic Greg Mastriano Golf Courses at Hyland Hills Golf Club in Westminster, Colorado.
This cherished event raises critical scholarship funds for high school students in the Denver area, continuing the Fraternity’s longstanding commitment to uplifting youth through education and opportunity. Since 1965, the scholarship foundation has provided more than $250K in scholarships to Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood, Colorado, metro-area students.
This year, the Foundation is thrilled to partner with First Tee – Colorado, a nonprofit dedicated to introducing young people to the game of golf while also supporting their academic growth and personal development.
The 2025 tournament will feature a 2-person Best Ball Scramble, open to golfers of all skill levels. Participants can expect a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and community impact. Registration is $300 per twosome or $150 per individual, which includes golf carts, practice balls, and a delicious lunch.
“We invite the community to come out, play a round of golf, and support our mission to invest in the future of our young people,” said James Sykes, Jr., a representative of the Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation.
To register or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2025OMEGAGOLF
Lakewood Navigation Center Closes for Renovations
The Navigation Center in Lakewood is closed for renovations to make it suitable for a permanent shelter. When this building was purchased, it was supposed to be a resource center that, if feasible and approved for permit, would be used as a shelter. That story changed immediately upon purchase and it started operating as an emergency shelter while facilities were tested and renovations evaluated. The scope of the renovations increased, the plumbing difficulties increased, and the need for a full-time shelter accelerated. Lakewood residents have not yet had a meeting to share public comment or approval on the shelter. Lakewood’s City Manager continues to operate the shelter on an “emergency” basis rather than go through the special use permit process. Lakewood assures residents that they will have time to be heard – later, when it’s irrelevant, because the building was purchased and the renovations will be complete. This is similar to the public comment planned for the purchase of Emory Elementary on behalf of the Action Center. Residents will be heard – later.
The following article has a thorough update, including an update on MountainView Flats. That purchase was also funded with ARPA grants that are no longer expected to continue.
Homeless navigation center in Colorado closes amid renovations, with goal of creating full-time shelter
By Andrew Haubner at cbsnews.com
RecoveryWorks in Lakewood has been a central gathering point for the area’s homeless population in need of resources. The navigation center, which sits on the corner of W Colfax Avenue and Allison Street, provides services such as behavioral health aid, medical help or just a hot meal. But, for the next six months, the center is closed as RecoveryWorks renovates the space.
The hope, executive director James Ginsburg says, is a 103-bed, full-time overnight shelter to help get people off the street and provide a more consistent and reliable resource to add in the transition from homelessness to housing.
RecoveryWorks is operating out of MountainView Flats, a transitionary or “bridge” housing community in Lakewood. Registered Nurse Shawn Marzan and his street medical team at STRIDE Community Health Center have set up shop in one of the rooms, planning their day and being a medical resource for those that live there.
“If [people are] in a centralized location where we know where they’re gonna be, you can provide them medical, you can provide them behavioral health,” Marzan told CBS Colorado. “You can provide not just the medical piece but the social piece too.”
Reminder about the Planning Commission meeting TONIGHT
From Lakewood residents
Lakewood, CO, May 5, 2025—On Wednesday, May 7, the Lakewood Planning Commission (LPC) will meet with the public to determine the fate of historic, pristine Belmar Park, Lakewood’s self-described “gem.”
The only agenda item is approval of multibillionaire Kairoi Residential’s planned gigantic luxury apartment building at 777 S. Yarrow that will share the eastern boundary with the park.
Will the commission vote for a site plan that will formally cement the City’s deal with Kairoi against longtime, overwhelming public opposition?
If it doesn’t, this will be the first time in many years that Lakewood has demonstrated it cares more for the environment than pursuing growth by partnering with wealthy developers.
Lakewood Planning Commission Meeting
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7, 7 pm
Location: Lakewood City Hall, 480 S. Allison Pkwy, 80226
A large number of residents is expected to testify as well as comment on LakewoodSpeaks.com. Some are certain to speak of dozens of violations between the Kairoi property and Lakewood’s existing codes and laws, including:
1. lack of buffer between the development and park
2. environmental degradation due to construction noise, including potential for bird window strikes
3. elimination of 65 mature trees, while a City code calls for 30 percent increase in tree canopy to combat climate change.
4. an additional 412 apartments on very narrow S. Yarrow St. endangers residents and visitors during events and emergencies such as natural disasters
