Lakewood Voters Favor Development Cap In Early Special Election Returns
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - The results are starting to come in as the city of Lakewood is asking citizens about the future of development. A slim majority so far favors a development cap.
As of 7:00 p.m., 53% of voters say they are in favor of an annual development limit of 1%. Those opposed represent the remaining 47%.
The one ballot question is phrased as follows: "Shall the City of Lakewood limit residential growth to no more than one (1) percent per year by implementing a permit allocation system for new dwelling units, and by requiring City Council approval of allocations for projects of forty (40) or more units?"
"This was about Lakewood and our community and we all want a say in how our community develops. Going forward in the future, we're going to be stronger for this," said Cathy Kentner. She is behind a group called Lakewood's Strategic Growth INitative, which supported the measure.
Opponents say this will hurt those who can't afford housing. Tom Quinn is with the group Our Lakewood, and say it comes down to supply and demand.
"What I can say to people is when your rents go up, look back to this day. When your property taxes go up, look back to this day. When the traffic gets no better, look back to this day" he told CBS4's Dominic Garcia.
An update at 9:30 p.m. shows:
Yes (FOR THE ORDINANCE): 18,686 (52.65%)
No (AGAINST THE ORDINANCE): 16,807 (47.35%)
