Signs opposing the Lakewood Conservation District Expansion are common in front yards along the tree-lined Tokalon Avenue. Photo by Renee Umsted.
On Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, city staff presented a draft ordinance for the Lakewood Conservation District expansion, encompassing 275 homes. In March 2023, the city conducted 15 neighborhood meetings to gather feedback before the draft ordinance.
Various neighbors have begun opposing the expansion, citing concerns that the process doesn’t adhere to the city code. They argue that the process for an amendment and an expansion should have been followed.
Since the survey was launched there has been a mixture of responses, Summer Loveland, who is part of the neighborhood committee said.
While a divide persists between neighbors for and against the Lakewood expansion, the city decided during their second meeting on Feb. 13 to open an online survey for additional feedback.
According to Trevor Brown, chief planner for Conservation Districts with Planning and Urban Design, only minor changes will be made to the ordinance at that point, he told the Advocate last summer.
The survey aims to allow residents more time to review information from the conservation district and provide feedback, such as your support or opposition to the expansion, areas in the expansion that need attention, suggestions or comments, and property ownership within the expansion district.
This survey will close on March 15 at 5 p.m. Afterward, the city will examine community responses to determine whether adjustments to the draft ordinance are necessary.
“We want it to be a win-win for the neighborhood … everybody who’s been involved would like to get to a point where the majority of the neighbors are supportive,” Loveland said.
Anyone can complete the survey, which must include their address and a valid email address.
In a previous meeting, the city said they hope to begin working on the City Planning Commission agenda in early May without delay (it’s been two years).
“They are still trying to move it along at an efficient pace, but at the same time gathering all the neighborhood feedback [is] needed,” Loveland said.
The Advocate will continue to update as expansion continues.
