If you’re going to raise issues about the gold rush to push multifamily housing into Lakewood, this is something to know
The City of Lakewood’s hearing examiner – basically, a one-person combination of planning commission and city council – recently issued a decision about the 309 apartments planned for the Barnes and Noble site.
If you’re ever going to raise an issue about development, the hearing examiner decision has a very clear message. I encourage you to read it here. Yes, I know it’s long: https://cityoflakewood.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10185-City-of-Lakewood-Alliance-Planned-Development.pdf
The hearing examiner notes that members of the community raised concerns about all the traffic that is going to be coming into this area two miles from I-5. And she basically said, the developer had a PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC STUDY and neighbors and other concerned citizens did not.
The PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC STUDY calculated that, by sheer coincidence., the Barnes and Noble that is going away from that particular lot generates just as much traffic as the planned apartments with 473 parking spaces. So – well there you go, no legitimate neighborhood concern to consider.
This is really funny enough to be on Parks and Rec or another TV show. The Barnes and Noble is just moving (thank God, as it’s a great place). So we’re going to have that existing traffic from the bookstore AND the cumulative traffic from the apartments. That is why you citizens were trying to say. However, you did not have a PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC STUDY.
Average citizens do not have access to thousands of dollars to pay for traffic studies. I’m not sure who they would hire, as any traffic engineer in their right mind is going to do business with money-making housing developers, not average citizens who just care about their neighborhoods and community.
So this is what we’re up against
It’s really important that advocates for sensible growth understand the odds are stacked against you. You have two choices – one, find the money for expensive studies and an attorney. Two – Don’t be intimidated. You need to steel yourself. The people making money are going to have the money and connections that often carry the day.
It doesn’t mean you give up. Someone has to advocate for Lakewood, and I hope that’s you. What It means you understand your situation.
Be proud to advocate for common sense
Look, anyone with a brain knows that the Barnes & Noble apartments are going to cumulatively add traffic to downtown. You may not have a PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC STUDY but you know it. Anyone does.
You need to keep advocating for sensible growth and development, to everyone you meet. The city belongs to citizens, and it always will — even if we don’t have a PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC STUDY. We have common sense and a passion for Lakewood, and that should matter as well.
