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WHAT SPARKED THE OUTRAGE AND COMMUNITY CALL FOR ACTION
Belmar Park is filled with abundant natural habitat, including Kountze Lake near its eastern property line, and is enjoyed by visitors throughout the metro area. KAIROI Residential, a developer based out of Texas, bought the adjacent property at 777 S. Yarrow St, currently occupied by the Irongate office building, which was built on the site of the historic May Bonfils mansion in 1974.
In 2021 KAIROI submitted a Major Site Plan to the Lakewood Planning Department for a luxury 6-story 412-unit apartment complex and parking garage near Kountze Lake. There was no notification to the public at this time, and neighbors would not be informed of the project until 2023. The height and location of the building would create environmental impacts to adjacent Belmar Park by preventing morning sunlight from reaching the eastern part of the lake; by creating increased noise and light pollution; producing bird strikes on window glass; by requiring no buffer zone between the park and the development; and from significant increase in daily park usage, which would include more pet waste and vehicle pollution. In addition, this development would remove 65 mature trees on the KAIROI site that provide habitat for wildlife as well as shade.
The project at 777 S. Yarrow failed each of the following directives: an existing Lakewood ordinance for tree preservation; a goal from the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan to integrate a multi-family development with the existing land use; and a rule from the Lakewood municipal code on parkland dedication. The city accepted a fee-in-lieu of parkland dedication, and has plans to use the fee to create a parking area south of the library, which is currently green space and trees. Concerned citizens joined together in opposition to this development.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AND LEGAL ACTION
In August 2023, when the public learned about the development project at 777 S. Yarrow St., adjacent to Belmar Park, park lovers filled city council chambers to protest from September through January 2024. Despite the public outcry, most city council members and Mayors Adam Paul and Wendi Strom claimed that nothing could be done, as decisions had been made (without public input).
In December 2023, Save Belmar Park, Inc. was formed and gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The group hired an attorney to address the environmental concerns related to the City of Lakewood's actions and the proposed development. Due to continued protests and the efforts of Save Belmar Park, Inc., the planned tree removal and demolition in early 2024 were halted.
By March 2024, the planning department referred a Major Site Plan to the Planning Commission for the first time in 12 years. In April the project planner wrote to Kairoi discussing the need to modify the site to provide a physical and visual transition area between the building and the western property line for a transition zone between the park and the development, and to preserve and protect existing trees located west of a realigned easement.
Since December, the attorney for Save Belmar Park, Inc. has been in contact with the City Attorney regarding the project’s progression. If the Planning Commission's decision is unfavorable, Save Belmar Park, Inc. will pursue the necessary legal actions to challenge the city’s decisions.
We are committed to only sharing information about Belmar Park and the City of Lakewood that has been thoroughly verified.
ABOUT US
​Save Belmar Park Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Lakewood, Colorado. All donations are tax-deductible. Our cause focuses on protecting the diverse wildlife of Belmar Park and ensuring a sustainable, harmonious environment for future generations.
Additionally, our group believes we must also consider the numerous benefits to the health and wellness of park visitors. The positive impact of being in nature is well-documented and includes improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased physical activity. By protecting Belmar Park from the adverse impacts of encroaching development, we hope to ensure that everyone can continue to experience these essential benefits.
