Politics & Government

Neighbors Speak Out Against 'Phase 2' of Clifton Pointe Development

The proposal for the second phase of the high-end townhomes took another step forward on Monday. But that didn't sit too well with neighbors.

The proposal for a second phase of the Clifton Pointe development on Sloane Avenue took another step forward on Monday.

As construction of the first phase is under way — and all 17 units are sold — Lakewood City Council is considering a measure that would extend the 10-year tax break to the second phase of development.

The second portion of the project would also require a zoning change.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But the development proposal hasn’t come without opposition.

About a dozen neighbors of the proposed, high-end townhomes along Sloane Subway attended a couple of council’s committee meetings to speak out on Monday.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many of those residents shared concerns that included the “size and scope” of the project; parking; landscaping; a possible impact on property values; and safety on Sloane Subway.

“It’s going to be an abrupt change,” said one nearby resident. “We’re putting he highest density zoning up to the lowest density zoning.”

“People are lauding this as a beautiful project,” said another neighbor, “but people in Clifton Park don’t see it that way.” 

The current project on Sloane Avenue is already considered a but council must now decide whether to modify the proposal to include the parcels of land across Sloane Subway to the former Irish Cottage property.

The distinction means that potential developments could qualify for tax abatement.  

However, the tax break would only apply to the increased property value over the next 10 years.

In other words, the properties will still be assessed the same tax amount as before the development: a total of about $22,000 per year.

Council members in attendance unanimously voted to move both issues its next regular council meeting for a full vote.

“There were two dilapidated — and under utilized — doubles, a total value of about $550,000,” said Ward 1 councilman David Anderson. “(They will) essentially be replaced with $8 million in a residential investment.”

“This is a parcel of land that has been vacant for a number of years,” added council president Brian Powers. “I am an at-large councilperson, so I represent the entire city. I’ve heard from a number of my neighbors, many of them opposed and many of them in favor.”

There were a couple of tense moments during the meeting, particularly one in which a resident accused the city of negligence in distributing public notices about the meetings. 

The Lakewood Planning Commission recently unanimously voted to approve the rezoning, but first the project needed the green light from council, as well as from the city’s planning commission and the board of zoning appeals.

Mayor Michael Summers recently told Lakewood Patch that Clifton Pointe is the “largest housing investment in Lakewood in a very long time.”

“This will create a different kind of image, and provide a different lifestyle,” he said. “That all 17 homes sold so quickly, tells me we’ve got 17 families that wanted to live in Lakewood but they didn’t want to live in an old home.” 

The site plan — unveiled at Monday’s committee meeting — will now be presented to the city’s architectural board of review.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here