Fox31 "Grassroots petition to change Lakewood municipal code reaches signature goal" by Kasia Kerridge | September 23, 2024

"A grassroots petition to change the municipal code in Lakewood has received more than enough signatures ahead of its 180-day deadline.

Back in March, the Save Open Space Lakewood group had 180 days to gather nearly 6,000 signatures after the proposal of an apartment complex on the edge of Belmar Park.

On Friday, with just about four days to spare, the group submitted their petition to the Lakewood city clerk with nearly 9,000 signatures."

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9News "Petition to force Lakewood developers to create parks gains thousands of signatures" by Rhea Jha | September 20, 2024

"A grassroots group in Lakewood is one step closer to changing the city code and forcing developers to create open spaces and parks with each new project.

On Friday, the group submitted a petition with nearly 9,000 signatures, bringing the issue before the City Council — or possibly to voters. Petitioners said this year’s momentum was driven by a newly proposed development near Belmar Park, though the petitioners have been advocating for the change since 2018."

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Your Hub Lakewood "Save Belmar Park" by Celia Greenman | September 9, 2024

"Belmar Park was voted into existence in 1973, after a long-contested struggle of what the original Bonfils Stanton estate should become: a development that would provide a tax base for the newly incorporated City of Lakewood or a large, centrally located park. The outcome, Belmar Park, is described on the city website as one of the “true jewels of the city park system, a peaceful enclave in the center of town” that comprises 132 acres of natural area. It is valued for its (avidly photographed) wildlife and also for the serenity and tranquility it provides to park visitors."

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