Lakewood residents urge city council to protect Belmar Park from development impact

Concerns over the future of Belmar Park dominated the Lakewood City Council meeting on February 10, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding a controversial development plan. Local resident Linda Stop passionately urged council members to reconsider their partnership with Kairoi Residential, which she claims threatens the park's integrity and the surrounding environment.

Stop highlighted the city's commitment to sustainability, pointing out that city codes mandate a 30% increase in tree canopy by 2025. However, she criticized the decision to allow Kairoi to remove 65 mature trees, arguing that replacing them with smaller saplings is inadequate. "Planting tiny trees to replace them is absurd," she stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving the park's natural habitat.

The resident also raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing in Kairoi's vision and the safety risks posed to residents living near the development site. "You could have worked with concerned residents at any time in the last few years," Stop remarked, expressing gratitude that the council was finally engaging with constituents rather than treating them as adversaries.

Stop's comments underscored the potential ecological impact of the development, noting that 230 bird species, many of which are endangered, inhabit the area. She urged the council to prioritize environmental preservation over financial interests, stating, "Our environment cannot take the hit."

The discussion around the ordinance to halt fees for parkland open space dedication by developers also emerged as a critical topic, with Stop emphasizing the importance of open spaces to the community's well-being. "Open space, parks, nature, and the outdoors are the most important elements of this city to its residents," she concluded, calling for the council to act in the best interest of Lakewood's natural resources.

As the council considers these pressing issues, the future of Belmar Park hangs in the balance, with residents advocating for a more sustainable and community-focused approach to development.