🌳 Why dozens of Lakewood trees were cut down

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Jack L. says his go-to lunch spot is Little Bodega for the great energy, delicious sandwiches, and fast service.

📣 Dale R. thinks Front Range Pharmacy is exceptional, saying the staff truly care about their customers and making sure they can access medication.

📣 Matthew A. gave a shout out to Woods Boss Brewing for having great beers and hosting Oprah’s Rook Club — a local chess club.

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

🌳 Belmar Park Development Facing Appeal Clears Trees

A few days after Lakewood approved a contentious new apartment project near Belmar Park, the developer began clearing trees from the property. It’s a move that some neighbors think is an attempt to undercut their plan to appeal the project in court. [9News]

♻️ Recycling Program Still Not Fully Implemented

In 2022, voters approved a ballot initiative that would require apartment buildings and restaurants to recycle and compost their waste. But it still hasn’t been implemented and the city wants to make big changes to the ordinance, a move backers say leaves the waste diversion program with too many unclear guidelines. [Denver Post 🔒]

🏭 Denver Snubs Suncor

Has Colorado changed its mind on the oil and gas industry? After Denver City Council turned down a contract with the oil refinery Suncor and Boulder sued the company over climate change, one reporter says there could be a shift on the horizon when it comes to how Colorado feels about this dominant industry. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏘️ Single Stair Apartments Now Allowed in Denver

Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law that will allow developers to build smaller apartments with a single staircase instead of requiring two or more. The law aims to help increase housing density and lower costs, but some opponents are concerned the design is less safe. [Denverite]