Wheat Ridge council approves written findings and conditions for Lakeside Otawash special use permit

The Wheat Ridge City Council on June 8 approved the city attorney’s written findings and the decision memorializing the council’s May 18 action on the Lakeside Otawash special use permit at 5900 West 44th Avenue.

City Attorney (Mr. Doll) reviewed the procedural history: council conducted a quasi‑judicial hearing on May 18, accepted testimony and evidence, deliberated, and directed the attorney’s office to prepare findings reflecting council’s decision and added conditions. Mr. Doll reminded council that Charter section 5.9 requires members to vote unless excused; he recorded the council’s earlier unanimous consent to excuse one council member (Rachel Holine) for the May 18 hearing and asked the body to confirm that excusal extends to tonight’s action. No council member objected.

The findings, prepared after review of the hearing record and consultation with staff and counsel who were present at the May 18 hearing, reflect council’s determination that operations at the Lakeside Otawash had resulted in non‑compliance related to noise and adverse operational impacts on adjacent neighbors. Council members who spoke cited testimony from neighbors and emphasized protecting nearby residents. The council voted to approve the written findings and decision; the clerk recorded seven ayes, no nays (one member excused).

Councilors commended the attorney’s office and staff for preparing the document. The decision implements the conditions the council had previously directed; the findings are in the council packet for public record.