MAJOR QUESTIONS - ANSWERS NEEDED

The Bend @ Lakewood is the largest development project to shape our neighborhood in decades. Its outcomes will influence how Union Square grows, how we move, how we access services, and whether future residents can afford to live here.

These questions aren’t details, they determine whether The Bend becomes a thriving, connected district or a costly project that places long-term burdens on the community. Our neighborhood supports responsible, transparent development, and we’re asking for clear answers to the issues that matter most.

Union Square is prepared to collaborate with developers and the City, while ensuring that The Bend is a thriving, sustainable addition to our community and that our neighborhood’s standards, concerns, and long-term interests are carefully considered.

1) Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District’s (GMWSD) Denial of Service

• The added cost of new sewer and water infrastructure will not be passed on to renters, businesses, or visitors.

• The developer will absorb the cost and stated they are financially prepared for challenges.

• Metro District mill levies cannot be used outside the 59-acre boundary, so these infrastructure upgrades will not impact Metro District taxes.

• The new water infrastructure is an upgrade for the surrounding area, strengthening current systems and supporting future growth.

• Despite recent settlement outcomes, GMWSD remains a significant concern for residents and the broader community, indicating a need for stronger oversight and long-term accountability.

Concerns

GMWSD denied water service to The Bend development. The developer later negotiated a settlement confirming that The Bend is outside GMWSD’s service area. As a result, The Bend must build new water and sewer infrastructure to connect through the City of Lakewood’s system.

GMWSD’s published Rules & Regulations state that any project outside the boundary, or requiring new capacity, must design, finance, and construct infrastructure independently.

• This typically results in higher up-front costs, additional permitting steps, and more complex coordination across agencies.

Union Square is in the process of gathering additional information to better understand the basis and implications of this decision.

Why Green Mountain Water & Sanitation’s Decision Matters

This situation began with GMWSD’s service-area decision regarding The Bend, not with the developers or the City. While the full rationale is still being reviewed, the decision is notable because:

• GMWSD currently serves properties immediately surrounding the site.

• The site lies near the existing service boundary.

• The settlement between GMWSD and the developer confirms that The Bend is now outside GMWSD’s service area. Exact costs and routing specifics are not yet documented publicly.

• According to GMWSD’s Rules & Regulations, any development outside the service boundary or requiring new capacity must design, finance, and construct its own water and sewer infrastructure. 

  • • By controlling service boundaries and capacity approvals, GMWSD shapes not only which developments proceed, but also, how costs, risks, and infrastructure impacts are allocated.

    • This affects residents’ daily services, financial obligations, and quality of life, and the City’s ability to plan, grow, and implement responsible development.

    • How GMWSD handles projects like The Bend sets a precedent for future development in west Lakewood.

Why This Matters For The Neighborhood

Because The Bend is outside GMWSD’s service area, the project must pursue alternative sewer connections with the city and possibly the Federal Center Campus, which introduces:

• New infrastructure requirements and likely higher costs than standard in-district service.

• Less direct routing, additional permitting, and coordination with the City and the Federal Government.

• Possible long-term fees or metro district charges for future residents and businesses.

• Increased exposure to project delays or capacity constraints.

What Union Square Can Do

While the neighborhood is gathering additional documentation, we rely on general neighborhood standards to guide development. These standards set expectations for:

• Affordability for future residents

• Environmental stewardship and responsible land use

• Safety for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists

• Transparency and inclusion in planning and decision-making

Applying these standards consistently ensures that development meets community expectations and protects long-term interests.

The Core Issue

At its heart, this situation is about who controls water and sewer service and who bears the cost of infrastructure.

• GMWSD’s decision shifted responsibility to the developer, potentially affecting metro district fees, timelines, and long-term costs.

• The neighborhood was not involved in the decision-making process, leaving some uncertainty.

• How GMWSD handles projects like The Bend sets a precedent for future development in west Lakewood.

Understanding this context helps our community ensure that any development in our neighborhood meets standards, is transparent, and protects residents’ long-term interests.