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Littleton group collects enough signatures to force public vote on housing ''density'' proposal

Littleton Residents Push Ballot Initiative to Safeguard Single-Family Neighborhoods Amid Housing Boom

LITTLETON, Colo. — In the shadow of Denver's sprawling suburbs, the city of Littleton is grappling with a heated debate over its future landscape, as a group of residents seeks to put the brakes on what they see as unchecked housing development encroaching on traditional single-family home neighborhoods. A proposed ballot initiative, spearheaded by local activists, aims to give voters the final say on major rezoning efforts that could transform quiet residential streets into hubs of multi-family apartments and townhomes. This move comes amid Colorado's broader housing crisis, where skyrocketing prices and population growth have pitted preservationists against proponents of denser, more affordable living options.

The initiative, if approved for the ballot, would require citywide voter approval for any rezoning that allows for developments exceeding a certain density in areas currently designated for single-family homes. Proponents argue that such measures are essential to maintain the character and quality of life in Littleton's established neighborhoods, which have long been defined by spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and a sense of community that they fear is under threat from rapid urbanization. "We're not against growth," said Sarah Thompson, a longtime Littleton resident and organizer with the group Preserve Littleton Neighborhoods. "But we want growth that respects the fabric of our community, not one that bulldozes it for profit-driven high-rises."

The push for this initiative stems from a series of recent controversies surrounding proposed housing projects in the city. One flashpoint has been the redevelopment of a former industrial site on the edge of a single-family zone, where developers have floated plans for a mixed-use complex including hundreds of apartment units. Residents in nearby neighborhoods have voiced concerns about increased traffic congestion, strain on local schools, and potential declines in property values. "We've seen what happens in other Denver suburbs," Thompson added. "Neighborhoods get overwhelmed, and suddenly, the charm that drew people here vanishes." Supporters of the initiative have collected thousands of signatures to get it on the November ballot, highlighting a groundswell of grassroots support from homeowners who feel sidelined by city planning processes.

Littleton, a city of about 48,000 residents nestled along the South Platte River, has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by its proximity to Denver's tech and business hubs. The city's population has swelled by nearly 15% over the past decade, according to census data, bringing with it a surge in demand for housing. This has led to a boom in construction, with developers eyeing underutilized parcels for multi-family projects to address the state's acute shortage of affordable units. Colorado's housing market is among the hottest in the nation, with median home prices in the Denver metro area surpassing $600,000, pricing out many middle-class families and young professionals.

City officials and housing advocates, however, warn that the ballot initiative could stifle necessary development and exacerbate the affordability crisis. Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter has expressed reservations about the proposal, arguing that it could tie the hands of the city council and planning commission, which are better equipped to make nuanced decisions on land use. "Voter approval for every rezoning sounds democratic, but it could lead to paralysis," Schlachter said in a recent city council meeting. "We need tools to build more housing, not barriers that slow us down." Developers echo this sentiment, pointing out that restrictive measures like this one have popped up in other Colorado communities, such as Boulder and Lakewood, often resulting in legal battles and delayed projects.

The debate in Littleton mirrors a larger tension across the Front Range, where communities are wrestling with how to balance growth with preservation. In nearby Denver, similar initiatives have sought to limit building heights or mandate affordable housing quotas, but they've met mixed success at the polls. Proponents of Littleton's measure draw inspiration from these efforts, emphasizing that their initiative isn't a blanket ban on development but rather a check on what they call "spot rezoning" — isolated changes that benefit developers without broader community input.

To qualify for the ballot, the initiative requires verification of at least 2,500 valid signatures from registered Littleton voters, a threshold organizers say they've comfortably surpassed. If certified by the city clerk, the measure would appear on the November 2024 ballot, coinciding with national elections and potentially drawing higher turnout. Campaigners are already ramping up efforts, hosting town halls and distributing flyers that highlight before-and-after scenarios of neighborhoods altered by dense housing. "Imagine your street lined with four-story apartments instead of family homes," one flyer reads. "Vote yes to protect Littleton."

Opponents, including representatives from the Colorado Apartment Association, argue that such restrictions could worsen the housing shortage, driving up rents and home prices even further. "We need more supply, not less," said Mark Williams, a lobbyist for the group. "Initiatives like this often stem from good intentions but end up hurting the very people they aim to help — families looking for affordable places to live." Williams points to studies showing that increased density can actually alleviate traffic by reducing commute times and promoting walkable communities, countering the narrative of neighborhood overload.

Beyond the immediate rezoning issue, the initiative touches on deeper themes of equity and access in Colorado's housing market. Littleton, like many suburbs, has a history of zoning laws that have historically favored single-family homes, contributing to segregation and limiting opportunities for lower-income residents. Advocates for denser development argue that allowing more multi-family units could foster diversity and provide entry points for first-time buyers. "Single-family zoning has been a tool of exclusion for decades," noted housing policy expert Elena Ramirez from the University of Colorado. "While I understand the desire to preserve neighborhoods, we must consider who gets left out when we lock in the status quo."

As the signature verification process unfolds, both sides are preparing for a contentious campaign season. Proponents have launched a website and social media blitz, sharing testimonials from residents who've witnessed similar changes in other cities. One video features a family describing how a nearby apartment complex led to overcrowded parks and schools, straining resources. Opponents, meanwhile, are mobilizing through partnerships with local chambers of commerce and real estate groups, emphasizing economic benefits like job creation from construction and increased tax revenue.

The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for other Colorado municipalities facing similar pressures. If passed, it might embolden similar movements elsewhere, potentially reshaping how cities approach growth management. Conversely, if rejected, it could signal a public appetite for more aggressive housing solutions amid the state's ongoing affordability crunch.

For now, Littleton stands at a crossroads. Residents like Thompson remain hopeful that the ballot measure will empower the community to shape its own destiny. "This is about democracy at the local level," she said. "Let the people decide what our neighborhoods look like." As election day approaches, the debate underscores the challenges of balancing progress with preservation in a rapidly evolving region, where the American dream of homeownership increasingly collides with the realities of urban expansion.

In the broader context, Littleton's struggle reflects national trends. Across the U.S., from California to New York, communities are debating "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) policies versus "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard) approaches to housing. Colorado, with its influx of newcomers drawn by outdoor lifestyles and booming industries, is a microcosm of this tension. State lawmakers have even stepped in with legislation aimed at overriding local zoning restrictions to boost housing supply, but local initiatives like Littleton's push back against such top-down mandates.

Experts predict that regardless of the vote's outcome, the conversation will continue. "Housing is the defining issue of our time in Colorado," said Ramirez. "Initiatives like this force us to confront hard questions about who our communities are for." As signatures are tallied and campaigns heat up, Littleton's residents are poised to make their voices heard, potentially charting a new course for suburban development in the Centennial State.

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Read the Full Denver Gazette Article at:
[ https://denvergazette.com/news/littleton-housing-developments-single-family-home-neighborhood-ballot-initiative/article_9b085e2a-3d43-46d3-93d6-76a17657a929.html ]