480 S. Allison Pkwy.
Lakewood, Co 80226
303.987.7530

Community Information | Neighborhoods

Jefferson Gardens Neighborhood Plan

For information on the Jefferson Gardens Neighborhood Plan, contact Holly Boehm at 303-987-7507 or e-mail at holboe@lakewood.org.

The Jefferson Gardens Neighborhood Plan was adopted in August 1995. The Jefferson Gardens neighborhood is a small enclave of rural residential property roughly located between Sheridan Boulevard, Pierce Street, Mississippi Avenue and West Center Avenue. The Jefferson Gardens neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lakewood, with a portion being subdivided in the late 1800s. Residents of the neighborhood desire to maintain large lot, agricultural properties in a growing Lakewood.

Plan Summary

Issue 1: Development Design

	Goal #1: Design Future Development so it respects Weir Gulch and its associated wildlife habitat and vegetation as the prime natural asset in the Jefferson Gardens Neighborhood.
	Goal #2: Incorporate transitions between new and existing development and design new development so it is integrated into the existing fabric of the neighborhood.
	Goal #3: Incorporate design criteria for new developments which is consistent with the surrounding rural character and existing fabric of the neighborhood.
	Goal #4: Incorporate design for new multi-family residential developments which make them compatible with the surrounding neighborhood character.
	Goal #5: Limit commercial development to Mississippi Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. Require commercial developments using either new or converted buildings to be designed in a manner which is low in scale and unobtrusive, and is campus-like or residential in character.

Issue2: Land Use, Zoning & Future Development

	Goal #6: Develop zoning options for property owners who have undeveloped acreage or lots of at least one-half acre to preserve a pattern of large lot single family development.
	Goal #7: Promote the existing rural character in Jefferson Gardens when approving future rezoning proposals and land uses in the neighborhood.
	Goal #8: Allow rezoning of properties along Sheridan Boulevard from residential to low intensity, non-residential uses. Provide adequate buffering between businesses and the remaining homes along this edge.

Issue 3: Weir Gulch

	Goal #9: In any actions concerning Weir Gulch, give first priority to assuring adequate capacity for carrying runoff and flood waters, while keeping the gulch in as natural a state as possible.
	Goal #10: Preserve Weir Gulch as an open space corridor where its meandering course and the natural vegetation along its banks are left in their native state, and the existing wildlife habitat is protected.
	Goal #11: Maintain Weir Gulch in a clean, well-kept and unclogged condition.

Issue 4: Parks, Trails & Open Space

	Goal #12: Develop a neighborhood park on property owned by the city at the southwest corner of Kentucky and Pierce, with input on its design from surrounding neighborhoods including Jefferson Gardens.
	Goal #13: Construct a horse arena in the neighborhood or in close proximity to reinforce the idea that Jefferson Gardens is a rural area, and to make property marketable to people seeking residences where they also want to keep horses.
	Goal #14: Incorporate walking and riding trails into Alameda Park and Bonfils-Stanton Park when it is developed to provide recreational opportunities for Jefferson Gardens residents and reinforce the desirability of Jefferson Gardens as a place to keep horses.
	Goal #15: Preserve Weir Gulch as an open space corridor where its meandering course and the natural vegetation along its banks are left in their native state.

Issue 5: Traffic & Street System/Street Improvements

	Goal #16: Design street improvements in new residential areas so they are in keeping with the rural character of the Jefferson Gardens neighborhood, and attempt to incorporate design elements common to country lanes.
	Goal #17: Allow local and collector streets other than Mississippi Avenue to remain without curb, gutter or sidewalks unless a majority of property owners along these streets want such improvements. Encourage the construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk along Mississippi Avenue where adjacent properties are zoned for commercial development.
	Goal #18: Establish a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on local streets in Jefferson Gardens. Obtain compliance with speed limit signs near Deane Elementary.
	Goal #19: Prohibit street extensions which would add new crossings over Weir Gulch other than the existing crossings at Pierce, Harlan, Fenton, Ohio and Sheridan.
	Goal #20: Provide notification to interested residents and property owners of any significant changes to the existing street system within or abutting Jefferson Gardens with sufficient time to allow for input into the project design. Involve Jefferson Gardens residents in the development of any corridor plans for Sheridan Boulevard or Mississippi Avenue.

Issue 6: Neighborhood Safety, Security & Appearance

	Goal #21: Take active steps to maintain the current level of safety and security in the Jefferson Gardens neighborhood, which shows a very low incidence of crime, and build ways to deter criminal activity in the future.
	Goal #22: Improve neighborhood appearance and maintenance of properties in order to maintain property values, contribute to a positive identity for Jefferson Gardens, and serve as a deterrent to crime. Upgrade the appearance of the Mississippi Commercial Corridor so it presents a better groomed and more attractive edge for the Jefferson Gardens neighborhood.
	Goal #23: Install new utility lines and move existing utilities underground to improve the general appearance of the Jefferson Gardens neighborhood.

Issue 7: Neighborhood Identity & Organization

	Goal #24: Determine the type of neighborhood organization to be used into the future, and how to maintain the neighborhood's registration with the city. Continue the current level of communication between the city and the neighborhood in order to keep residents informed and to invite their input on issues, programs and projects having an impact on Jefferson Gardens.
	Goal #25: Create a visible identity and positive image for the Jefferson Gardens neighborhood in the community.