As a real estate broker I always ask those moving to Wheat Ridge: Did you move here because of how we are, or how you’d like us to be?
The answers vary of course. We are human beings and change is the constant in our lives. Our meals, our opinions, our clothes and the list goes on. We practically live in a state of change. It’s only difficult when change is imposed upon us versus being our own idea. Predictability creates comfort only for so long and then we are rewarded for being “spontaneous,” only to be criticized and questioned, “Why did you have to change?”
Imagine running a city where opinions, views and arguments are never aligned. Of course our own politicians switch sides and views depending on what votes they are chasing. Then you have consultants providing data, citizens engaged in neighborhood revitalizing studies, surveys, public meetings and the list goes on. All are engaged in gathering and digesting opinions on issues such as short-term rentals, ADUs, lane closures, tax increases, recreation centers and the list goes on.
It is all very exciting except for those who waited for decisions to be made and only then came out and complained why no one asked for their opinions.
If you want to be heard, you have got to get involved. If you want your opinion to be considered, you have to show up. The neighbors on 32nd and Wadsworth showed up recently and pushed away the developers that wanted to build a townhome project.
We have been talking about ADUs for years and years. Public meetings, city council sessions and so much more. We have covered this topic in the Neighborhood Gazette and social media has hosted countless debates. Now that the ordinance has been voted on, we are hearing rumblings about petitions and push backs. Where were those people while the debate and hearings were going on?
It’s never a perfect science. But waiting until all the planets are aligned is not the solution. Moving forward and building consensus is important. Laws and ordinances can be modified and improved upon. Moving forward is the only way to go. Do I agree with every move and change the city makes? Of course not, but I love the opportunity to engage in the discussion and have decision makers consider my point of view. I urge you to get up from behind your screen and get involved today.
Finally, I am so excited that the Neighborhood Gazette was named the official media partner for the Carnation Festival. I will be manning our booth at Anderson Park during the festival. We are looking for new writers and photographers. I’d love to meet as many of our readers and listen to your ideas for new articles and even people we should be highlighting. You’ll also be able to find me at the parade announcing the floats just west of 38th and Harlan (in front of Bardo Coffee). Hope to see you all there.
As always, thanks for reading.
Contact Neighborhood Gazette Publisher Guy Nahmiach at WRGazette@gmail.com or 303-999-5789.
