There has been much discussion regarding the relative values of the parcels involved in the proposed Rooney Valley Open Space land swap.There is one factor that "trumps" all the details that have been used to compare these two parcels. Realtors will tell you that the most important factor in determining land value is "location, location, location."

Lakewood and Morrison developed the Joint Rooney Valley Masterplan (July 30, 2002), which incorporates several green belt corridors connecting nearby open space parks. The land to be received by Lakewood in this swap completes one of the green belts in this plan. It is loosely analogous to a highway department that needs one particular parcel of land to complete a highway. That parcel is unique and is of very high value to the road builder because it allows the highway department to accomplish its objectives. Similarly, the acquisition of the proposed corridor is needed to accomplish Lakewood's objectives. If it is rejected, one of the open space corridors in the plan will dead-end at the Carma development.

The Joint Rooney Valley Masterplan was created to ensure responsible development of the Rooney Valley rather than let uncontrolled growth take over. Rejection of Referendum 1 will be a rejection of responsible planning of community growth.

Vote YES on Referendum 1, and let Lakewood accomplish the objectives of the Rooney Valley Masterplan.