Denver and Littleton have announced a lawsuit challenging Bow Mar's plans to restrict access to public roads with gates and a closure. The cities argue that the proposed barriers would interfere with traffic on their rights-of-way and create safety problems for residents who rely on the roads.
According to the two cities, Bow Mar approved a gate on South Sheridan Boulevard, south of West Quincy Avenue, along with the complete closure of West Tufts Avenue to outside traffic. A town service agreement approved in mid-October also calls for a second gate to be installed eventually at Prospect Drive.
The dispute follows months of debate over Bow Mar's efforts to reduce traffic. The town approved plans in June to gate public roads, citing traffic and safety concerns. In September, Bow Mar Mayor Bryan Sperry said officials were considering a smaller proposal involving a single gate on Sheridan, south of Tufts and farther from Denver's main roads.
Denver and Littleton officials say the restrictions could complicate emergency response for people in both cities. Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter warned that even if police officers and firefighters retained access, delays of 30 seconds or a minute could have serious consequences. He also raised concerns that a closed gate could prevent relatives or colleagues from reaching someone who needed help.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said Bow Mar should not determine whether roads are public or take steps that make travel less safe for neighboring residents. The lawsuit alleges that the planned barriers would occupy Denver and Littleton rights-of-way and hinder traffic at Quincy and Sheridan, an intersection funded and maintained by Denver.
Both cities contend that the proposal would move traffic dangers into their neighborhoods rather than resolve them. Denver City Councilmember Kevin Flynn said residents in the Denver neighborhood to the east depend on the traffic signal to make safer left turns onto Quincy when traveling toward Wadsworth. He cited a constituent's concern about a daughter who had recently received her driver's license.
Officials from Denver and Littleton said they had tried to work with Bow Mar for several months and had offered help with targeted police enforcement. Within Bow Mar, residents have expressed differing views. Many homeowners at a September Board of Trustees meeting supported the original plan for gates at several entrances, while others opposed turning the town into a gated community.
Denver and Littleton said they were prepared to pursue the matter in court if a resolution could not be reached soon. Bow Mar declined to comment when Denver7 requested a statement.
