The fate of a legal challenge to a citizen-driven initiative focused on curtailing growth in Lakewood could become clearer as the formal objection is slated to be heard in municipal court this month.

Lakewood resident and Vice Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party Steve Dorman filed a formal complaint with the city last month contending the ballot question lacks an “adequate description.” Dorman argued in part proponents should drop the “poorly-crafted” measure and work with the city to responsibly manage growth; binding future city councils would be unconstitutional, and that the proposal would violate an owner’s vested rights in property.

As the Lakewood Sentinel reported late last month, a Sept. 31 hearing is scheduled in Lakewood Municipal Court for Dorman’s complaint.

Citizens group Lakewood Neighborhood Partnerships (LNP) organized the Lakewood Strategic Growth Initiative, which if instituted would place a 1 percent annual limit on residential growth. The proposal would also establish a permit system, requiring City Council approval for all projects of 40 units or more while lifting permit requirements for redevelopment of existing units in “blighted or distressed areas.”

The group said it’s striving to preserve “the unique environment and quality of life, maintain property values and avoid increases in crime and urban decay associated with unmanaged growth,” among other objectives.

LNP had submitted enough petition signatures to the city and the Lakewood City Council was set to consider whether to place it on the November ballot or enact it through ordinance Aug. 28, but was forced to delay action due to the formal protest. The council would most likely send the issue to voters should it move forward, but the formal challenge creates a potential timing problem for the city.

Critics, including the Lakewood United for Responsible Growth, say the growth-limiting measure would further exacerbate the struggle many families have finding affordable housing.