Smart Growth Threatens City's Character

"The city has emerged as one of the most enthusiastic proponents of "smart growth" â€" building condos, lofts and apartments above businesses and close to transit lines.

The strategy has transformed parts of the city, bringing dense residential developments along major commercial strips such as Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue.

But it is increasingly generating criticism from some residents who fear that the dense development is fundamentally changing the city's well-maintained character."