DENVER – Proponents of Denver’s Green Roof ordinance saw their lead widen Thursday with another release of unofficial voting numbers from Tuesday’s election.
As of noon Thursday, the measure had 63,256 votes in support, and 55,299 votes against. The 8,000-vote gap is the largest it has been since unofficial tallies started coming in Tuesday evening.
The final unofficial vote tally is expected to be released sometime later Thursday, Denver Elections officials said, but the measure appears to be headed for victor. The election won’t be certified until Nov. 24.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, the “yes” votes led by about 2,250 votes. Proponents of the initiative cautiously declared victory Tuesday night as ballots were still being counted.
Opponents of the initiative, which included the mayor and city council, outraised proponents exponentially after Hancock said the measure “goes too far too fast.” Some argued having the roofs would drive up construction costs and rent prices.
But proponents say green roofs across the city would help reduce pollution and noise, and help buildings save money on utilities because of the green insulation atop them.
If voters approve the measure, any new buildings at least 25,000-square feet in size would have to cover at least 20 percent of their roof with “green features,” and some older buildings could have to add similar features should they get new roofs.