VOLUME 38, EDITION 6

Message From the President

Greetings Neighbors and Supporters, 

The June 2020 edition of the Urban Dweller, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' (CHUN) monthly e-newsletter, is available online.  Here is the latest from your registered neighborhood organization and advocate: 

• HIGH RANKINGS DON'T EQUAL SUCCESS:  The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) released its report Gentrification and Disinvestment 2020.  On the report’s list of “Most Intensely Gentrifying Cities 2013–2017” Denver ranks #2, with 27% of our neighborhoods gentrifying during the measured time period. CHUN's nonprofit community partners at the Urban Land Conservancy reported, "While the total number of gentrifying neighborhoods in Denver is lower than other cities like New York and Phoenix, which rank 7 and 9, respectively, any number over zero is bad news." Regardless of zip code, Denver can do more to promote diversity and inclusivity, promote housing stability and sense of place, support access to affordable housing and employment opportunities in neighborhoods, and ensure equitable access to public infrastructure investments.
• CHUN SUPPORTS GROUP LIVING ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:  As Denver’s largest, oldest registered neighborhood organization, we felt it was time to address and correct the decades-long discrimination that still exists in our zoning and housing policies. This month, the CHUN board voted to endorse Group Living Zoning Code Amendments that will provide much-needed updates to our code and will assist in creating more safe, accessible, diverse places for people to live within CHUN’s boundaries. We can no longer deny that the current zoning code was designed to preserve exclusive class structure that disproportionately affects communities of color as well other historically marginalized communities like the LGBTQ+ population, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and others.  This policy is not the panacea to Denver's affordable housing challenges. However, it is an important first step to improving access to housing. 
• HISTORIC PRESERVATION & NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVATION:  CHUN issued a policy statement concerning Hines Development's application to demolish Carmen Court at 1st Avenue and Emerson Street. The statement reads in part, "CHUN strongly encourages Hines Development to explore actions that preserve buildings in our city...Moreover, we hope to shift all perspectives and further define love for architecture."  It is possible to develop responsibly, ensure a return on investment for property owners, AND preserve historic assets. CHUN's History Matters Committee and board leadership will be engaged in conversations over the coming weeks to craft a compromise that is agreeable to all parties. 
• DOING GOOD FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD:  CHUN, Harm Reduction Action Center, and Native Roots Denver, organized a community cleanup on Saturday, June 27th. Many thanks to the more than 40 volunteers who attended and helped spruce up the streets and alleys of the south Capitol Hill and Alamo Placita neighborhoods of Denver. Our organization remains a steadfast advocate and friend of Cheesman Park. That includes providing amenities for our furry friends when they stroll by CHUN's Tears McFarlane House and Community Center at the north side of the park. We are now providing free bags for park-goers and their dogs. 💙
• DRAFT 2 OF EAST CENTRAL AREA PLAN NOW ONLINE.  Denver Community Planning and Development has released the second draft of the East Central Area Plan.  Visit the plan webpage and contact Senior City Planner Scott Robinson with your feedback and perspective. 
• CHEESMAN PARK VIEW PLANE:  City staff, the Golden Triangle Advisory Committee, and CHUN continue to engage in conversations concerning the Cheesman Park View Plane.  In doing so, we are discussing public input on the preliminary zoning framework, including comments regarding building height and views from Cheesman Park. The Denver Planning team is aware of CHUN's concerns and is evaluating the potential risks along with other citywide and neighborhood priorities to support a vibrant and equitable Golden Triangle.  A revised framework report is expected to be available for review later this summer. Stay tuned to the project website at www.denvergov.org/goldentriangle for the latest information and updates.
• A CAFÉ ... not a BAR ... not a GRILL:  The rezoning efforts for the Tears-McFarlane House continue. Our full application can be found ONLINE. There are some emails being circulated that assert the rezoning will include a new bar, full service restaurant, or tavern.  Simply put, this is false and I feel it's appropriate to address this without equivocation. These assertions are alarmist in nature.  Moreover, these communications lack the actual fundamentals of our plan.  In the early 1980s, the Tears-McFarlane house was home to the Cheesman Park Café.  It was a place where one could grab a coffee, quiche, or a sandwich.  The concept will also include opportunity to grab a glass of wine and cheese in the evening too.  Should this planned unit development (PUD) be approved, we hope to bring this concept back for all neighbors to enjoy. CHUN, along with our development partners City Street Investors, aims to provide a neighborhood friendly amenity that is accessible to the immediate surrounding area.   
• STILL GATHERING LETTERS OF SUPPORT.  As CHUN continues to engage neighbors in developing a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) for the Tears-McFarlane Property, we need your help to get this PUD over the finish line.  EMAIL YOUR NOTE OF SUPPORT TO CHUN TODAY.  To voice your support directly to Denver leaders, you can contact Senior City Planner Scott Robinson and Denver City Councilman Chris Hinds. ​

CHUN's members have been actively monitoring, and even participated in, the many nights of protests that have passed through the heart of our geographic boundaries.  The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Elijah McClain, and other black lives cut short at the hands of police is gut wrenching.  Racism and bigotry have no place in Denver, the greater Capitol Hill community, or any other American city.  Systems of oppression and hate can—and MUST—be eradicated on every block, throughout every neighborhood in Denver, and at every level of municipal government.  Hate has no home here, and CHUN will be an active voice in our shared efforts to create a fairer, more just community.
​
​Black Lives Matter. 
​
Travis Leiker, MPA
President | Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc. ​

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A Look Back: Tears-McFarlane House Once Housed the Cheesman Park Café

Nearly forty years ago, the Tears-McFarlane House and Property was home to Colorado Free University, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and other small businesses and local nonprofits.  It was also home of the Cheesman Park Café.  Should the CHUN planned unit development (PUD) be approved by Denver City Council, we hope to deliver another café concept soon.

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Member of the Month

The Center on Colfax

The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 and has grown to become the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Nonprofit resources, like the Center on Colfax, are essential to our thriving, diverse city.

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Urban Land Conservancy Statement on Gentrification In Denver

Aaron Miripol, President & CEO | Urban Land Conservancy

​The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) just released a report entitled, “Gentrification and Disinvestment 2020.” On the report’s list of “Most Intensely Gentrifying Cities 2013–2017” Denver ranks second (#2), just behind San Francisco & Oakland and before Boston, with 27% of its eligible tracts (neighborhoods) gentrifying during that time period. While the total number of gentrifying neighborhoods in Denver is lower than other cities like New York and Phoenix, which rank 7 and 9, respectively, any number over zero is bad news from the perspective of Urban Land Conservancy and other organizations that work day in and day out to combat displacement and preserve affordability throughout Metro Denver and surrounding areas.

There are many factors that lead to gentrification, including institutionalized redlining, chronic disinvestment, and measures to concentrate impoverished residents—primarily people of color. The NCRC report indicates that Opportunity Zones (OZ), a fairly new designation created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allowing for certain investments in lower-income areas to have tax advantages, heavily overlap with displacement. In fact, almost 69% of the neighborhoods identified as gentrifying were either within or adjacent to an OZ. To date, we have seen very few benefits for the residents in these OZ neighborhoods. 
 
When I began at Urban Land Conservancy in 2007, our most urgent need was to neutralize future displacement by purchasing properties along transit corridors in at-risk neighborhoods, or as we like to call it keeping residents “in-placement.” The Great Recession that occurred in 2008/09 was like kerosene on the fire for many of Denver’s already vulnerable neighborhoods with rampant foreclosures leaving communities open to an “investment grab”: the precursor to our receiving the #2 status in the aforementioned report. At that time, ULC, along with other local affordable housing providers, partnered to obtain federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) dollars, which resulted in the preservation of several hundred homes in Metro Denver, including the Dahlia Apartments in Northeast Park Hill. NSP was also used for purchasing of land to support the development of future affordable housing. Sadly, the current COVID-19 pandemic is yet another dousing of kerosene enlarging the flame of an already wide gap between the supply (and demand) for affordable housing. 

To give you an idea of the numbers in Colorado before the pandemic, there were 157,858 extremely low-income households (household incomes of $20K), but only 43,787 available affordable rental homes, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. That means 76 percent of severely housing cost-burdened households are at a high risk of homelessness in Colorado. Conversely, for people living at 100% of the area median income (or with a moderate household income), there is a surplus of 103 units available per 100 needed, showing that the greatest need for housing is for those who are least likely to be able to afford them.

Today, almost all of ULC’s 38 community investments are in neighborhoods that are still listed as vulnerable for displacement. To accomplish our goals, ULC uses our Community Land Trust (CLT) as a means to ensure long term neighborhood stability. We believe, more than ever, this is the best way to ensure that Denver moves off of the list of gentrifying cities. Community land trusts can be used for many types of development, including commercial and rental housing, which ULC provides. Most are used to ensure long-term housing affordability, like Elevation Community Land Trust, a nonprofit that ULC incubated. In all cases, a trust acquires land and maintains ownership of it permanently through long-term land leases, ensuring that properties remain affordable versus being swept up for use at market rates. 

ULC has a dedicated pool of loan funds to acquire properties and preserve them for neighborhood stabilization and permanent affordability: The Metro Denver Impact Facility (MDIF), which is supported by First Bank, Colorado Health Foundation, CHFA, Gates Family Foundation, The Denver Foundation, The Colorado Trust, Northern Trust, and Piton Foundation. Although substantial, this funding is not enough to address Colorado’s huge gap in affordable housing, nor is it enough to stave off acquisition of land for uses that will further displace low to moderate-income individuals and families. As we look to address emergency needs during this time of crisis, we need to refer to the notes of our not-too-distant past and awaken to the fact the time is NOW to secure land for long-term affordability. Otherwise, Denver may find itself at the #1 spot on NCRC’s next gentrification report.

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Welcome aboard Debbie

This month, the CHUN Board of Directors appointed Debbie Young as the newest Neighborhood 10 delegate.​Debbie and her husband, Gary Stevens, have been residents of Congress Park for more than 14 years. They moved into Congress Park because of their desire to live in a community setting with historic homes, mature trees, parks, and walkability access to stores and restaurants.  Having lived in both France and Switzerland, Debbie enjoys the lifestyle and small communities that these and other European countries enjoy and would like to ensure that Congress Park and other Capital Hill neighborhoods continue to offer this lifestyle to its community members. Debbie has a special interest in the lifestyle and care for the elderly and is a donor and a volunteer for the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association. She currently resides on the Denver Walk for a Cure marketing committee and is a team captain for a walk team. Debbie is currently a freelance technical marketing consultant after spending more than 20 years as a director of product marketing for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, Arlington, with a communications major and a business minor. She is currently studying for a French Major at the University of Colorado, Denver. She has a love for the outdoors and is an avid walker, hiker, snowboarder, scuba diver and loves to go camping.  Debbie replaces Bill DeMaio who served on the CHUN board for more than a decade. 

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Native Roots, Harm Reduction Action Center, and CHUN Team Up to Clean Up

A Letter From Councilwoman Debbie Ortega

Thank you for writing my office and for speaking up about police department funding in Denver.  The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are tragedies and we know these tragedies were preventable. Those tragedies happened in other states but there is a history of similar events occurring in Colorado and I want to acknowledge that. Please consider reading this article in the Denver Post for a review of similar events that took place in our state.

We must identify and enact changes within the structure of our city government, including the budget, to prevent future tragedies. I support the push for greater funding for social and public programming and the demands for greater accountability and equity from our government and our police force. Fighting for transparent and accountable government is why I got involved in politics in the first place and those values continue to motivate me every day. When we are marching through the streets or walking through the halls of government we are fighting together for equity and justice.

The way Denver's government is structured means that the mayor has the primary role in allocating money.  City Council can approve or reject the entire budget, generally with some discretion over minor adjustments. These budgeting decisions play out in the streets of Denver, impacting everything from trash collection to parking enforcement and police action. I absolutely support a recalibration of these budgets to emphasize social programs, including workforce development for folks who lost work due to COVID and providing food and housing to those most in need.

Although council's budgeting power is limited, my work on council this year has focused on using my position as chair of the Charter Review Committee to rebalance power within city government.  it is imperative that the legislative body (city council) has more impact.  A first step is to require city council approval of mayoral appointees, including the police chief and manager of safety.  City Council must also have  greater investigatory power over actions taken within departments and agencies. I want these tools to give council another lever to make Denver government more responsive and transparent to residents.

I want to reiterate that there are serious institutionalized processes of government that need to change.  I will continue to work towards that end with urgency. Thank you again for writing and adding your voice to these issues during this unprecedented opportunity for real change. Your voice in contacting your elected officials is vital to keep this momentum going.

Sincerely,
Deborah "Debbie" Ortega
Councilwoman At-Large

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Updates from the Denver Police Department's Latest Community Advisory Board Meeting (6/23/2020)

One of our board members, Bruce Caughey, recently sat in on a call of the Denver Police Department's Community Advisory Board (virtual) meeting with Theresa Gillian and several officers from District 6. Councilman Hinds was also on the call. 
Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

• Big spike in property crime related to the protests and riots. Much has not yet been cleaned up, although several community efforts are underway.
• DPD did not seem defensive about the crime bill, and indeed feel as if they have already been doing much of what is being discussed with "robust training" including anti bias training. DPD is abiding by the restraint order and does not allow choke holds. 
• They are collecting data and information, as is the City Council. Councilman Hinds said this will include a review of 911 calls.
• Major differences between the protests during the day and the violence seen at night. The department believes in people's right to protest, but had never encountered anything like the past two weeks. It was uncharted territory and we were not trained for what happened. "We deeply care about our community, and this shook us all."
• Many officers were hurt, including three that were hit intentionally by a car. Two broken legs resulted but all are on the mend.
• The people on the call were appreciative of the efforts made by the police. One officer reminded everyone that the triggering event did not occur in Denver.
• When things calm down, there will be outreach with community groups like CHUN to get input and discuss and debrief what happened. I am happy to reach out to Officer Gillian if there are any pressing questions or concerns. They seem very open to feedback.

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Denver's Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund for Non-Profits Available!

The City and County of Denver has created a new grant opportunity to support nonprofits in Denver to continue critical programs and services for residents across a spectrum of needs. It is one of Denver’s economic initiatives to support the nonprofit community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does this mean for nonprofits?
 
The Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund (NPERF) will provide one-time grant assistance up to a maximum of $15,000 per grantee to eligible Denver nonprofit organizations to alleviate financial impacts resulting from COVID-19. We’re anticipating three rounds of funding from June through December 2020.
Application dates:

• Applications received June 16 – July 2, 2020 (by 4:59 PM) will be considered for Round 1 of funding
• Applications received after 5 p.m. on July 2, 2020 – August 7, 2020 (by 4:59 PM) will be considered for Round 2 of funding
• Applications received after 5 p.m. on August 7, 2020 – September 11, 2020 (by 4:59 PM) will be considered for Round 3 of funding

 
Who is eligible to apply?
Colorado registered nonprofit organizations, including those with a nonprofit fiscal partner who are engaged in activities that are legal under Colorado and federal law. Your organization must be in good standing with local, state, and federal taxing and licensing authorities.

This relief program is targeting nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID pandemic (increased demand, decreased income, new services). The organization need not be housed in Denver but must attest that the funds will be used to support residents of Denver.

Learn more about Denver's Non-profit Emergency Relief Fund.
Find information and resources about COVID-19 and recovery efforts in Denver.

Contact us at nest@Denvergov.org, or 720-913-1552 if you have any questions.

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Support Colfax Avenue Businesses!

Help out local Colfax business and show your support with the purchase of a tee shirt below! 100% of proceeds from the Colfax Ave store will go back to local businesses as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. Shop now and spread the word - store closes on June 28th.

Shop at: asmallprintshop.printavo.com/merch/colfaxave
The store will be open for just two weeks for pre-orders, then will close for production - so get those orders in and help us spread the word!
Store powered by A Small Print Shop / Designs donated by Zach Kotel & ArtHouse Design

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CHUN Committee Updates

• ​Urban Planning Committee (CHUN-UP): The Urban Planning Committee focuses on the critical zoning, transportation, land use, and licensing issues facing Capitol Hill and Denver.  In addition, the committee regularly engages in those substantive policy discussions that directly impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods-- parks and open space preservation, traffic issues, and safety to name a few. ​
• History Matters Committee: This committee's work will continue to emphasize the preservation of historic homes, buildings, and districts. However, CHUN has expanded its charge to include matters of cultural, historical significance and to be the voice that informs, educates and partners with our community, businesses and the City of Denver.
• Parents Committee: Coordinates and manages special events and awareness for parents and families, building programs relevant to a diverse, inclusive community with an emphasis on parent and family outreach. 
• Climate Action Committee: Building awareness and facilitating community engagement; hosting special events and meetings; executing programs concerning climate change and environmental stewardship.

For a complete list of CHUN's committees, please visit the Committee Page and check the CHUN website for upcoming meetings and events. CHUN History Matters Commitee

CHUN History Matters Commitee ​

Designation Application Submitted
Landmark Preservation has received an application to designate Carmen Court/ 900 East 1st Avenue as a local landmark. Staff is reviewing the application to determine whether it is complete and whether the structure to be eligible for designation. If both are the case, a public hearing will be scheduled before the Landmark Preservation Commission the application and hearing information will be posted at: www.DenverGov.org/historicdesignations.

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Upcoming Events

Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) Hosting Virtual Meetings on City's Approach for Implementing 125 miles of New Bike Lanes

​Denver Streets Parnership has announced that Denver's Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) is hosting two upcoming virtual meetings to share details about some of the project plans in the city's approach to implementing 125 miles of new bike lanes by the end of 2023.
​
The meetings will also include demoing a new online tool to collect feedback. 

CENTRAL DENVER
Join us online at our second open house to learn how you can provide input on the concept designs for the proposed bikeways in the Central Denver neighborhoods. Meeting flyers are available in both English and Spanish.

• Thursday, June 25
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM
• Meeting link: bit.ly/central_openhouse2
• Call in #: 877 853 5257; Meeting ID: 891 8224 3006

SOUTH CENTRAL DENVER
Join us online at our second open house to learn how you can provide input on the concept designs for the proposed bikeways in the South Central Denver neighborhoods.

• Tuesday, June 23
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM
• Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83669885073
• Call in #: 877 853 5257; Meeting ID: 836 6988 5073

Learn more about Community Transportation Networks online. ​

Denver Streets Partnerships is a coalition of community organizations advocating for people-friendly streets in Denver. They believe in an equitable and vibrant Denver that guarantees our public spaces are designed for people, that human dignity should be the guiding principle for the design of our transportation system so that everyone can thrive and connect to what matters most, and work to connect decision makers and Denver residents with diverse perspectives, timely information, and practical solutions to reduce our city’s dependence on cars and design communities that prioritize people.

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Online Public Workshop #1 | Taller Público Virtual #1: Skyline Park Improvements Project

Please join Denver Parks & Recreation for the first public workshop, which will be held online to reimagine Skyline Park! Come and tell us your favorite stories about Skyline park, and share your vision for future programming and activities. The Skyline Park Improvements Project will create a new concept design for all three blocks of the park and develop a design for construction of Phase 1, which is located within Block 2 (adjacent to the D&F Tower).
This project is funded by the Elevate Denver Bond Program.

Thursday, July 16, 2020 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online - Zoom | https://bit.ly/2MQDyrR

Share this event via Facebook, Nextdoor, or via web link.

A sign language interpreter or CART will be provided upon request. Three business days’ notice is requested. Contact SignLanguageServices@denvergov.org.
For any public accommodation requests, please contact DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org.
For more information visit www.denvergov.org/theoutdoordowntown

Learn More & Register Online!

Únase a nosotros para el primer taller público en línea para reimaginar Skyline Park! Venga y cuéntanos sus historias favoritas sobre Skyline Park, y comparta su visión para futuras actividades y programación. El Proyecto de Mejoras del Skyline Park creará un nuevo diseño conceptual para las tres cuadras del parque y desarrollará un diseño para la construcción de la Fase 1, que se encuentra dentro del Bloque 2 (a lado de D&F Tower). Está financiado por el Programa de Bonos ‘Elevate Denver.

Jueves, 16 de Julio 2020 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Por internet, Zoom  | https://bit.ly/2MQDyrR

Comparta el evento en Facebook.
Comparta el evento en Nextdoor.
Comparta el evento por la página de web. 

Se le proporcionará un intérprete de lenguaje de señas o CART ha pedido. Se solicita un aviso de tres días hábiles. Póngase en contacto con signlanguageservices@denvergov.org.
Para cualquier acomodación pública, comuníquese con DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org.
Para más información visite www.denvergov.org/theoutdoordowntown

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Top Neighborhood News Stories

​Denver Days 2020, Re-Imagined

Denver Days was created 8 years ago with a mission to create a city where neighbors not only know their neighbors, but as a result feel safer and more connected to their community. While we have faced unprecedented challenges over the last few months, we know that togetherness is needed, now more so than ever, and we are so excited to announce our plans for Denver Days 2020… 
 
For every night of the first week of August, Denver Days will be hosting parades in each of the 11 council districts. Each night, from 6-8 PM (and 4-8 PM on both Sundays) we will be featuring local musicians, artists, and Love This City artist Pat Milbery who will be live-painting unique murals as a tribute to each district. We encourage you and your housemates to open your windows, get out on your balconies, front porches, and lawns and watch as the parade passes by. Each night will end at 8  PM culminating in a citywide howl. After all paintings have been completed, Pat’s murals will be donated to each district to be housed in a prominent location.

These plans are in an effort to keep every Denver resident safe and healthy, which is our priority always, so the City of Denver will not be issuing permits for road closures, providing free barricades, or encouraging public gatherings in parks for Denver Days 2020.
 
Denver Days was created in the spirit of neighbors getting to know neighbors, helping out in your community, and coming together to celebrate one another, and we believe Denver Days 2020 will still fill Denver residents with that same sense of joy and connection. We hope to return to the traditional Denver Days format next summer, but for now, we are looking forward to dancing with you (from a distance) in the streets August 1st – 9th. Please share this with your friends, neighbors and networks!

Parade Routes and event schedules will be available soon, along with more event details. For parade routes and additional information please visit: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-days.html
 
For questions regarding Denver Days email: Kaylie.Showers@denvergov.org
 
#DenverDaysAtHome #DenverDaysReminagined #DiasdeDenver #LoveThisCity

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East Central Area Plan: Draft 2 Available Online

The second draft of the East Central Area Plan is available for public review and comments at http://DenverGov.org/eastcentralplan. Visit the page to see the updated plan, a list of changes made & all the comments community members submitted, with staff responses.

After updates made this week, the East Central Plan Page features some new resources and materials that hope to offer additional transparency and access. 

Now available on the Plan page:

• Comment on the second draft directly on the document
• A summary of input and updates (PDF)
• A list of all substantive changes to the draft plan (PDF)
• Spanish-language executive summary (PDF)
• A sortable spreadsheet with all the comments left on the first draft of the plan (XLSX)

 
Along with the spreadsheet above, visitors to the page can review all the comments submitted at the open house in November, comments submitted via the general feedback form and comments submitted by email, along with staff responses to each.
 
To learn more, read the latest newsletter and follow Denver Community Planning and Development on Twitter for updates.

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Support for Group Living in Denver Grows

Sarah Wells, Stephen Polk and their son, Charlie, inside their Capitol Hill home on Oct. 1, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Denver is growing and a number of our Capitaol Hill neighbors have recently submitted letters to CHUN supporting a broad overhaul of the Denver Zoning Code to allow for an increase in the number of non-family members to occupy a home as part of what is called "Group Living".

As quoted in the Denverite article, "Sarah Wells, a member of the Group Living Advisory Committee who shares a Capitol Hill home with other adults, said she hoped City Council in the next few months would hear from a wider range of Denverites, and “from more people that are supportive of group living as a means to accessible housing.” 
Read the full article on Denverite.com.

Although a number of residents support group living in order to support more diverse, affordable housing, there are some who oppose the change citing a concern in increased crime and lowered property values.

There are also a number of local organizations who support the change, including:

• All In Denver
• Colorado Center on Law and Policy
• Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
• Colorado Village Collaborative
• Enterprise Community Partners
• Fax Partnership
• Interfaith Alliance of Colorado
• Mothers Advocate for Affordable Housing (MAAH)
• Rodfei Tzedek, the social justice team of Congregation Rodef Shalom
• Root Policy Research
• United for a New Economy
• Urban Land Conservancy
• YIMBY Denver

Updates on Group Living From Denver City Planning

After two years of work with community members, city planners are nearing completion of a broad overhaul of the Denver Zoning Code’s residential use regulations that will increase housing opportunities and flexibility for all residents.  The city's response to the COVID-19 project has affected the project timeline, but staff continues to work on ways to engage the public in the process while observing the city's evolving health guidelines. 

Next Steps:  The Group Living Advisory Committee met virtually Wednesday, May 27 and discussed potential updates to the group living proposal based on community feedback. Download the meeting presentation and view a recording of the meeting (use this case-sensitive password: Denver2020). Additional updates will be posted on the Denvergov.org website in the coming days. 

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New Virtual Exhibition Released From Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

​Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art invites virtual visitors to enjoy another “byte” in its fifth virtual exhibition, Art in Small Bytes 2.0, available online today. The museum returns to the earlier Art in Small Bytes concept to break down a vignette grouping of period objects and artworks into smaller pieces.
 
“Kirkland Museum is excited for the opportunity to continue engaging with our audience in this way during our temporary closure,” says Associate Museum Director Renée Albiston. “Although we are working with limited staff, the museum remains committed to supporting our mission in providing educational content and it brings us joy to know we’re keeping art history alive despite our current circumstances.”

Read the full press release.
Learn more about the virtual exhibition.

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Also In The News

​​In Our Community

• Denver Public Schools keeps students fed during remote learning​
• Fire damages bar in downtown Denver strip mall
• Fire decimates outside of City Grille across Colfax from the State Capitol
• Denver Fire Department working to identify arson suspect in connection to fire at City Grille
• Good works: Argonaut rare whiskey auction nets $20K for charity
• Congress Park home built in 1921 lists for $3.7M

Arts, Culture, and Leisure

• Denver Botanic Gardens gets green light to reopen during safer-at-home order
• Colorful art installation takes over what used to be weed-filled, dried-up pond in City Park
• Artists Detour and Hiero painted a mural of George Floyd on Colfax Avenue

• You can thank Jim Scharper for the music over Cheesman Park every night
• Changes are coming to Denver Central Library (some boring but important, some fun and important)

Denver8TV Keeps You In The Know

​​Your City Now has all the week's news for you in under 5 minutes!

The City and County of Denver's 5-minute news roundup that covers local government, city news, and local and public events. New episodes every Friday.

• George Floyd memorial
• City Council reviews DPD's use of force
• PRIDE fest goes virtual
• Arts & Venues invites you to enjoy the Great Outdoors
• ​Online services at the library
• Examining resources for mental health wellness during this time
• Plus,  Denver's continuing response to COVID-19!

Tune in every week to keep up!

Business

• Denver to jumpstart ‘Left Behind Workers Fund’ to help residents who do not qualify for state, federal aid
• Colorado may consider small-business relief fund
• 20 percent of stores in Cherry Creek are back open for business
• Former Inn at Cherry Creek to reopen next year at The Clayton
• On reopening day, one top Denver restaurant closes for good
• 12 at Madison Will Not Reopen
• Landmark application submitted for Carmen Court against owners’ wishes
• Sweetgreen sets opening dates for Cherry Creek, downtown locations
• Takeout Liquor Sales Are Still On – and Could Continue Much Longer
• Colorado Senators Introduce Bill Extending Takeout Liquor Sales
• Cherry Creek seafood spot uses slowdown to test new concept
• Brown Palace will open for the second time in 128 years after coronavirus shut it down
• Food scraps will get the chef treatment at a no-waste restaurant on 17th Avenue
• The Cherry Creek mall will reopen Wednesday

Construction & Development

• City Council approves pause in demolition/CDE review process
• Cherry Creek office building sells for $33M
• ​Plans revealed for site of classic Denver breakfast spot Racines
• Multifamily firm Gables proposes eight-story Cap Hill complex
• 193-unit apartment project proposed in fast-growing area south of downtown Denver
• Denver’s group living proposal gets tweaked by approximately three people
• ​Church-turned-residence hits the market in Cherry Creek for $4.3M
• Joblon breaks on six-story Equinox-anchored building in Cherry Creek
• New 6-story Cherry Creek office building begins construction
• Catering firm adding brick-and-mortar ‘scrap’ restaurant in City Park West
• Real estate giant backs out of $3.6B deal to buy Cherry Creek Shopping Center owner
• Tom’s Diner redevelopment team teases plans for historic site
• The next step for Tom’s Diner building on East Colfax includes a restaurant and entertainment venue

​COVID-19 Updates​

• City and County of Denver Service Reopening Updates
• Relief and recovery boosted with city’s launch of nonprofit assistance
• City and County of Denver Variance Requests Approved by CDPHE
• Denver COVID-19 Data & Statistics
• 'Protect our neighbors': Colorado unveils 3rd phase of social distancing
• Denver extends disaster emergency declaration to July 20
• Denver schools hit by steep COVID-19 costs
• Denver Partners to Offer Expanded Community Testing
• Colorado relaxes rules for worship houses, gyms, playgrounds, recreation
• Black-Owned Organizations Join to Donate Thousands of Masks in Denver
• Colorado coronavirus infections increase by 143 as hospitalizations remain relatively flat
• More tests at shelters and on the streets paints a clearer picture of COVID-19 among the homeless
• ​Denver extends contracts for temporary homeless shelters at Coliseum, National Western Complex

Civic Outreach, Legislation, & Politics

• Colorado legislature approves police accountability bill
• Mayor Hancock celebrates Supreme Court decision to uphold DACA
• In a bizarre, broken session, Colorado lawmakers make history
• Colorado lawmakers let governor mass-pardon marijuana possession convictions

• Hickenlooper pressed on ethics violations in feisty U.S. Senate debate with Romanoff
• Q&A: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
• Denver Police Update Use of Force and Body-Worn Camera Policies
• Denver Police Statement Regarding a Political Video
• Mayor Launches Community Process to Review Public Asset Naming Using an Equity Lens

• So what’s next for Stapleton’s name change? Here’s how the process will play out

• Columbus Park to La Raza Park? Councilwoman Sandoval’s working on it

Environment & Sustainability

• Colorado lost more than 7,000 clean energy jobs since coronavirus pandemic, industry organization says​

Health & Wellness

• Colorado legislature sends vaccination bill to the governor

Mobility & Transportation

• Denver will close more streets, opening them to walking, wheeling, biking and running
• Colorado leaders form committee to dive into RTD’s anger-inducing problems​
• RTD’s Budget Crisis Will Likely Mean Deep, Long-Lasting Service Cuts
• Where, When and If: Riders’ Decisions Are The Key To RTD’s Post-Coronavirus Future​ 

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A Special Thanks to Some of Our Business and Community Partner Members:

​Adagio Bed and Breakfast 
​Alternative Medicine on Capitol Hill
Campaign For Tobacco-free Kids
​Cheesman Park Advocacy Group
​Denver Health​
​Good Chemistry
​Humboldt Street Neighborhood Assoc.
Alternative Medicine of Cap Hill
Althea Center For Engaged Spirituality
Angelo's Taverna
Argonaut Wine & Liquor 
Assistance League Denver
Atomic Provisions (Fat Sully's/Atomic Cowboy)
Axis Pilates
Bang Up to the Elephant
Barbara H de Jong, CFP, Edwards Jones
Barrington Condos
Campaign for a Tobacco Free Colorado 
Capitol Convenience
Castle Lion Development, LLC
CCNNA
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Colorado Vincentian Volunteers
Corner Beet
Cornerstone Apartments
​Denver Biscuit Company
Denver Community Church
Denver Health​
Denver Sweet
Ember Hostel
Empowerment Program
First Bank
Folk Artisans
Friends and Neighbors for Cheesman Park
​Good Chemistry ​

Historic Denver, Inc.
Human Services Consultants  
Humphries Poli Architects
Investigations Law Group
​Marijuana Mansion
McCourt Mansion
Native Roots
Nob Hill Inn 
Paradise Cleaners
Park Tavern Restaurant 
Pete's Restaurants ​
Presbyterian/St. Lukes
Racines Restaurant
Rosen Properties
SafeHouse Denver
Sarkisian Oriental Rugs & Fine Art
Secret Sauce F&B (Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve)
Senior Housing Options
St Paul Health Center
St. Charles Town Company
Steubens Food Service
subculture
TBD FOODS
Terra Firma Investment
The Bank of Denver
The Center on Colfax
The Goods Restaurant
The Residences at Capitol Heights
The Parlour - Capitol Hill  
Tryba Architects 
Unbridle
Your Mom's House​
​And Many More ... !