Blog Archives

Volume 36, Issue 11

10/31/2018

Message from the President

Dear Neighbors and Friends -

Welcome to the latest edition of our monthly newsletter --The Urban Dweller. November is a time to get involved, an opportunity to express gratitude, and a time to give back.

GET INVOLVED:
- Election Day 2018 is just days away (Tuesday, November 6, 2018), and voters will be asked to consider a number of matters that will have an impact Denver's future. If you are new to Denver or if you have recently moved, you will need to register and/or update your voter registration information. To learn more about how to vote and the Denver ballot, visit the Denver Elections Division or call 720-913-VOTE(8683). You can also learn more about various ballot measures at Denverite or The Denver Post. When Denver votes ... we ALL win.
- Join us for our annual holiday party at the Tears-McFarlane House on December 4th starting 5:30 pm. Food will be provided by Angelo's Restaurant and we will be featuring an assortment of wines provided by Carboy Winery.
- We are seeking board members to serve during the 2019 calendar year. Those interested in pursuing a role on our board can contact Andrea Hamilton at secretary@chundenver.org.
GRATITUDE:
- I am grateful for my board colleagues and friends, all of whom have helped guide Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods through another terrific month; moreover, they routinely donate precious time, energy, and financial resources to ensure our programmatic and operational successes.
- Business members, like Racines Restaurant and The Goods Restaurant, are quintessential Denver. Not to mention, they are two of my favorite places to dine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a happy hour after work. I am deeply appreciative for their contributions to our work and serving as a great gathering place at any time of the year. .
- My dog Eleanor brings much joy and happiness to my house. I am grateful for her companionship and love. Where would we be without our furry friends? (See picture to the right.)
GIVE BACK:
- In addition to our holiday party, December 4th is Colorado Gives Day--an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Donations can be made on December 4th or scheduled in advance. Our goal is to raise more than $4000 and beat our fundraising results in 2017. Schedule your donation for Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods today.

Keep an eye out for other opportunities to Preserve the Past, Improve the Present, and Plan for the Future of Greater Capitol Hill and the Mile High City.

With gratitude,

Travis Leiker, President
Board of Delegates
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods

Attend Your Annual Neighborhood Assembly

Every November, each of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' 10 neighborhoods has an assembly to talk about current issues and to elect neighborhood delegates for the coming year. The schedule for this year's assemblies is set. Please plan to attend and get involved. You may be interested in being a neighborhood delegate, so don't be shy about stepping up and volunteering. You can find a map of our neighborhoods here.

CHUN neighborhood delegates are the touchpoint for concerns in their neighborhoods. They help organize additional meetings and assemblies if there are issues that need neighborhood attention, such as crime, traffic, zoning and licensing. In addition, delegates are the legal and fiduciary leaders of our 49 year old organization. As delegates, they participate in a monthly board meeting - usually the third Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. - and are asked to help with and support some other CHUN activities. Here is the line-up for the neighborhood assemblies.

Coolfax, Congress Park, & Cherry Creek (NH3, NH7, NH10)
When: Wed, November 7, 6pm – 7pm
Where: Humble Pie Store, 3550 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Description: Neighborhood Meeting Topic: Vision Zero Community Program. During the meeting we will work on developing a team and proposal for traffic calming project at Colfax and Madison. This meeting is also an opportunity for the community to meet their neighborhood delegates. Neighborhood assemblies are held each November for the purpose of electing delegates for the 2019 term. Anyone who resides or is employed in the neighborhood is welcome to participate in the Assembly, however only Capitol Hill United Neighborhood members are eligible to vote for Neighborhood Delegates. Non-members are invited to join Capitol Hill United Neighborhood while at the Assembly to immediately be eligible to vote.
Uptown & West City Park (NH 1 & 2)
When: Mon, November 12, 6pm – 7pm
Where: 1576 Sherman St, Workability Offices, 1576 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203
Description: Fallene Wells, Owner of Let Em Have It Salon, will speak about achieving Certified B Corporation ® status. "We’re proud to be a Certified B Corporation® status. We're committed to creating an authentic salon experience tailored to you, using our business as a force for good while upholding our commitment to a healthy, sustainable world." ALSO, representatives from VISION ZERO will discuss how neighborhoods can assist with pedestrian and bicycle safety. This meeting is also an opportunity for the community to meet their neighborhood delegates. Neighborhood assemblies are held each November for the purpose of electing delegates for the 2019 term. Anyone who resides or is employed in the neighborhood is welcome to participate in the Assembly, however only Capitol Hill United Neighborhood members are eligible to vote for Neighborhood Delegates. Non-members are invited to join Capitol Hill United Neighborhood while at the Assembly to immediately be eligible to vote.
Capitol Placita & West Capitol Hill (NH8 & NH4)
When: Tue, November 13, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Where: Angelo’s Taverna, 620 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203,
Description: Angelo's owner Eric Hyatt will speak about Angelo's exciting neighborhood plans. This meeting is also an opportunity for the community to meet their neighborhood delegates. Neighborhood assemblies are held each November for the purpose of electing delegates for the 2019 term. Anyone who resides or is employed in the neighborhood is welcome to participate in the Assembly, however only Capitol Hill United Neighborhood members are eligible to vote for Neighborhood Delegates. Non-members are invited to join Capitol Hill United Neighborhood while at the Assembly to immediately be eligible to vote.
Cheesman and West Cheesman (NH6 & NH5)
When: Wed, November 14, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: Tears-McFarlane House, 1290 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80218,
Description: Safety concerns in the Cheesman park area and an update on construction at the Denver Botanic Gardens. There have been a number of armed muggings along Marion Street so we've invited officer Teresa Gilliam from the Denver police department to give a presentation. We'll also have a representative from the Botanic Gardens to give the community an update on their construction project on 11th and Gaylord/York Sts.
NH9 - Arrangements in progress. Check out www.chundenver.org for more info.

Join Us to Say "Thank You" to Govn'rs Park Tavern and Friends

Farewell Party for Govnr's Park Tavern
When: Thu, November 1, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Govnr's Park Tavern, 672 Logan St, Denver, CO 80203, USA (map)

The community is invited to join us as we thank Govnr's Park Tavern for their unwavering support of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods and the entire community. Over the years Govnr's Park Tavern along with Lala's has supported our organization through fundraisers such as their annual Beer Fest, Movie Under the Stars, and many others. We can't let them close their doors without sending them off with a heartfelt thank you!

Pedestrian Safety at 11th & York

The intersection at 11th and York has been a problem for pedestrians and motorists for many years. More recently, the construction of a new education and science building at 11th and York, along with sidewalk closures, has made crossings even more hazardous for pedestrians. CHUN, the Botanic Gardens, Councilman Wayne New's office and Denver Public Works have collaborated to install a new pedestrian-operated flashing beacon on the north side of the intersection. Pedestrians push a button, which triggers a strobe light to alert vehicles (including bicycles) to yield or stop for pedestrians to cross.

Details are being worked out on the technical side of the flashing beacon, and it may take some time to better understand the device and what they need to do, but overall, it should make crossings safer.

Dia de los Muertos at Denver Botanic Gardens on Nov. 3

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens on November 3 for the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It's a free day at the Gardens and there are lots of fun, family-friendly activities and entertainments planned. Information from the DBG website:

"Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration that joyfully commemorates life after death by honoring ancestors and family members who have passed. For more than 3,000 years, indigenous people in Mexico practiced the tradition of celebrating death as a natural part of the life cycle. When the Conquistadors stumbled upon the Aztec Indians practicing this ritual, they believed it was a mockery of death. The Spaniards wanted to make this ritual more Christian, so they moved the dates to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day (Nov. 1 and Nov. 2), when they believed the spirits of the dead visited their families. On this day families make altars and place ofrendas, or offerings, of food and other gifts on them, such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls, papel picado, candles, incense, yellow marigolds and, most importantly, a photo of the dearly departed." Bring your family and friends to celebrate this colorful, heart-felt tradition at the Gardens! Now in its eighth year, this traditional Day of the Dead celebration offers fun for the whole family. And of course, Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged.

Free "Night at the Museums" Evening of Nov. 3

Denver's best museums are celebrating Denver Arts Week by inviting the public in for free between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 3. As an incentive to visit, some free shuttle buses will run to or near 12 museums, so you can easily fit in more than one. The first buses will leave from the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Nature and Science at 5.

Get more information about the museums that will be open and the bus routes.

Leave Your Leaves at Denver Leaf Drop Sites Until Dec. 7

The leaves changing colors are a pretty sight, but when they fall, make sure they don’t end up in the trash! Give those leaves a second life through Denver’s Leaf Drop Program, which will turn those fallen leaves into compost. Three free weekday drop-off sites are open to Denver residents through Friday, December 7. The leaves collected through this program will be turned into a high-quality compost, which will be made available for residents to purchase in May.

Weekday Drop-Off Sites
Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 2:00pm

Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (Quebec Street & Cherry Creek Dr. South)
Havana Nursery – 10450 Smith Rd. (Just south of I-70 on Havana St.)
South Platte – 678 S. Jason St. (Enter on W. Exposition Ave.)

Saturday & Sunday Drop-Off Sites
Nov. 3 – 18 from 11 AM to 3 PM

BRUCE RANDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL - 3955 Steele St. (E. 40th Ave. & Steele St.)
CHERRY CREEK TRANSFER STATION - 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (Quebec St. & E. Jewell Ave.)
HAVANA NURSERY - 10450 Smith Rd. (Enter on Havana St)
SABIN WORLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - 3050 S Vrain St. (S. Vrain St. and W. Dartmouth Ave.)
SLOAN’S LAKE PARK - 1700 Sheridan Blvd. (17th Ave. & Sheridan Blvd.)
VETERANS PARK - 2100 E Iowa Ave. (S. Vine St. & E. Iowa Ave.)

Please note, all leaves dropped off at Havana Nursery and South Platte must be in bags (paper bags are preferred) and dropped-off during hours of operation, otherwise it is considered illegal dumping.

Another way to be environmentally friendly, break the plastic bag habit and use paper bags when raking fallen leaves instead – paper bags can also be composted! Denver Recycles, Denver Parks & Recreation’s Be A Smart Ash program, and Ace Hardware are teaming up to give away 50,000 paper leaf bags this year! Beginning Monday, Denver residents can print or download a coupon for a free 5-pack of paper leaf bags at www.denvergov.org/leafdrop. The coupon can be redeemed at participating Denver area Ace Hardware stores.

Help us manage the LeafDrop program by following these guidelines:

Bring your leaves in paper leaf bags, if possible.
Drop-off sites and free Ace Hardware paper bag offer is for Denver residents only.
Jack-O-Lanterns and pumpkins will be accepted for composting at drop-off sites.
Make sure leaves do not contain branches or other materials.
Never rake or blow leaves into the street, as they can clog storm sewers and street sweepers.

More details on dates and locations can be found at www.denvergov.org/leafdrop.

What Are "Common Consumption Areas" and What Do They Mean to Neighborhoods? Two Chances to Learn

Please join the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses at a community meeting to learn more about Liquor Common Consumption Areas in Denver. Attendees may also ask questions and provide feedback based on the information presented.

In 2011, the Colorado General Assembly passed a law that authorizes local jurisdictions to license designated areas where patrons over the age of twenty-one can drink alcoholic beverages in an enclosed common space, serviced by existing liquor-licensed establishments. This year, the Department has been seeking internal feedback from city agencies and public safety groups, as well as external feedback from citizens, business and tourism groups, industry members, and RNOs. These community meetings are being offered to maximize the input we receive from citizens and RNOs. Liquor Common Consumption Areas can provide exciting new opportunities for Denver. Our goals in pursuing these opportunities and seeking feedback from the community are as follows:

To design a process and structure to allow Denver’s rich and diverse communities to foster their own unique events;
To provide a logical and accessible platform where local businesses, neighborhoods, and stakeholders can utilize private and public spaces in creative ways; and
To implement procedures for the safe, responsible, and effective operation of these areas.

There will be two opportunities to hear the Department’s presentation, ask questions, and provide feedback:

Tuesday, November 13th: 6:00-7:30 p.m at Swansea Recreation Center (2946-2650 E 49th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216)
Wednesday, November 14th: 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library (305 Milwaukee Street, Denver, CO 80206)

These community meetings are open to any citizen or RNO seeking to learn more about or provide feedback on the future of Liquor Common Consumption Areas in Denver. Attendees can expect to hear from the following representatives from the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses:

Ashley Kilroy, Director
Molly Duplechian, Deputy Director of Policy and Administration
Erica Rogers, Policy Analyst

WANT MORE INFORMATION? If you cannot attend either of the community meetings, but would like to be included in future updates regarding the development of Liquor Common Consumption Areas in Denver or if you have any questions, please email Erica.Rogers@denvergov.org.

Construction Projects: Public Works Responds with Changes

On October 8, Denver Public Works provided the following improvements to help mitigate specific issues concerning public works improvements and the department intends to implement these and other recommendations in collaboration with Denver City Council members and community leaders:.

Parking Management and Enforcement - License plate readers have now been added for greater enforcement efficiency in identifying parking violations. To address the high percentage of Enforcement staff vacancies, pay levels have been recently increased, and non-benefited positions will be upgraded to include benefits in January
Construction Worker Parking Plans - Effective January 2019, all new proposed construction projects will have to provide defined parking plans for all construction workers before a building right-of-way usage permit will be granted. Incentives will also be considered to increase compliance by contractors and workers.
Pedestrian Sidewalk Canopies - The present regulations on sidewalk canopies for pedestrian safety have not been implemented and enforced. The regulations will be enhanced and enforced, beginning in January.
Construction Communications - Public Works has not held construction communication meetings to make the public aware of upcoming activities that may affect neighborhoods and businesses. Routine monthly construction progress review meetings will be held and chaired by Public Works to ensure attendance and participation by all contractors to improve communication. Construction plans, such as street closures and canopies, that may disrupt retail business and neighborhood traffic flow and affect pedestrian safety will be regular issues for discussion. The first meeting will be held in October.
Traffic Management Plans for Street and Sidewalk Closures - The present policies and procedures on street and sidewalk closures have not been effective in preventing excessive closures. The policies will be evaluated as to (a) the length of time a closure is allowed; (b) the dimensions of closures that increase the construction site; and (c) the effects on pedestrian and traffic flow. An evaluation will occur in October with implementation in January.
Intersection and Alley Parking Signage - Cars and trucks parked too close to alley and intersection entrances do not provide sufficient visibility for safe car exits. Residents can now request an evaluation of the need for intersection and alley signage to provide greater visibility of and for street traffic approaching an exit or intersection. The present regulations are for 5 feet of clearance from an alley entrance and 20 feet from an intersection. Residents should contact 311 to request additional signage and report infractions.
Damage to Infrastructure and Streetscape - Each current construction project must post a construction bond to repair damaged adjacent infrastructure and streetscape. Since damage repair using these bond funds has not been enforced, taxpayer funds in the City budget have had to be used for repairs. Greater regulations will be developed to address existing conditions prior to construction, bond amount determinations, the evaluation of post construction damage, and the use of bond funds and not taxpayer funds for repairs.These regulations will now be implemented with all existing and future construction projects.
Construction Signage in Right of Way - Street and sidewalk closure and other types of construction signs have not been promptly removed when no longer needed for a construction project. Some signs have remained for days and weeks. Public Works will now be responsible for notifying sign companies to remove this unneeded signage. Residents should contact 311 for signage removal at a specific address.

Neighborhoods and businesses are appreciative of these improvements made by Denver Public Works, but a few issues will need to be addressed in the near future.

Construction Hours - The present City construction hours are 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Many construction projects have ignored these hours, especially in early starting hours and on weekends. Weekday hour changes and greater enforcement are being recommended to minimize noise and disruption.

Inconvenience Fees - Many cities have instituted inconvenience fees on projects that have extended street and sidewalk closures beyond allowed closure time periods. These fees have successfully encouraged greater compliance by contractors, and street and sidewalk closure extensions have been minimized due to these fees.

Parking District - Many cities have also decentralized their parking enforcement responsibilities to organized business organizations. Parking and traffic management has proven to be more effective with greater local control. A consultant study on the requirements to form a parking district is being considered.

Councilman New writes, "The assistance and leadership of the Public Works Department and all neighborhood and business leaders is greatly appreciated. These implemented improvements should make the management of construction less intrusive to neighborhood quality of life and to customers for our businesses. If you have any comments, please send them to Wayne.New@denvergov.org."

How's Your Neighborhood Doing? Here's a Chance to Share

A research team at the University of Colorado would like to invite you to participate in a new research survey! This survey and subsequent research is being conducted by the Denver Study of the Built and Social Environment (DBASE) research team. They are members of the University of Colorado Boulder in the Department of Sociology and Institute of Behavioral Sciences. Our team has visited neighborhoods throughout the city of Denver and developed relationships with Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) to develop a survey on: Health and Health Behaviors, Neighborhood Character and Perception, and RNO Participation and Leadership.

The survey should not take more than 15-20 minutes of your time but will provide data for the future of community-based health research in Denver. Your participation is voluntary but greatly appreciated. The survey records your answers anonymously and records will be kept securely at the Institute for Behaviors Sciences in Boulder, CO.

If you wish to learn more about DBASE or the research team or the studies that the survey information will support, please feel free to visit the website at www.colorado.edu/project/dbase. Similarly, more information and updates on the project and survey will be regularly posted on the DBASE Facebook Page located at the link below. If you have any other questions or comments, please email us at dbase@colorado.edu and we will respond as soon as possible.

Click below for the Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/Denver-Study-of-the-Built-and-Social-Environment-434414640317668/

Click below for the Web-based Link:
https://cuboulder.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3W5t9R5ugVzdRxX

The team's goal is to receive as much input as possible from as many communities and community members in the Denver area as possible. Please feel free and encouraged to share the survey link with other members of your community. Thank you all in advance, we appreciate your time very much, and we look sharing the results with you and your community members as soon as possible.

Support Warren Village Families This Holiday Season

The Warren Village Holiday Shop allows the organization's single-parent families to experience a traditional holiday gift-shopping experience. You can help make it possible.

The week after Thanksgiving, new unwrapped gifts for adults and children are collected. On the day of Holiday Shop, gifts are set up and Warren Village families are invited to come “gift shop” free of charge with the help of volunteer shoppers and gift wrappers. Parents shop for their children, and children shop for their parents – truly a wonderful holiday event. “The holiday gift donations from individuals, community groups,and corporations from across the Denver Metro area are an illustration of the spirit of giving and the ongoing support of Warren Village and the families we serve. Because of these gift donations, our single-parent families, and particularly the children, will be able to enjoy the holiday season. We are so grateful for the community’s support of this holiday tradition,” said Ethan Hemming, President and CEO of Warren Village.
It Works
How You Can Help:

Donate new, unwrapped gifts from our current wish list
Organize a gift drive
Provide monetary donations and gift cards
Volunteer
Provide meal sponsorship for this event

For more information about volunteering or to arrange gift drop-off, please contact Molly Barfuss at mbarfuss@warrenvillage.org or call 303-320-5032.

Free Dental Care for Our Veterans

The program provides veterans with many free dental services for a year, along with the same services for immediate family members at just $5.00 per service.

Dental Services Include:
Comprehensive exam by a dentist
Dental cleanings
X-rays
Periodontal cleaning (Deep cleaning)
Sprorts guards
Sealants
Fluoride treatments

All work will be performed by dental hygiene students under the close supervision of a dentist and the faculty at the Aurora campus of Concorde Career College, 111 N. Havana St. Aurora, CO, 303-861-1151.

"Denver Runs for Food" on Thanksgiving

There's a new charity running event scheduled for Thanksgiving Day in Cheesman Park. "Denver Runs for Food" is sponsoring a 2k, 5k and "Little G0bbler Dash" on Thanksgiving. Get more information on their website, or email denverwillrunforfood@gmail.com to get involved. They're looking for volunteers. Proceeds from the race will benefit local Denver hunger organizations:
THE GROW HAUS
METRO CARING
HUNGER FREE COLORADO
THE GATHERING PLACE
GROW LOCAL COLORADO

Committee Updates

More than 120 people attended the Neighborhood Assembly about the future of the Cap Hill Whole Foods site.

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Zoning, Transportation, Land Use & Licensing Committee, October 3, 7 p.m. at 1201 Williams St., 19th Floor.

Rezoning discussion was presented by Bill Ferguson, the proprietor of the 17th Avenue Bar and Grill and also the owner of the parking lot at 1709 Washington Street. This owner is proposing to rezone the parking lot & car wash property from its current G‐RO‐5 (which allows up to 5 stories of residential andoffice use) to C‐MS‐5, which is still limited to 5 stories but would also allow first floor retail use plus commercial offices & potentially 80 units of residential on other floors. A parking ratio of one for one is proposed. The application for rezoning is currently being evaluated by the city’s Community Planning and Development Division, then would go to the Planning Board and then City Council.

Denver Department of Excise and Licenses representative, Erica Rogers provided an overview of the pending changes to the liquor and marijuana licensing petition process, signage announcement requirements and consolidation of policies and procedures into a single reference guide. The applicant and opponents will be offered an option to solicit signatures electronically, or by conventional hard copy format, in the surrounding five‐block radius area of the establishment.

The application signage requirement is being proposed to read less legalize and use more common English for simplicity. At least three different policies and procedures guides are being merged into a single reference guide for the various license processes. Additionally, Erica reported that conditions placed on the first pages of the issued permits, such as part of Neighborhood Agreements will no longer be limited to four conditions. CHUN member Margie Valdez represented neighborhoods organization on this task force developing the changes.

Further information about the Public Hearing process changes are found at: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver‐business‐licensing‐center/publichearings.html

Blue Print Denver Draft Plan is accepting public comment through the end of October. CHUN members discussed general content of this comprehensive plan and elected to propose a motion that asks for emphasis to neighborhood preservation. Visit the Blue Print Denver website for more info.

A Neighborhood Assembly was held with the property owner wanting to discuss a possible rezoning of the former Whole Foods building at 11th Avenue and Ogden Street. The meeting was held on October Ninth and more than 120 persons attended the discussion. A vote was taken to gauge residents’ position on the proposed zoning changes that would allow a five story (G‐MS‐5) verses the current three story zoning (G‐MS‐3).
Those within 2 blocks of the site voted:

20 in favor of the proposed rezoning from 3 to 5 stories
24 opposed
3 abstentions

Those outside 2 blocks:

14 in favor of the proposed rezoning
19 opposed
6 abstentions

The property owner has not yet filed an application. When this occurs, CHUN would offer the results of this meeting and should formally consider taking a position.
Update: Developer Steve Antonoff emailed Oct. 30 that he is "hitting pause" for two to three months while he and his associates consider what they learned at our assembly and make decisions about what they would like to do next.

Denver Public Works Senior Engineer Mike Koslow, and Brad Cameron and Shayne Brady of CHUN conducted a site visit to discuss pedestrian safety improvements at the Botanic Gardens construction location on October 10. The city, Denver Botanic Gardens and the GH Phipps Construction are offering funding to improve safer pedestrian crossings along 11th Avenue from York Street through Josephine. Street. See related story above.

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Committee, meeting Oct. 29, 7 p.m. at 1201 Williams St., 19th Floor

The CHUN Historic Preservation Committee discussed the following items:The CHUN Historic Preservation Committee met on October 29, 2018 at 1201 Williams Street and discussed the following items:

Jim Peiker, the proprietor of the Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast and former longtime chair of this committee, spoke briefly about his just-published book, Denver’s Enduring Legacy – the Castle Marne. The book is the extremely interesting story of the landmarked bed-and breakfast at 1572 Race Street, its original and successive owners, its pre-eminent Denver architect, William Lang, the surrounding neighborhood and little-known events that occurred there. It would make a fine holiday gift for anyone who cares about Capitol Hill. Copies can be had for $25.00.
Delfino Rodriguez, who has been a Denver neighborhood inspector for 18 years and who has recently been assigned as the city’s first inspector assigned to the Landmark Preservation office, introduced himself to the committee. He has approximately 65 cases assigned to him in which he needs to determine if zoning and/or landmark and/or building permit violations are occurring in landmark districts or individual landmark structures. To report a possible violation, call 311 and give the address and possible violation, in order for the report to be tracked. One committee member recommended that, when construction is occurring at a landmarked building, the approved construction drawing should be posted along with the building permit, so that citizens can determine what has been properly permitted.
Vanessa Castillo, a planner with the Denver Office of Economic Development discussed with the committee her responsibility for reviewing any federally funded projects in Denver to ensure that they will not adversely affect historic buildings or other resources. As part of her reviews, she researches records and consults with the Denver Landmark Preservation Office and other groups, including neighborhood organizations such as CHUN.
Ben Gearhart discussed the former Denver International Youth Hostel at 630 East 16th Avenue, which his development company is restoring and will reuse as 50% apartments and 50% as a small hotel (a total of 21 units). On November 5, City Council will consider designating the building, now returned to its original name of Essex Apartments, as a Denver landmark. The committee congratulated him and his business partner for their work in restoring and reusing a historic building that had been in great disrepair for many years. They plan to open on January 1, 2019.
The committee discussed the possible very negative effect that the possible passage of Constitutional Amendment 74 at the November 6 state election would have on any government historic preservation efforts.
The committee discussed the historic preservation focus group held on October 10 by the city’s East Central Planning Initiative and the importance having the planning process recognize the great importance of protecting historic neighborhoods, including trees, parks and parkways, and strongly encouraging high-quality design for new buildings and public places.

The committee will probably next meet in January, when we can have a full discussion of the results of the Discover Denver survey of certain neighborhoods within the CHUN boundaries.

News of Interest to CHUN Neighborhoods

Choice Market Plans for E.Colfax Include Fuel Pumps, Autonomous Checkout - BusinessDen
Historic Movie Theater Marquees - Atlas Obscura
Class Action Lawsuit Accuses E-Scooter Companies of Gross Negligence - Washington Post
Yoga Company Loses Another Franchisee - BusinessDen
City Park Golf Course Redesign Makes Progress - Mile High CRE
Family Campaigning for Sherman St. Rezoning Buys Another Uptown Parking Lot - BusinessDen
Five-Story Med Building Planned for St. Joseph Hospital in Uptown - BusinessDen
A Capitol Hill Building made for people escaping downtown Denver's "dirt and grime" is on its way to becoming a historic landmark - and a hotel - DenverRite
A free (for now) shuttle service is launching between Cherry Creek, Cap Hill and Civic Center - DenverRite
A Year After Voters Demanded It, Denver City Council Passes Green Roof Ordinance - DenveRite
Denver's popular Cheesman Park is actually a former cemetery, and some of the bodies are still there - Denver Channel
The Colburn Hotel, a Capitol Hill landmark, will continue to house the formerly homeless - and Charlie Brown's - DenveRite

Upcoming Public Meetings

Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 2001 Emerson Street - appeal for review of an Administrative Decision approving a Zoning Permit for a small residential care use in a U-RH-2.5, UO-3 zone district. Hearing to be held on December 4th at 11:00 AM at the Wellington Webb Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, 2nd Floor Tower Hearing Room, 2.H.14. Contact Denver Board of Adjustment regarding Case No. 132-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1080 Clayton Street - appeal of a denial of a permit to erect a 6 foot fence atop an existing concrete wall located forward of the primary structure (4 feet permitted). Hearing to be held on November 6th at 9:30 AM at the Wellington Webb Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, 2nd Floor Tower Hearing Room, 2.H.14. Contact Denver Board of Adjustment regarding Case No. 159-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
ZPIN notice regarding the property at 320 Jackson Street. Application to install an AC unit encroaching approximately 2 feet into the required 5 feet north interior side setback. Comments are due by November 11th. Contact Associated City Planner Jennifer Cervera at jennifer.cervera@denvergov.org for more information. Please reference address and project # 2018-Zone-0006667. Comments should be submitted to Zoning.Review@denvergov.org.
Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1520 Marion Street - appeal of a denial to permit to operate a Residential Care Facility, Small (Transitional Living) on a 44 foot 9 inch wide lot (50 foot lot width minimum required). Hearing to be held on November 6th at 11:00 AM at the Wellington Webb Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, 2nd Floor Tower Hearing Room, 2.H.14. Contact Denver Board of Adjustment regarding Case No. 160-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 956 Steele Street - appeal of a denial for a second story addition with a second story deck in the rear 35% of the zone lot. Hearing to be held on December 11th at 11:00 AM at the Wellington Webb Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, 2nd Floor Tower Hearing Room, 2.H.14. Contact Denver Board of Adjustment regarding Case No. 180-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
Denver Excise and Licenses is asking for comments regarding a proposed permit for a Temporary Colorado Liquor Sales Room for 789 Sherman Street, #105. Comments must be submitted no later than November 8th regarding any "traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns" to the offices of Denver Excise and Licenses, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, Dept. 206 (Wellington Webb Building). Additional information can be obtained from Denver Excise and Licenses. Contact Sharon Kinvig at that agency at sharon.kinvig@denvergov.org (720-865-2748).

Urban Dweller