Volume 35, Issue 12

Happy Holidays 2017 from Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods celebrated the beginning of the holiday season with our annual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 6th. The Tears-McFarlane House was decorated to the rooftop by party chair, and VP of Fundraising, Shirley Howson and her team of volunteers. They proved again what a success can be created by neighbors working together.

Generous local shops and restaurants donated some delightful, delicious treats. We are thankful to Odyssey, gRind Kitchen, The Goods Restaurant, Peculiar Delights and Sexy Pizza. If you haven't tried them, please do and pass along your appreciation for their generous support for CHUN. They are great neighborhood assets.
  
Thanks are also due to the Denver Gay Men's Chorus, which provided entertainment, and to Santa Claus, who - not surprisingly - was a big hit with the many children and their parents who came to the party.
   
​We were able to collect some helpful donations for The Gathering Place and Safe House Denver. The Gathering Place was also on hand to offer cards and scarves designed by their "artists."

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Calling for 'Good Neighbor Award' Nomination

Each year at our annual meeting, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods recognizes individuals, businesses, and community agencies doing important work. 

Please take a moment to let us know who you believe is deserving of this recognition by completing a short nomination form. 

Click for more information about the Good Neighbor Awards and to nominate

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Volunteers made 2017 a success

This year was a year of transition for Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods.  Since the beginning of 2017, Board members and community volunteers have been invaluable as we worked to refine our operations and deliver core programs including:

• Offering their time to answer phone messages, schedule events, and perform other important administrative functions.
  
• Designing a new logo and revamping our website.
  
• Activating our membership base through social media and ongoing electronic communications.
  
• Modifying our membership structure and recruiting new members every month.
  
• Reaching out and engaging business members.
  
• Successfully renting out all available office space at the Tears-McFarlane House and Community Center.
  
• We had some clean-up/fix-up events that spruced up the public areas and grounds.
  
• And having fun, getting to know each other, and championing the cause we care about--Capitol Hill and our citizens.
  

Fortunately, we have continued to have the loyal help of our longtime groundskeeper/caretaker, Randle Loeb.  Randle has kept our historic building, the Tears-McFarlane House, clean; he has set up for countless meetings, parties and weddings throughout the year,  kept the lawn watered and raked and the snow (what little we have had) shoveled.

We also had some wonderful financial support from our community. We owe everyone who made a donation to CHUN a big "Thank You." We are especially thankful to our District 10 City Councilman, Wayne New, who has been especially generous to CHUN this year by funding some much-needed infrastructure work, including plumbing and (coming soon) repaving the parking lot.

It is extremely gratifying to know that we are entering 2018 in solidly financial position.  Now we can rededicate ourselves to our mission: Preserving the Past, Improving the Present and Planning for the Future of Greater Capitol Hill.  2018 is shaping up to be a very busy year. We hope you will join us by participating in one of our committees, attending one of our events, renting space for one of your own events, keeping up with what's going on through Facebook and Twitter and, of course,  turning to CHUN for help if we can be of assistance on  issues in your particular part of Greater Capitol Hill.

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Join Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods for the Annual Meeting, January 11th

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods 2018 Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place at the Warwick Hotel, 1776 Grant St. on January 11th at 7 p.m. We hope you'll join us to:

• Vote on the 2018 Board of Delegates,
• Review the year,
• Congratulate this year's Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Good Neighbor Award recipients.
  

We are grateful to the Warwick for hosting our meeting, including providing refreshments.

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Denver to begin inspecting sidewalks in Capitol Hill

Did you know homeowners are responsible for sidewalk repairs? Beginning in 2018, the city of Denver will be inspecting sidewalks in Capitol Hill and will also start issuing homeowners citations for neglected, broken, and dangerous sidewalks. 

​Read this Denver Post article for more details. 

And for more about this important issue please visit WalkDenver. Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods has partnered with WalkDenver to educate our members and neighbor residents about issues of mobility that impact our neighborhoods. 

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Committee Reports

Historic Preservation Committee
The Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Committee met on November 28, 2017 at 1201 Williams Street with 20 persons in attendance.

• Darcey Vertuca and Becky Stone of OZ Architecture explained to the committee their request for a zoning variance at the former Cathedral High School and Malo Gymnasium. After a lengthy discussion, the committee voted to support the following motion, which was subsequently approved by the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Board of Delegates in a meeting December 14.
  

Motion: The Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Committee discussed an application for a zoning variance and voted by a vote of 10 in favor and 1 abstention to recommend that CHUN’s board support the variance. The application will be considered by the Denver Board of Adjustment for Zoning Appeals on January 9, 2018.
Background: RAFMO, LLC., is an experienced hotel developer based in New York City. It owns the properties which are the subject of this variance request at 1840 Grant Street (the former Cathedral High School and convent), 1835 Logan Street (the historic former Oscar Malo, Jr., Memorial Gymnasium) and 1855 Logan Street (a parking lot). It proposes to redevelop and re-use the historic properties as a hotel and event-conference center and to construct an 11-story new building on the parking lot which will contain 2 levels of underground parking, 2- levels of co-work office spaces and 8 levels of additional hotel rooms. There will be a total of 188 hotel rooms and 2500 square feet of retail/restaurant space.
   The Zoning Code would require that 124 parking spaces be provided for the entire development. However, due to the fact that the 2 historic properties cannot be disturbed to provide above-ground or underground parking, only 65 parking spaces can be physically provided below the existing parking lot. Additional underground parking cannot be provided because requiring deeper shoring would endanger the structural stability of the historic structures. The zoning variance requested is to provide 65 instead of 124 parking spaces. The developer has agreed to provide valet parking and/or lease adjacent parking spaces and to institute operational parking management controls to minimize parking problems for the surrounding neighborhood.
   In 2011, CHUN and Historic Denver, Inc., partnered to persuade Cathedral Parish and the Archdiocese of Denver not to demolish the historic buildings and to make them available for re-use by interested parties. The high school/convent was built in 1915 and designed by prominent Denver architect Harry Manning. The gymnasium was built in 1928 and was designed by prominent Colorado architect Eugene Groves. The developer and its architects have met with the CHUN Historic Preservation Committee on 3 occasions to discuss the redevelopment plans as they evolved.

• Beth Glandon of Historic Denver updated the committee on Discover Denver, the joint project of Historic Denver and the Denver Landmark Commission, which is surveying and documenting structures in Denver neighborhoods. She said that they have just finished their field survey of the City Park West neighborhood (bounded by Colfax, East 23rd Avenue, York and Downing) and are working on documenting 800 structures in that area outside of the existing historic districts. In December, they will begin to survey the West Cheesman neighborhood (bounded by Colfax, East 8th Avenue, Franklin and Pennsylvania Street and expect to complete the survey in April 2018. In the upcoming months, the committee will study the results of the surveys and decide whether it might wish to work on preparing applications for landmark designation of any historic structures and/or districts. Anyone wishing to volunteer to survey or research may contact Beth at [email protected]. 
• Stan Bullis, the CEO of Unbridled, Inc., a company which produces shows for industry groups, which has recently purchased the former Assistance League headquarters at 1400 Josephine (the landmarked Bosworth House), spoke about that building and his plans to use it. The company also purchased in 2014 the landmarked Sheedy Mansion at 1115 Grant Street, restored it and moved its headquarters there in 2016. He invited the committee to meet there for its meeting on January 29, 2018, which the committee will do.
• John Olson of Historic Denver informed the committee that Historic Denver has been discussing with the owner and a prospective buyer the future of the mid-century modern building at 2200 East 18th Avenue, designed by prominent Denver architect Victor Hornbein.

Zoning, Land Use, Transportation and Licensing Committee
The committee met December 6 at 7 p.m. in the 19th floor party room at 1201 Williams St.

• A proposal to rezone Sherman Street and have this rezone incorporated into the East Central Neighborhood Plan was presented by David Tryba, Architect. This rezoning would affect the State Capitol north to 19th Street, adjacent to downtown, in the North Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill Neighborhoods.  The intent of the rezoning would be to waive the existing building height requirement of 150 feet, or 12 stories, which upholds the long established Mountain View Plane ordinance. (A Sherman Street rezoning of this kind has failed in the past.) The rezoning would  allow taller buildings adjacent to the existing ‘Downtown Core’ zoning on three existing surface parking lots. The buildings likely would be mixed use incorporating commercial, retail and residential.  At build-out, an additional 375 residential units and 2,100 to 2600 more workers could be expected to live and work in the proposed three buildings on Sherman Street.   Concerns from meeting attendees included: housing cost pressures to the surrounding neighborhoods, traffic pressure to existing neighborhood streets and environmental impacts such as water demand.  CHUN’s Zoning Co-chairs are inviting the surface parking lots owners/ developers of these three parking lots to our next Zoning Committee Meeting in February 2018.
•    The City is creating ‘overlay’ zoning  around the light rail station at 38th Ave and Blake St, north of downtown in the ‘River North/ RiNo’ area, that includes portions of Swansea Elira, Globeville & Cole Neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are especially experiencing gentrification. City Planner Abe Barge presented strategies that the city will incorporate to promote affordable housing within a Design Overlay around the light rail station. The overlay is intended to especially provide specific community benefits in addition to affordable housing (AH).  The city hopes to encourage ‘greater design quality’ and establish the river as an amenity. Developers will be offered extra incentives to incorporate AH (beyond required) in their projects including shifting required housing units to other similar projects within this district, that still have access to the light rail station.  The city is trying an incentive model for developers to create community places that offer services in lieu of creating AH, that would especially benefit the long established residents in the neighborhoods.  For more information on this Zoning project, go to:  www.denvergov.org/38blake or contact City Planner- Abe Barge at: [email protected].

More Information Concerning Developments at St. Andrew's Church in Uptown: A community meeting was held at Saint Andrews  at 2015 Glenarm Place on December 5. Saint Andrews is redeveloping its two parking lots into 50 units of multifamily apartments. (Residential zoning in place.)
It is partnering with  Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD) to provide housing for persons and families experiencing mental illness and homelessness.  
   The buildings would have classrooms, continual on-site staffing and rooms available to the community for meetings. MHCD, with 30 years of experience, has recently opened a similar apartment property in Denver, the  Sanderson Apartments that serves homeless persons and families in similar circumstances. 
   The church has held meetings with surrounding neighborhoods including nearby high rise residential buildings.  The concerns raised included more homeless persons coming into the area.  However, MHCD expressed that it has not  identified any reports supporting this concern.  The church and MHCD expressed that they are available to speak with community members at their neighborhood gatherings.  For more information on this project see Saint Andrews Church’s page at www.standrewdenver.org/buildingourvision  

Community Issues, News and Events

Community Meeting Votes on MMJ Social Consumption License at Cap Hill Location

Four registered neighborhood organizations within Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods boundaries met December 5th to consider the proposed cannabis consumption permit for Utopia All Natural Wellness Spa and Lounge with an anticipated location at 1244 Grant Street.  The neighborhood organizations represented were The Unsinkables, Cultural Arts Residential Organization, The Shire on Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods. 

The applicant for Utopia is Cindy Sovine.  She has been a small business owner since 2006 and has worked extensively with the Colorado legislature.  The neighborhood assembly was well attended and those attending asked many questions including about the nature of the designated outdoor cannabis consumption area.  A vote was taken to determine if the neighborhood wished to support or oppose the applicant’s efforts to apply for a cannabis consumption permit.    The vote was 16 in favor, none opposed, 3 abstentions. A Good Neighbor Agreement was drafted for the approval and signature of the four registered neighborhood organizations and the applicant and was voted on and accepted by the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Board of Delegates at a meeting on December 14th. Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods will advise its members if and when the permit is approved.
  
The group attending had hoped that Ms. Sovine would be the first applicant to apply for a cannabis consumption permit.  However, we subsequently learned  that a coffee shop in Lincoln Park was the first business to apply for a consumption permit.  Ms. Sovine plans to apply for a consumption permit by the end of December. 
  
The focus of the spa that she intends to operate will be to assist individuals with pain.  She will also feature a line of natural products and will offer classes such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation counseling, healing circles and patient-support networking groups.   

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Denver Rec Centers Offering Free Access to Citizens 60+

 Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Denver Commission on Aging has announced the launch of MY Denver PRIME, a new program that provides residents ages 60 and older with FREE access to Denver’s recreation centers and pools, including drop-in fitness classes and clubs, beginning on January 2, 2018. In the meantime, all adults age 60 and older can access all Denver Recreation Centers free-of-charge for the remainder of December.  “Denver’s active lifestyle knows no age limit, and our older adults and seniors are just as active as anyone,” Mayor Hancock said. “By investing in the health of our seniors, we are investing in the health of our neighborhoods and our entire community.”

Denver Parks and Recreation is dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyles through access to programs and facilities that enhance the wellbeing of residents. Just like the MY Denver Card gives youth free access to the city’s recreation centers and pools, the free MY Denver PRIME membership, announced in the Mayor’s State of the City Address back in July, provides older adults with opportunities to be active and connect with their communities through recreation.  “Membership cost should not be a barrier to accessing services that add value to both physical and social health,” said Happy Haynes, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “Increased access to recreation centers provides the aging adult population with tools to improve and maintain their overall wellbeing.”

Starting January 2, Denver residents who are 60 or older can sign up for their free membership by taking proof of Denver residency and a photo ID verifying age to front desk staff at any Denver Recreation Center.  Individuals who are not already eligible for another discount program, such as Silver Sneakers or Denver Health Medical Plan (DHMP), qualify for MY Denver PRIME.

Denver has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the U.S., and over the next two decades a quarter of the city’s population will be 60 or older.  In addition to the growing number of seniors from the baby boom generation, advances in health care mean a longer life expectancy for everyone.  As the number of seniors is set to grow in the coming decades, Denver is investing in programs that provide older adults with opportunities to maintain and improve overall wellness, increasing the likelihood of healthy aging.
  
Learn more about MY Denver PRIME at www.denvergov.org/ mydenverprime

Climate Action Group Expands Efforts - Join in!

by OliveAnn Slotta, ANCA Committee member and event emcee
  
The Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) Committee marked its 2017 program year with a First Year Interactions and Celebration Event on December 7th at Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Tears-McFarlane Mansion.
  
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Board Delegate and ANCA Committee member Jim Slotta welcomed everyone and provided context for the program’s past year.    It was a spectacular, celebrative setting; the mansion was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Two food tables overflowed with holiday appetizers and treats including six champagne bottles donated by Bayon Liquors and gold glitter champagne flutes. Chick-fil-A provided plentiful, hot chicken bites and committee members provided additional food and desserts.
  
Taylor Moellers, director of the City of Denver’s Sustainable Neighborhoods Program and ANCA Committee member, described how Denver's  and the ANCA's programs inter-relate.
After Moellers' presentation there was a highly enthusiastic comparison of the 13 action plans that were created by four ANCA Forum events between October 2016 and October 2017, among them:

• Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Demonstration, demonstration forum, October 22, 2016-document only.
• South City Park (SCP), May 13, 2017-Molly Parrish, reporting
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• Cheesman Park #1, 1250 Humboldt-Embassy House, September 16, 2017-Greg Sorensen, reporting.
• Congress Park Green Team, October 6 – 7, 2017 - Liz Goehring, reporting.

 
Metro State University was proudly represented by students and former students who have assisted with the set-up and delivery of forum events. MSU graduate Olivia Blu  provided entertainment with her  personally created sustainability lyrics and music – very beautiful and enthusiastically received.
  
Attendees identified the  three groups of action plans and new titles, that are common across the three neighborhoods:

• Lower Carbon Footprint (increasing alternative transportation, 16th Avenue Dreamers, reduce home carbon use).
• Communication (inter-neighborhood research, neighborhood efficiency challenge, outreach to businesses, East High School, share tools and more, and communication mechanisms)
• Baseline for Waste Diversion (survey, waste diversion and reduction). As ongoing discussions progressed, SCP Block Captain Program and CP Block Stars seem to have a common objective and warrant another conversation;

  
Greg Sorensen (Cheesman) observed that in 2018, cross-neighborhood workshops might be held on each of these three topics to streamline the results.  Toasts and Promises claimed for the next program year ended the evening. One of the many reflective comments and promises for the future that inspired awe in the attendees was by Cheesman reporter Greg Sorensen: (We will) Make America Green Again.”

Public Meetings

January 9, 2018,  11 a.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 2.H.14 - Case # 202-17; Appeal of a denial for a multi-unit hotel deficient the required number of parking spaces at1855  Logan Street, Denver,  80203. (See above Historic Preservation Committee report for details).