Volume 36, Issue 1

Message from the President: What a difference a year makes.

Greetings Neighbors and Friends,

Happy New Year!  We hope your 2018 is off to a terrific start. 
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The past few months have been very busy for Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods.  In November, CHUN held a series of neighborhood assemblies to elect neighborhood delegates. Earlier in January,  more than 80 members and city leaders joined CHUN for its 2018 Membership Meeting--our annual gathering that included a year-in-review presentation, a discussion about critical issues facing the city, and the election of at-large delegates to the board.  The following are few notable highlights from the evening: 

Financial Successes:  In 2017, CHUN successfully paid off our $30,000 HELOC, which was taken out to meet various expenses earlier in the year.  Through fundraisers and special events, we raised more than $50,000 to support core CHUN programs and community engagement efforts.  Additionally, we ended 2017 with more than $58,000 cash on hand and recently placed more than $20,000 in reserves. This represented the first time CHUN has ended it's fiscal year in the black in more than 3 years. 

Operational & Programmatic Highlights:  CHUN donated event space at the Tears McFarlane house to local nonprofit organizations whose work supports ending homelessness.  Last summer, we launched a new membership and donor platform which resulted in a nearly 15% increase in memberships.  In September 2017 we hosted our 10th Annual wine tasting.  We remain committed to supporting those who are the most vulnerable among us.  CHUN partnered with CU-Johnson Depression Center for a suicide prevention training class, we collected goods for The Gathering Place and SafeHouse at our Holiday Party, and co-sponsored two workshops aimed at informing young families and others interested in setting up advanced directives. Finally, thanks to our board colleague Karen Pellegrin, CHUN launched a new look including website and logo. 

Policy Issues: Through CHUN's Zoning, Transportation, and Land Use Committee as well as the Historic Preservation Committee we hosted numerous neighborhood meetings involving marijuana consumption, liquor licenses, development projects, historic districts, etc.  CHUN worked with developers to preserve and re-use historic treasures in our neighborhoods including the former Cathedral High School in Uptown, the former Tammen Hall near the Uptown Medical District, and the former Sports Castle along Broadway near the Capitol.  Board delegates and CHUN Members addressed numerous issues like the Downtown Denver Partnership's proposed 5280 Loop, Verizon's plan to install small cell phone towers in our neighborhood, and Denver's Neighborhood Planning Initiative for East Central Neighborhoods of Denver.  

2018 Neighborhood and At-Large Board Delegate:  The following were elected as either a neighborhood representative or at-large board delegate.  Their terms are 1 year and will extend through 2018.  Lindsey Burleson; Donny Boulanger. Frank Butz. Shayne Brady. Nancy Charles-Parker. Georgia Burleson, Mark Cossin, Brad Cameron, Doug Goldman, Bill DeMaio, Shirley Howson, Rachel Griffin, Kevin Kelly, Andrea Hamilton, Rod Mullins, Brian Henderson, Chales Nusbaum, Matthew James, Lauren Otto, Travis Leiker, Yale Passamaneck, Kathleen Reilly, Karen Pellegrin, John Riecke, Judy Schneider, Andrew Rogge, R. Tony Smith, Caroline Schomp, Margie Valdez, Jim Slotta, Karen Van Haaften, Michele Steed, Sarah Wells, Molly Williams, Megan Whelan, Richard Wilson, Annette Woodward.  

2018 Executive Committee/Officers: Each January, the board elects its officers for the year.  The following were elected to serve on CHUN's executive committee. 

• Bill DeMaio, Vice-President of Tears-McFarlane House
• Shirley Howson, Vice-President of Fundraising
• Georgia Burleson, Vice-President of Membership
• Charles Nusbaum, Immediate Past President/Ex-Officio 
• Mark Cossin, Vice-President of Neighborhood Engagement
• John Reicke, Treasurer
• Andrea Hamilton, Secretary
• Travis Leiker, President

As CHUN enters the new year, we do so with renewed energy and optimism, commitment to our neighborhoods, and greater clarity and vision in months ahead.  We owe this all to you!  

With gratitude,

Travis Leiker
President, Board of Delegates

PS: A special thanks to the Warwick Denver for hosting our Annual Membership Meeting.  Their team of banquet captains, AV technicians, and others did an absolutely fabulous job.  If you are hosting a conference, banquet, or would like to get your next happy hour on the calendar, consider CHUN's friends at the Warwick Denver & Randolph's Restaurant. 

Why Our Neighborhoods Continue to Thrive: 
2018 Good Neighbor Award Winners

Left to Right: Ryan Taylor, Mike Plancarte, John Ott, Judy Trompeter, Fallene Wells and Annette Solis, Lisa Raville, Stan Bullis.

One of the best parts of the CHUN Annual Meeting is celebrating our annual Good Neighbor Award honorees.  Each year, nominations are gathered from our membership and other community advocates.  In 2018, CHUN recognized various businesses and individuals who went above and beyond to serve their neighbors and city.  The following are this year's honorees: 

Roger Armstrong Award for Outstanding Volunteer: This award was re-named in honor of our former executive director, who passed away in the Fall of 2017.  It recognizes those who have displayed outstanding volunteerism in our neighborhoods.  This year's winners are Mike Plancarte and John Ott, partners in Premier Ventures, LLC, which owns and operates Lala's Wine Bar, Govnr's Park, Paramount Cafe, and Marlowe's. Over the past several years, they have been extraordinarily generous to CHUN. Their team volunteered time, energy and money in 2017 to benefit CHUN by hosting a beer-tasting event. golf tournament and a movie night. Please help us show them our appreciation by visiting their businesses; be sure to mention you're from CHUN.

Jim Peiker Award for Outstanding Historic Preservation: This award recognizes a person or organization that has worked to preserve historic assets and character of our neighborhoods. This year the award went to Stan Bullis and his team for the significant renovations at the Sheedy Mansion at 1115 Grant St. and the Bosworth Mansion (formerly the Assistance League) at 1400 Josephine St.  Their work ensures that these architectural gems remain a fixture in our neighborhoods. 

Neighborhood Character Award: This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the preservation and/or development of Greater Capitol Hill's character through land use and beautification. Judy Trompeter and her colleagues in Uptown on the Hill worked to transform the south corners of the 17th and Ogden intersection into the Carla Madison Memorial Garden. Carla Madison is the late city councilwoman who represented Uptown. Using their own labor and donated goods, these neighbors turned two corners of weeds, some grass, and gravel into a "stop-and-stare" patch of flowers and native grasses. They wisely chose plants that thrive in low-water climates. In just one season, the corner is a place that brings joy to passers-by and will only become more beautiful as the years go by.

Homelessness/Affordable Housing Award: This award recognizes outstanding contributions to tackle homelessness and serve those most in need--including working to ensure affordable housing in our neighborhoods. This year CHUN recognized Ryan Taylor and The Network Coffee House, an organization started by a group of 20-something college grads in the early '80s to perform outreach to chronically mentally ill people living on the street. It calls itself "The living room of Christ for people to gather and hang out together and form redemptive relationships."  We are inspired by their work.

Safe Neighborhood Award: This award recognizes outstanding contributions toward making our neighborhoods safe, crime-free places. It was given to Lisa Raville and the Harm Reduction Action Center, which offers clinically demonstrated, nonjudgmental, non-coercive practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing  the public health risks associated with drug use.   Harm Reduction is not the opposite of recovery  but rather a stop-gap that safely prevents imminent and common harms that impact our participants and the public at large.

Tom Knorr Award for Community Service: The Tom Knorr awardee demonstrates exceptional dedication and community spirit in their work to strengthen  Greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods over time.  Tom, also a former CHUN executive director, had a distinctive approach to building community. Our winner is a person and/or organization that brings people together, builds partnerships and helps people to realize we can accomplish more collectively and become a better neighborhood as we work together. This year's winner is Fallene Wells and her salon, Let'em Have It. They source AND dispose of their products in socially and environmentally responsible fashion. They collect and donate hair products and pet supplies to local agencies and engage their community by hosting neighborhood meetings, hosting community open-house events, and providing a space for local artists to display their works. This summer, Falene gathered her staff and community neighbors to clean up the small park (Benedict Fountain Park) across from her salon at 20th and Pennsylvania. Recently, the salon became one of two salons in the world to become a certified B Corporation for demonstrating it will be a force for good in the world.

Do you have a person or business you think belongs among the CHUN Good Neighbor Awardees? A call for entries will go out next late fall. Be sure to submit your nomination then.

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CHUN Business Partner: Houchin Consulting

Houchin Consulting (HC) was established in February, 2006 initially supporting and guiding small companies in all areas of human resources. HC expanded to offer training and education to organizations of all sizes, focusing on the areas that are pitfalls for new and seasoned management, such as harassment, discrimination, bullying, LGBTQI, and workplace professionalism.  Brent Houchin, of Houchin Consulting has specialized in Human Resources Management for over 24 years. Brent has worked for organizations of various sizes from smallest to largest. Over time, he noticed some trends - a lack of clear information and respect in the workplace, specifically as it pertained to Human Resources processes. he saw opportunities for improving communication around legal compliance, job functions and procedures.  Houchin Consulting is Denver based and continues to offer Human Resources Alignment - assistance with all areas of Human Resources - as well as training and educational opportunities through webinars, seminars, conference arenas, in-services, one-on-one coaching, and small group settings.  Brent offers local, in-person and on-site assistance. Please take a moment to click on the Services tab on the website - houchinconsulting.com to learn more.

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Dora Moore Elementary Is Cooking

Oscar Padilla - Head Chef Tamayo; Rohini Saksena - Chef Owner Saucy Bombay, Bombay Clay Oven; and Mark Cossin, CHUN

CHUN Co-president Mark Cossin was one of the three "celebrity judges" at the very first Dora Moore School Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-off on January 18 at the school.  Mark was joined by Oscar Padilla, head chef at Tamayo and Rohini Saksena, Chef Owner Saucy Bombay-Bombay Clay Oven.

The cook-off was a fundraiser for the school's PTSA and it brought together teachers, parents, and community to taste the eight entries each of homemade chili and mac & cheese.  Prizes were awarded for best chili and best mac & cheese.

The winners received a gift basket full of kitchen tools including a large cast iron dutch oven. The Fan Favorite was awarded the coveted "golden macaroni," a gold goblet filled with golden macraroni, and golden kitchen utensils.  The winners were: Best Chili – Anna Marchio “Spicy Coconut Chicken Chili”; Best Mac & Cheese – John Garcia  “Definitely Healthy Mac & Cheese”; and Fan Favorite – Stephanie Shaw “Fire roasted Mac & Cheese”.

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Councilman New Pushing for More Safety, Addressing Traffic, Increased Economic Development

District 10 City Councilman Wayne New has a full agenda of priorities to enhance and improve his district in 2018. Many of these priorities focus on pedestrian and traffic issues. He also has public safety and economic development in his sights.  The full list includes: 

1. Traffic Calming, Traffic Light Evaluation, and Speed Limit Reductions - Implementing traffic improvements and speed limit study findings in key residential areas.
2. Pedestrian Safety - Improve intersection crosswalk markings to give greater visibility and protection for pedestrians at busy neighborhood intersections.
3. Sidewalk Repair Evaluation - Participate in the first regional sidewalk repair evaluation to identify sidewalks with significant repair and replacement needs.
4. Neighborhood Planning Initiative (NPI) - Continue to define NPI improvements for Colfax Avenue while preserving the character of the six surrounding neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Cheeseman Park, Congress Park, City Park, West City Park, and North Capitol Hill.
5. 1st Avenue Complete Street Project - Complete the project's design study and identify implementation funding.
6. 5280 Loop and Golden Triangle - Assist the Downtown Denver Partnership in the implementation of the 5280 Bike Loop within the Golden Triangle area.
7. District 6 Police Station Replacement - Begin the Police Department planning of the replacement of the District 6 Police Station with GO Bond funding.
8. Golden Triangle General Improvement District (GID) - Educate and engage the community to gain approval for a GID in the Golden Triangle neighborhood.

Beginning in February, the councilman will make himself available to his constituents every week. He will be at a different district location each Friday for community conversations from 10:00 am -12:00 pm. The first hour he will meet with people by appointment only, the second hour will be available for drop-in discussions.  The February and March schedules are as follows:

• February 2: Metropolis Coffee; 300 West 11th Avenue
• February 9: Dazbog Coffee; 1201 East 9th Avenue
• February 16: Under the Umbrella Café and Bakery; 3504 East 12th Avenue
• February 23: Starbucks; 250 Columbine Street
• March 9: Metropolis Coffee; 300 West 11th Avenue
• March 16: Dazbog Coffee; 1201 East 9th Avenue
• March 23: Under the Umbrella Café and Bakery; 3504 East 12th Avenue
• March 30: Starbucks; 250 Columbine Street

To make an appointment or for more information please call the councilman's office at 720-337-7710 or email Melissa Horn at melissa.horn@denvergov.org.
    
CHUN wants to express our gratitude to Councilman New for the generous donation his office has provided our organization late last year; the funds received will allow us to undertake some important and much-needed maintenance on the Tears-McFarlane House and Community Center. 

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City Park Master Plan Meeting on February 1st

Join Denver Parks & Recreation and Historic Denver to learn about the City Park Master Plan update and provide feedback on draft recommendations!
WHEN: Thursday, February 1, 2018  |  5:30PM - 7:30PM (stop by any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to learn and contribute).
WHERE:  Denver Museum of Nature and Science  | 2001 Colorado Blvd.  Learn more at: www.denvergov.org/parkprojects or email Kelly Ream, Project Manager, at Kelly.ream@denvergov.org, If you are unable to attend the meeting, there will be an option for online input, which will be available after the meeting. Stay tuned to www.denvergov.org/parkprojects for updates.

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How You Can Influence the Game Plan for a Healthy Denver

The new Carla Madison Recreation Center, which opened on January 8th.

 Did you attend one of the Game Plan public meetings held in November 2017?  If so, thank you for stopping by! To review initial feedback received, click here.  The Game Plan is currently reviewing the preliminary action strategies and recommendations for the draft plan. A plan should be available this Spring for public review.
 
If you didn't make it to the November public meetings, you can now review the presentation boards, introduction video, and slideshow to catch up, then take the latest SURVEY on how our draft strategies measure up. 

 At the end of the survey, you can optionally enter to win a gift card to the NFL Shop. The survey closes March 1, 2018 and should take approximately 10 minutes.

Survey in English.
Encuesta en Español.

For more information visit www.denvergov.org/denveright.

Carla Madison Rec Center Is OPEN...Join Today.

 Central Denver finally has a rec center! The Carla Madison Recreation Center at York and Colfax opened on January 8. CHUN board members Rachel Griffin and Charles Nusbaum helped guide its development as members of the stakeholders group. It was named after former City Councilwoman Carla Madison, who died several years ago.

The new rec center is already crowded with laughing and happy kids and huffing and puffing adults. The light feature on the front (see above) is simply spectacular. Equally spectacular is the great deal that the city is offering Denver's older residents.  MY Denver PRIME provides Denver residents ages 60+ with FREE access to all the city's recreation centers and pools, including drop-in fitness classes and clubs. To be eligible, you must be at least 60-years-old, a Denver resident, and not already eligible for another discount program. 

To get your MY Denver PRIME membership please bring proof of your Denver residency and a photo ID that verifies your age to front desk staff at any Denver Recreation Center. MY Denver PRIME memberships are not available for online registration.

For more information, help in determining eligibility or a list of proof of residency documents please visit the MY Denver Prime website.

CHUN Committees - Meetings Coming Up

Neither the Historic Preservation Committee nor the Zoning, Transportation, Land Use and Licensing Committee met within the last month. Upcoming meetings include:

• Historic Preservation: Monday, January 29, 7 p.m. at the Sheedy Mansion, 1115 Grant St.
• Zoning, Land Use, Transportation, Licensing: Wednesday, February 7, 7 p.m. at 1201 Williams St., 19th floor.

Public Meetings & Opportunities to Comment

• February 6, 2018, 11:00 a.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 2.H.14 - Case #180-17. Appeal for review of an administrative decision denying a request for zoning administrative adjustment for a designation of an alternative primary street zone lot line, in a U-RH3 UO-3 zone; and/or appeal of a denial of a permit to erect a 6-foot fence on a retaining wall that will be less than 50% open at 4 feet above the lowest grade and will exeed the maximum allowed height of 4 feet beyond the Primary Street facing Primary Structure façade in a U-RH-3A UO-3 zone.
• February 8, 2018, 1:30 p.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Department of Excise and Licenses - Hearing on a proposed Hotel and Restaurant liquor license for Fontana Sushi at 701 E. 6th Ave.
• March 6, 2018,  10:30 a.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 2.H.14 - Case # 233-17; Appeal of a Cease and Desist Order for a sign that was altered/erected forward of the primary street facing facade and encroaching into the setback without permits at Corona Presbyterian Church, 1205 E. 8th Ave.
  
• March 13, 2018, 9:30 a.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 2.H.14 - Case # 2-18; Appeal of a Denial for a new detached garage with lot coverage violation at 1025 Monroe St.
  
• March 13, 2018, 9:30 a.m. Wellington Webb Bldg., 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 2.H.14 - Case # 3-18; Appeal of a denial for a new attached garage with setback and lot coverage violations at 1153 Detroit St.