Volume 36, Issue 10

Message from the President

Dear Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Members and Friends, 

Thank you for visiting the latest edition of the Urban Dweller.  Hawthorne once wrote, “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." C.H.U.N.'s board and volunteers have been out and about--building community and championing our neighborhoods.  The following are just a few highlights from September:

• The 11th Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction was a record-breaker!  With nearly 200 attendees and 50 donors represented in the silent auction, we raised more than $10,000 to support our efforts to plan, preserve, and improve the greater Capitol Hill community.  Chef Alex Seidel and Fruition Restaurant provided a fabulous array of hors d'oeuvres and a special culinary experience for our guests.  Many thanks to AT&T Colorado for underwriting the event and our partners at City Street Investors for generously donating wine.  Congratulations to VPs of Fundraising Molly Williams and Sarah Wells for organizing this successful event and thank you to the scores of volunteers for their hard work. 
• Election Day 2018 is a little more than 30 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).
• On September 29th, C.H.U.N. partnered with Walk Denver to host a traffic calming demonstration at the intersections of 13th Avenue and Marion/Lafayette Streets.  Both groups identified these intersections as unsafe to pedestrians, homeowners, and drivers alike; a team of volunteers gathered to install temporary curb extensions, crosswalks, and a parklet to illustrate how potential street design modifications could be used along the 13th Avenue corridor to reduce speeds and improve safety.  Many thanks to board members Mark Cossin, Rachel Griffin, Kevin Kelly, and others for moving this partnership project forward. 
• C.H.U.N. unanimously supported an individual landmark designation of 670 Marion Street, the Meyer‐Reed Muraglia Home.  The property, which was built in 1904, is known for its distinctive Shingle Style architectural design. It has also been the home to many prominent Denver residents including a signer of the Colorado Constitution who became Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, a nationally prominent physician, a president of the Bank of Denver who was also one of the original owners of the  Denver Broncos. 
• The Denver sidewalk repair program continues to be a topic of conversation. Our board adopted a set of recommendations and presented them to the Denver Public Works Department, City Council and Mayor Hancock's Office.  The full list of recommendations can be found later in the Urban Dweller.  We encourage council and city leadership to consider our organization's public position(s) as they weigh the future of this program and its implementation. 
• Our partnership with City Street Investors to restore and revitalize the historic Tears-McFarlane House continues to move forward.  We are excited to connect with our friends and neighbors in the coming months about the progress we have made, and we are eager to share more about this partnership..  
• C.H.U.N.'s social media presence is ever expanding. This month, we exceeded 3200 followers on Facebook, 350 on Twitter, and 340 on Instagram.  Connect with us online at chundenver.org. 
• October is a month of reflection and action, including: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month--an international effort to raise funds and awareness to tackle breast cancer.  It is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance draws attention to employment barriers that many still face and the need for added employment protections.  Finally, this month is also LGBT History Month and recognizes the history of the LGBTQ rights movement.

As we mark the beginning of autumn and welcome the month of October, take a moment to step outside, enjoy the autumnal sunshine, and get engaged.

​Warmly, 

Travis Leiker
President | CHUN Board of Delegates

​Vision Zero Mural Watch Party

Come watch a blank wall on Colfax transform into a Vision Zero-themed work of art! 

• When: Tuesday, October 2, 2018
• Time:  4 PM – 6:30 PM
• Where: SliceWorks Pizza: 700 E Colfax Ave, Denver, Colorado 80203

Join the Vision Zero Coalition and the Colfax Ave BID for happy hour and pizza on the second floor of SliceWorks! REGISTER HERE

​Join us October 4 for WTF is Blueprint Denver?

Two years ago, the City began working on the update to Blueprint Denver, the citywide land use and transportation plan that guides decisions about development and transportation in Denver. Both issues have become very relevant, timely topics thanks to the city's rapid growth since Blueprint was first adopted in 2002. 

The Denver Streets Partnership (DSP) has been hard at work reading through the draft to see which aspects of the plan will support the creation of more people-friendly streets. In addition to reading through the 283-page document, DSP members have been attending community workshops and task force meetings hosted by the City since they began the public process in 2016. Even if you haven't had a chance to participate in the development of Blueprint so far, the DSP has teamed up with WalkDenver and Streetsblog Denver to organize an explainer event: WTF is Blueprint Denver?

Come hear about about what's in the draft Blueprint Denver plan, particularly as it relates to mobility, while enjoying drinks and snacks. Expect a lively discussion and Q&A session about the good, bad, and ugly, and why YOU should care.
A Happy Hour Conversation with:

• Jill Locantore | Executive Director, WalkDenver
• David Sachs | Streetsblog Denver Editor
• John Hayden | Blueprint Denver Task Force Member

Suggested donation of $5 for the drinks/snacks with proceeds benefiting WalkDenver and Streetsblog Denver. Donations will be collected the night of the event.

​RSVP for the event HERE

Member of the Month: Colfax Business Improvement District

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods thanks the The Colfax Ave Business Improvement District (BID)​ for their support as a nonprofit partner and member. For more than 3 decades, the Colfax BID has promoted economic vitality, a clean and safe street program, and advocated on behalf of area businesses among public and private partners along Colfax Ave (approximately Grant to Josephine, between 14th and 16th). Founded in 1989, the organization is governed by a board of directors representing a diverse mix of area businesses and property owners and who are appointed by the Mayor.

A Record Success: CHUN 11th Annual Wine Tasting

Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Wine Tasting on September 12th at the Tears-McFarlane House was a huge success! More than 200 guests attended and we had a roomful of 50 silent auction items. The wines were wonderful, the margaritas delicious, and the food spectacular.

Many thanks to our Silent Auction Donors:

AK Studio | Angelo's Taverna | Carol Balkam | Berenices Salon | Blue Pan Pizza | Denver Brass    Denver Zoo | Shirley Howson | The Horseshoe Lounge | Joy’s Wine & Spirits | Landmark Theaters     Kent Miller | MP3 | Charles Nusbaum | Odyssey Restaurant | Patterson Inn |  Philantopia
Kathleen Reilly | Pablo's Coffee | Potager | OliveAnn and Jim Slotta | Diane Somer | Sportique Scooters | Steuben’s | TrueFit | WallTawk + Design | Warwick Hotel | Megan Whelan | Whole Yoga | Workability |  Wyman's #5, and many more!

We hope you'll support these local businesses in the coming months. We appreciate them and their support for Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods.

Traffic Calming Demonstration... Colorful ways to say "Slow Down"

2018 Elections Begin Soon

Get Ready To Vote: register to vote & keep your address up to date

Vote By Mail: beginning the week of October 15th ballots will be automatically mailed to active voters, or

Vote In-Person: voters may also choose to vote in-person at a Voter Service and Polling Center beginning October 15th.

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***Ballots must be received by 7pm on November 6, 2018***

Cranmer Park Sundial and Plaza Opening

​Denver's Sidewalk Repair Initiative

Contributors: Diane Travis and WalkDenver 

City Inspection:  The City of Denver is sending out inspectors to review the condition of the sidewalks in central Denver.  These inspectors will check the condition of the public sidewalk in front of your home.   They said that they will not check the walk leading up to your home or the paving from the sidewalk to the curb.  They are only interested in the public sidewalk.  They are looking for sloped, broken, uneven or miss-aligned slabs of sidewalk. If any portion of your sidewalk is lifted more than ¾” from one slab to the adjacent slab, this is deemed to be a “tripping hazard” and the stones need to be re-leveled.  If a slab of stone is shattered into several pieces, it is deemed to be beyond repair and the slab will need to be replaced.  Go to www.denvergov.org/sidewalkrepair to find sources of new sandstone slabs.
 
Tree Issues: Tree roots are the number one reason that sidewalk panels have been lifted out of alignment.  While it might be tempting to cut a root or remove a tree, do not do this without advice from the City Forester.  If you remove or damage a tree without permission from the Forester, the city can fine you for the value of the tree you took out. According to the Forester, trimming a root can actually be counter-productive.  The tree will naturally sprout multiple new roots at the site of the amputation, causing even more aggressive root activity.  The city has an online inventory of every tree in the tree lawns of the city at www.beasmartash.org.   Look under “Do I Have an Ash Tree” and “Interactive Maps”.  
  
Permits and Licenses:  If you are blocking the public sidewalk or if you are using machinery, you will need a permit.  Homeowners can obtain a permit at no cost.  Contractors are charged $50.  You can file online at www.denvergov.org/sidewalkrepair.  You should file for your permit early.  It takes a minimum of five working days for the city to process your permit application.  The Department of Public Works will deliver 4 saw-horse-style signs to your house the day before your construction starts.  Put two of these signs on the sidewalk at the ends of the block.  Put the other two signs on the sidewalk just beyond your construction zone.

WalkDenver now has information about flagstones on its website here: http://www.walkdenver.org/flagstones/

And you can link directly to the video here: https://vimeo.com/291309830

C.H.U.N. Position on Denver Sidewalk Program

At the meeting of the board on September 20, 2018, CHUN Delegates and Board Members had an extensive discussion about the Denver sidewalk repair program and made the following recommendations to Denver policymakers, council, and the mayor's office::   

1. The city should recognize the importance and beauty of flagstone sidewalks along many blocks of historic neighborhoods.
2. The city must always consider resident safety, accessibility, and mobility needs when implementing the repair of sidewalks throughout Denver, inclusive of the flagstone sidewalks. 
3. The amount in the proposed 2019 city budget for financial assistance available for repairs of flagstone sidewalks for owners who need it should be significantly increased due to the higher cost of flagstone. Owners of flagstone sidewalks requiring repairs should not be incentivized to replace them with concrete due to the higher cost.
4. Contractors who remove all or parts of flagstone from sidewalks should be required to allow the owners to keep the removed panels if they wish to do so.
5. Contractors should be required to care for (and not damage) the sidewalks or other property adjacent to the sidewalks being repaired.
6. The city should take measures to prevent the improper taking and/or theft of flagstone.
7. The city should extend the 45‐day limit for repairing/replacing flagstone sidewalks because of the shortage of contractors capable of repairing or replacing flagstone.

​News of Interest to CHUN Neighborhoods

• The historic Molly Brown House is back to its former glory after three years of renovations- Denverite
• See the Latest Flags for Denver Neighborhoods - Westword
• The experiment is Over: Denver is expanding its Broadway bike lanes - The Denver Post
• If you follow Denver flagstone sidewalks, you'll walk right into a labor shortage caused by the national immigration debate - Denverite
• Why your favorite Denver restaurants close why it’s not unusual, according to industry veterans - Denverite

CHUN Committee Updates

Zoning, Transportation, and Land Use: A Neighborhood Assembly will be held regarding a proposal to rezone the former Whole Foods location at 900 E. 11th Avenue from its current G‐MS‐3 to G‐MS‐5. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 9th, at 6 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Avenue. The CHUN Zoning, Transportation, and Land Use Committee will next meet on Wednesday, October 3rd, at 7 PM. Among other things, the agenda will include a discussion with the owner of the 17th Avenue Bar & Grill regarding his proposal to re‐zone the parking lot he owns just north across 17th Avenue from his restaurant at 1709 Washington Street to include first floor retail (but with no height increase). The meeting will be held in the 19th floor party room of the condominium building located at 1201 Williams Street. 

Historic Preservation: At its meeting on June 25, 2018, the Historic Preservation Committee of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods considered the draft application prepared by Historic Denver, Inc., for individual landmark designation of 670 Marion Street, the Meyer‐Reed Muraglia Home, which was built in 1904. It is a very large home, with a series of prominent owners and very distinctive architectural style, known as the Shingle Style.  The Committee also discussed the importance of the new sidewalk repair program being enforced by the Denver Public Works Department. All agreed that the safety of pedestrians is very important. The Committee also agreed that it is also very important to protect the historic character of the many flagstone sidewalks in our neighborhoods and not to discourage their preservation, repair and reuse where possible. 

​Other Upcoming Public Meetings

• Public Hearing before Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1653 Jackson Street    -  appeal of a Cease and Desist Order for an over height fence measuring 5 feet in height.   Hearing to be held on October 16th  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. 143-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
  

• Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1001 E. 11th Avenue   -  appeal of a denial for a trash dumpster enclosure encroaching into the side setback.   Hearing to be held on October 23rd  at 10:00 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. 149-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
• Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 93 Washington Street (part of 628 E. 1st Avenue)    -  appeal of a denial of two duplex structures on a single zone lot.   Hearing to be held on October 23rd  at 9:00 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. 151-18 for more information (720-913-3052).
• ZPIN notice regarding a portion of the yard fence 374 Monroe Street.  Portions of the fence may extend up to 8 feet in height on the north property line.  Comments are due by October 10th.  Contact Associate City Planner Jennifer Cervera at jennifer.cervera@denvergov.org  for more information.
  
• Hearing before the Planning Board regarding the Comprehensive Sign Plan for the property located at 1000 Colorado Blvd.  Hearing to be held on Wednesday, October 17th, at 3 PM in Room #389 at the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street.  Contact Will Lindsey in Planning and Development at 720-865-2959 (will.lindsey@denvergov.org) regarding Case # 2017-CSP-00008 for more information.  
  
• Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1520 Marion Street   -  Transitional house with a zone lot width violation.   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).
  
• A hearing before Denver Excise and Licenses regarding a proposed NEW Retail Marijuana License for 1250 Grant Street.  The hearing is to be held on Monday, October 29th at 1:30 PM in 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).
  
• Public Hearing before the Board of Adjustment regarding the property at 1080 Clayton Street    -  appeal of a denial to build an over height fence.   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).
  
• Denver Excise and Licenses is considering a proposed TRANSFER of ownership of a "Hotel and Restaurant" Liquor License and a Standard Cabaret License for the premises located at 1134 Broadway.  No hearing is scheduled, but additional information (including that regarding the proposed new owner) can be obtained from the offices of Denver Excise and Licenses, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, Dept. 206 (Wellington Webb Building).  Comments are due by October 15th. Contact Sharon Kinvig at that agency at sharon.kinvig@denvergov.org (720-865-2748).