Volume 37, Edition 9

​Message From the President

Greetings Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Members and Friends,

Welcome to the September 2019 edition of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' monthly e-newsletter, the Urban Dweller.  Here is the latest from YOUR neighborhood organization and community advocate: 

• Tickets to the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods 50th Anniversary Celebration are now **SOLD OUT**.  Thus far, CHUN has raised more than $28,000 in critical funding for its community engagement, urban planning, historic preservation, and neighborhood support programs.  We head into this celebratory month with renewed optimism and excitement for the months that await us.  Equally important, we are buoyed by the generous support provided by the event sponsors including the Colfax Business Improvement District (BID), Denver Health, Denver City Councilwoman Robin Kniech, Margie Valdez and Jim Gehres, Rhonda Knop, Verizon Wireless, Presbyterian-St.Luke's Hospital, Good Chemistry, Denver Botanic Gardens, Verizon Wireless, CRL Associates, Sewald-Hanfling Public Affairs, Ivy on 7th, Travis Leiker & David Proper, the Sawaya Law Firm, City Street Investors, The Goods on Colfax, Visit Denver, Carboy Winery, 1st Bank, Colorado Wine Board, Serendipity Catering, Steuben's/Ace Eatery, and many others!
• ​Calling on all Volunteers.  We need 10+ volunteers to help with a variety of tasks at the September 18th Wine Tasting and Celebration.  Tasks include guest check-in, silent auction support and check-out, and other necessary to-dos.  If you are interested in helping with the event, please contact Nichole Racelis at chun@chundenver.  VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE ONE COMPLIMENTARY TICKET TO THE EVENT. 
• CHUN adopts diversity statement and framework.  A number of months ago, a graduate student with the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs conducted an opinion survey and interviews among current and past CHUN board delegates and members.  Two critical data points emerged from this research.  First, some reported that delegates had a tendency to engage in exclusionary, toxic behaviors--forcing others to walk away from our group.  Others were struck by the lack of diversity on the board especially representation among those historically marginalized, underserved communities.  To correct this, we are committed to being more inclusive and engaging across all activities.  CHUN has adopted a broad diversity and inclusion statement that will guide our work going forward. CHUN is committed to supporting diversity across all lines of difference, including race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, height, weight, disability status, veteran status, military obligations, marital or family status, class or economic background, housing status, political affiliation, or on any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.  You can read the full statement here. ​
• Organization's Financial Outlook is Sound. CHUN's governing documents require at least one year of operating expenses to be held in reserves. Earlier this summer, we achieved that milestone for the first time in more than 4 years.  We could not have done this without our steadfast membership base, generous benefactors, and the time and energy dedicated to preserving and leveraging the Tears-McFarlane House (CHUN's most crucial financial asset) and one of Denver's historic, community treasures.  Given this financial growth, we will be announcing new, community investment program(s) at the 50th anniversary event on September 18th. 
• Staffing and Support Team Continues Grow.  I am excited to announce Shirley Howson will join CHUN as its Officer Manager beginning September 16th, 2019.  Shirley is currently Office Manager at First Baptist Church of Denver.  Prior to that, she worked for a number of years as Senior Manager of Events and Special Projects at Brother International.  Many of you will recognize her name.  Shirley once served on CHUN's board and is active with the Uptown on the Hill RNO. We are thrilled to have Shirley on our team as we enter our next chapter of planning, preserving, and improving Denver. 
• Historic Preservation work has a new brand and identity.  Last month, we changed the name of the CHUN Historic Preservation Committee to the History Matters Committee. This committee's work will continue to emphasize the preservation of historic homes, buildings, and districts. Following the strong recommendation of the committee's membership, the board felt it was appropriate to expanded the group's charge to include other matters of historical significance too. This includes neighborhood enrichment programs, supporting initiatives that elevate the voices of historical figures and events, and ensuring that neighbors know as much about Denver's storied history as it is focused on shaping its future.  
• ​I Am Denver Storytelling Lab a Huge Success. Congratulations to Karen VanHaaften, Megan Whelan, and Karen Pelligren for organizing Capitol Hill's I Am Denver: Storytelling Lab with the City and County of Denver.  Several neighbors attended the lab session and six people recorded their stories.  Everyone was welcomed by Rowena Alegría, the Chief Storyteller of Denver; Patrick Elkins‐Zeglarski, the Associate Director of Education with Denver Center for Performing Arts, led the group in some storytelling activities. CHUN's historic Tears-McFarlane House was the venue for the training sessions and served as a lovely backdrop for the video sessions. 
• In the Media. The CHUN board provides regular updates about CHUN's financial, operational, and programmatic through various media. The August edition of Life on Capitol Hill and September edition of the Glendale-Cherry Creek Chronicle have more updates for you. Stay tuned for more, recurring updates.  

​​Finally, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' board issued a statement last month reflecting on the dialogue (debate) surrounding Tom's Diner and the attempts to designate it as a historic landmark.  The discourse at the time caused our organization's leadership some concern.  In a time when political discourse has reached new lows—especially at the national level—we have the opportunity at the local level to be productive and be better neighbors. Our beloved Capitol Hill deserves better.  CHUN will continue to offer its resources with meeting space and mediators to find those solutions that are a win for Denver. Our doors are open, and we are here to help those engaged in these and myriad other vexing issues going forward—with a renewed spirit of conversation, collaboration, and thoughtful dialogue.  

This is what CHUN is, and this is how we achieve results.   

Onward...

Travis Leiker
President, Board of Delegates
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods 

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Call for Volunteers: CHUN 50th Anniversary Event

CHUN's 50th Anniversary Celebration and Wine Tasting is completely SOLD OUT.  And, we need a team of volunteers to help with the festivities.  If you can help check guests in, staff the silent auction tables, or want to greet city dignitaries ... we NEED YOUR HELP.  All volunteers will receive one complimentary ticket to the event as well as access to delicious small bites and wine too.  

To volunteer, please contact Nichole at [email protected].

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Member of the Month

Our deepest thanks go out to the team at Humphries Poli Architects for recently renewing their support as a CHUN Business/Organization Member.  Humphries Poli Architects is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of creative place-making and revitalizing historic gems throughout the Mile High City.  

For more information about their firm or projects, visit: http://hparch.com/.

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Upcoming Events

Event Map

Civic Center Centennial Celebration
Civic Center Celebration will be hosted by the Civic Center Conservancy in Civic Center Park on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  This ticketed fundraising event serves as the major annual fundraiser for the Civic Center Conservancy, the 501(c)3 partner for the park. 

• Setup: 6:00 am on Thursday, September 12, 2019 through 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
• Tear down: 11:00 pm on Saturday September 14 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 14

Location, Closures, Transportation and Parking Details

• Closures will be the Greek Theatre Area and the immediately surrounding areas on the southern portion of the park for the duration of the event window.  Pedestrian detours will be signed for those looking to pass through this area of the park.
• There are limited meter bags closures on 14th Ave | Acoma to Broadway – during the event window on 9/12 to 9/15.
• There are no anticipated road closures, bike lane closures or sidewalk closures at this time. 

Special Features
The nonprofit Civic Center Conservancy will celebrate the centennial year of Denver's Civic Center Park as we honor two very special supporters of the Conservancy, Dennis Humphries and the Boettcher Foundation, with the 2019 Elaine Asarch Award.  For the first time in the Conservancy's 15-year history, this annual event will take place outdoors in Civic Center Park.
Cocktails within the Greek Theatre, dinner, entertainment by members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and a post-dinner party will be included with a ticket. 
 
Organized by Conservancy staff and the Centennial Celebration Committee, proceeds from the Civic Center Park Celebration support the Conservancy’s free community programming aimed at revitalizing Civic Center Park - elevating and sustaining this National Historic Landmark as a vibrant and iconic cultural hub. Civic Center Conservancy programs include Civic Center EATS, Civic Center MOVES, Independence Eve, Art in the Park and a range of notable special events and concerts each year. We expect around 400 people for this celebration. 
 
Contact Information

• If you have any questions, please contact 303-861-4633 to reach the Civic Center Conservancy office.
• For additional information on the event as well as ticket/sponsorship information please visit: http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org/event-2019-centennial-celebration_116.html

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​CHUN Meetings, Forums & Committees

​As CHUN continues to enhance its programming, the Board of Delegates has recently refined the names, scope, and vision for its primary committees. 

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

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

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Top Neighborhood News Stories

Sure looks like Whole Foods plans to reopen in Capitol Hill

Whole Foods Market, 11th Avenue. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) Kevin J. Beaty

Original story by David Sachs - Denverite.com
Well, look who’s (maybe) back.
Papers filed with the Denver planning department suggest that Whole Foods Market wants to set up shop again at its old Capitol Hill stomping grounds.

The grocer closed its doors at 11th Avenue and Ogden Street in the fall of 2017 when it opened a location downtown. But now it looks like the Amazon-owned company wants back in, according to an application asking the city to permit a combination grocery store and restaurant. (The document uses bureaucratic terms like “food market” and “eating and drinking establishment.”)

The applicant has requested three permits, including one to renovate the building, but none have been approved. Architecture firm BRR filed the permit requests and renovation plans, which bear the Whole Foods logo.
Building owner Doug Antonoff told Denverite any confirmation on the store returning to Cap Hill would have to come from Whole Foods, which has not returned a request for comment.

Whole Foods had 13 years left on its lease, Antonoff told Denverite during a neighborhood meeting last year.
As Denverite reported in 2017, Whole Foods planned to hold on to the property. The Cap Hill Whole Foods building is roughly 20,500 square feet, and the company said it was considering locations smaller than 35,000 square feet for its millennial-focused, less-pricey 365 concept.

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Local Stories Focused On Climate

With the world recently reflecting on climate catastrophes such as the fires in the Amazon and the Arctic, local communities and government officials have notched up their own focus and efforts around the climate crisis.

The most talked about local Denver climate news has recently been centered around Denver City Council's recent carbon tax proposal.
Read more about the propasl efforts:

• Denver officials advance carbon tax measure as skeptics emerge, including Mayor Hancock
• Denver council committee votes to advance carbon tax, climate change office proposals to full body
• Denver City Council member questions how much revenue 'pollution tax' would generate
• Editorial: Proposed Denver pollution tax is not ready for prime time

​
​However, the carbon tax is not the only environmental topic to come up. Other climate topics that have surfaced recently in local news include the discovery of plastics in rain water and talk about mirroring California efforts to reach zero emissions on vehicles in Denver.

​Read more about these latest stories:

• 'It is raining plastic': Scientists find colorful micro-plastic in rain in Denver, Boulder​
• Colorado Joins 20 Other States In Lawsuit Over New Coal Rules
• Blue-Green Algae Plumes Found In Sloan’s Lake Could Be Dangerous
• Colorado Department Of Public Health Analyzing Rocky Flats Soil Sample
• Denver council members will propose plastic bag ban​
• Colorado Is Now On Board With California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Approach
• Denver Schools Implement New Program To Monitor Air Quality
• Denver Animal Shelter warns of deadly algae in Sloan’s Lake

It's clear that Denver is feeling the effects of various environmental impacts and are looking for solutions. If you would like to take part in climate change and other environmental solutions for your community and the world at large, join us for one of our upcoming CHUN Climate Crisis Committee (CCCC) meetings.

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Denver Celebrates Workforce Development Month with Series of Events for JobSeekers and Employers Throughout September

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) is celebrating Workforce Development Month throughout September with a series of more than 20 job fairs, free training, and workshops to help area job seekers find new career opportunities. Events are also targeted to employers, to promote staff recruitment, retention and training services provided through DEDO’s workforce development division, Denver Workforce Services.
 
“Our programs are making a lasting difference at connecting residents to good-paying jobs and career opportunities, while helping employers with their talent needs,” said Tony Anderson, Director of DEDO’s Denver Workforce Services. “We’re looking forward to broadening our reach throughout the month to assist more individuals and employers.”
 
Notable events planned for September include:

• Government Job Fair – In conjunction with neighboring counties, Denver Workforce Services is co-hosting a job fair on September 10, featuring hiring representatives from local, state and federal agencies. A separate resource fair is offered September 5, where tips will be offered on how to tailor your resume and prepare to compete for government positions.
• Discover Denver Job & Career Fair – More than 20 employers will be on hand September 14, recruiting professional entry level positions and higher.
• Path to Construction Job Fair – At this September 25th event, individuals can learn more about the many construction projects planned for Denver over the next several years, as well as associated job and long-term career opportunities. Training options will be detailed, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training.
• Path to Community Resource Fair – A number of support services and resources are available to individuals who may have barriers to employment. Learn more from over a dozen nonprofit and community organizations at this September 4th event.
• Path to Payday Job Fair – This September 18th job fair will feature more than 20 employers, across a range of industries, who are hiring immediately for entry- to mid-level positions.
• Employer Services Symposium – With services ranging from posting job openings, to customized recruitment events and training subsidies, Denver Workforce Services assists employers in a number of ways. This September 26th event will include information from Denver Workforce Services staff plus employers that have utilized public workforce system services.
• Job Search for Older Adults – A free workshop on the AARP Foundation’s “Back to Work 50+” program offers tailored strategies and coaching to assist individuals to compete for full-time, in-demand jobs. Additionally, a “Job-Seeking in the 21st Century” workshop is presented by Senior Planet.

 
A complete list of Denver’s events for the month is available at: http://bit.ly/WFMonth19

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CityLab University: Zoning Codes

Turns out Euclidean zoning has nothing to do with the Greek mathematician. // Giordano Poloni

Don’t know your R1 from your FAR? We’re here to explain how zoning laws work, how these ordinances shape your city and neighborhood, and why we fight over them.

It’s time again for CityLab University, a resource for understanding some of the most important concepts related to cities and urban policy. If you have constructive feedback or would like to see a similar explainer on other topics, drop us a line at [email protected].

Although invisible on land and inscrutable on paper, municipal zoning codes have a tremendous impact on the form of cities—and by extension, on the way people live in them.

Today, these arcane regulations are seeing unprecedented levels of public scrutiny. After decades of embracing strict zoning rules, several cities and states want to relax them to make it easier to build housing and create more environmentally friendly communities.

Read the full story on CityLab.com

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Also In The News

• Buyer of vacant Cherry Creek office building adds property next door
• Income-restricted apartment building proposed a block south of Capitol
• Six-story apartment building project proposed near 9th and Colorado
• Realtor Mary Rae, who saved some of Capitol Hill's historic mansions, dies at 79
• City comments on Cherry Creek homeowner's lawsuit over short-term rental license denial
• Full-floor condo overlooking Cheesman Park sells for $2.4M
• Tom's Diner will probably disappear as Denverites withdraw bid to preserve it
• New Cherry Creek building leased to WeWork and Amazon Books sells for $55M​

Denver8TV Keeps You In The Know
Your City Now has all the week's news for you in under 5 minutes!

• For-profit detention centers
  
• East Colfax plan
  
• A carbon tax
  
• Redeveloping Loretto Heights
  
• Plus, the next #IAmDenver events.

Tune in every week to keep up!
Follow @Denver8TV to learn more.

• More Riders OR Service Everywhere?  RTD May Have To Choose As It Plots Its Future
• Denver Park Trust launched to support city's park system
• Small Denver arts and sciences organizations will get $2.7 million from SCFD this year
• ​City looks to require owner-applicant meeting prior to hostile landmark applications 
• DIA Great Hall Project Should Resume In Early 2020​
• Denver is adding million-dollar businesses faster than most U.S. cities
• Denver owns valuable land in Ballpark, a hotel developer wants it, taxpayers may be cornered into handing it over for peanuts
• City-owned land near the Ballpark neighborhood could sell for cheap
• Denver police arrest two for separate murders in Montbello and East Colfax
• Activists Want To Save Geese From Future Culling Campaign
• Downtown Denver site where 81-story skyscraper was proposed has new buyer
• Guided tours will show off new 5280 Trail in Denver
• Will Lower Speed Limits Actually Prevent Traffic Deaths in Denver?
• Denver Public Schools, teachers union reflect on life after teacher strike
• Top 6 areas of Denver that the city plans to develop​
• Report: Homelessness in Denver up nearly 15% over last year
• Who Are The People Who Can Actually Afford Denver-Boulder’s High Rents And Mortgages?​
• Colorado Department Of Public Health Analyzing Rocky Flats Soil Sample
• Metro Urgent Care Clinics Close Leaving Employees High & Dry
• The heat is on: 60 Denver schools lack air conditioning as city heats up to 98 degrees
• Denver Homeless Out Loud spent an afternoon campaigning in and around city hall
• Exploring One of the Best New (Underground) Bars in Denver
• Escuela de Guadalupe Celebrates 20 Years of Biliterate Education​
• Denver Halfway House Residents Voice Concerns To Mayor
• Is there a law that requires outdoor pools to close when the school year starts?
• 5 New Deaths on Denver Streets Leave Advocates Wondering When Safety Upgrades Will Come
• Locals Protest the 5G Towers That Promise a High-Tech Future
• Owning a home takes money and insight. Denver’s CrossPurpose helps people get both.​
• Exclusive: Downtown Denver site where 81-story skyscraper was proposed has new buyer
• Denver development plan will ruin character of Colfax neighborhoods, some residents contend

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

Terra Firma Investment
Rosen Properties
SafeHouse Denver
Folk Artisans
Friends and Neighbors for Cheesman Park
Capitol Convenience
CCNNA
St. Charles Town Company
The Residences at Capitol Heights
Paradise Cleaners
Racines Restaurant
Colorado Vincentian Volunteers
Historic Denver, Inc.
Angelo's Taverna
​Cheesman Park Advocacy Group
subculture
The Parlour - Capitol Hill  
Tandem Bar
Human Services Consultants  
Argonaut Wine & Liquor 
Unbridle
​Good Chemistry

​Denver Health​
Humphries Poli Architects
Secret Sauce F&B (Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve)
The Goods Restaurant
Table 6
The Bank of Denver
Barbara H de Jong, CFP, Edwards Jones
St Paul Health Center
First Bank
Steubens Food Service
Assistance League Denver
Axis Pilates
Investigations Law Group
​Humboldt Street Neighborhood Assoc.
Good Chemistry 
Nob Hill Inn 
Park Tavern Restaurant 
Humphries Poli Architects 
​Alternative Medicine on Capitol Hill  
​Adagio Bed and Breakfast 
Pete's Restaurants ​
​And Many More ... !

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ABOUT THE EDITOR: Karen Pellegrin ​is has been appointed as editor of the CHUN Urban Dweller and a member of the board for West Capitol Hill (neighborhood 4).  In her day job, Karen is a senior web administrator for the City and County of Denver and the city's digital accessibility coordinator, helping to manage the www.denvergov.org website and the city's web accessibility efforts.  In her free time, Karen spends time in one of the wonderful Cap Hill parks, riding her bike along the Cap Hill neighborhood streets, or hiking and camping in the mountains nearby.

If you have something to share with your Cap Hill neighbors, please submit your news and stories to: [email protected]