New’s Letter Nov 2015
Unintended Consequences
Over the years the City of Denver has made improvements, some of which may have had the best intentions for desired results but which have not clearly addressed potential detrimental side effects – those unintended consequences. Let’s focus on a couple of examples.
DEVELOPMENT, PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND TRANSIT – Cherry Creek and other areas of the City have experienced tremendous growth and development. With this growth has come greater density due to the scarcity and high cost of land, driving developers to create buildings with more height and scale. In order to encourage development and to reduce building cost, city planners promoted reduced parking, explaining that future transit will result in less cars and help control traffic. Even though intentions for future area transportation were sound, traffic congestion and parking shortages are being felt by all residents. The lack of transportation planning and short-term transit implementation has produced the unintended consequences of traffic and parking difficulties that will be experienced for the next several years until transit systems are created.
Proposed Conservation Overlay Presented At Oct 23 2024 Meeting
The following are the existing zoning codes in Congress Park that are considered for inclusion in the overlay with the exclusion of Historic buildings, and commercial U-MS areas All heights listed are for the front 65% of the lot. All allow for 37.5% lot coverage. There are 1,921 single-unit buildings of varying forms and types Average lot sizes range from approximately 3200 sq.ft. to 6250 sq.ft. there are a few … Continue reading →
Congress Park Neighbors Meeting Oct 23 2024
Video of Congress Park Neighbors October meeting. The topic was a proposed conservation overlay. Josh Palmeri from Denver CPD was present to answer questions. 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:42 Conservation Overlay00:11:58 Questions and discussion00:37:27 Announcements DOWNLOAD
Congress Park Overlay Proposed Standards
In Denver, between 1890 and the 1930’s, most of the housing in Congress Park was built. This includes 1,867 single family and 439 multiunit residences that compose the fabric of our neighborhood. The neighborhood that has evolved to the present day with tree lined streets filled with Denver Squares, Bungalows and turn of the century multifamily buildings. Our neighborhood has characteristics that we think are worth preserving and promoting. A … Continue reading →
Congress Park Neighbors Meeting Aug 21 2024
This meetings presentation was about Conservation Overlays and what they can and can’t do. The presenter was Libby Kaiser CPD Planner for Denver Chapters 00:00:00 Intro Vicki Eppler00:01:31 Conservation Overlay Process Libby Kaiser CPD Planner00:32:42 Questions and Answers00:47:32 Conclusion Download Additional links Denver Zoning Code Conservation Overlays Cherry Creek East Survey
The Merits of a Conservation Overlay for Congress Park
Neighbors Recently Congress Park Neighbors RNO did a survey asking you about the characteristics in our neighborhood that mattered the most to you and those that created the most concern. Neighbors responded from across the neighborhood. Many comments echoed similar desires. There is a great love of trees, adjacent parks, walkability, and the historic nature, scale and mix of our neighborhood. Concerns were also similar, traffic and the loss of … Continue reading →
Congress Park Neighbors June 19 2024 Meeting
Vicki called the meeting to order at 7pm, and gave a synopsis on who we are and what we do. Vicki encouraged people to attend the June 25 meeting a Morey School, sponsored by Chris Hinds and Mayor Johnson. Hillary Estner from DPL gave a presentation on the newly reopened Ross-Cherry Creek library. Vicki gave an update on the progress of the wastewater project, which is now working East of … Continue reading →
HOMELESSNESS – Ten years ago Mayor John Hickenlooper initiated “Denver’s Road Home – Ending Homelessness in 10 Years.” The Mayor’s good intentions generated great public enthusiasm and community support by the City, the Denver Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, area churches and other organizations helping to feed and care for these citizens. As the needs of the homeless population grow more acute in the areas of addiction, mental health and job training, it is evident that the key support elements of housing, transportation, and treatment programs are not being addressed. As a result, Denver is known for feeding and caring for the homeless, but the unintended consequences are that the homeless population has grown, creating loitering and inappropriate behaviors that affect our businesses, parks, and our neighborhoods. The cycle of homelessness is far from being broken.
Unintended consequences are not unforeseen “surprises”. Most, if not all, of these unintended consequences were identified but not resolved primarily due to a lack of capital funds or a lack of proactive, comprehensive planning and preventive management. We cannot continue to fund good intentions without concurrent solutions for predictable consequences. “Unintended consequences” are typically foreseeable and must be addressed before they become crises.
2016 City Budget and Improving Services for You
The new City Council members were quickly introduced to the 2016 City budget process and
the Mayor’s recommendations for improvements. Even though we entered the process late, all City Council members have studied the budgets, questioned departments about their requests, and advocated for improvements with our constituent needs in mind. The following are some elements relative to budget issues.
the Mayor’s recommendations for improvements. Even though we entered the process late, all City Council members have studied the budgets, questioned departments about their requests, and advocated for improvements with our constituent needs in mind. The following are some elements relative to budget issues.
DENVER ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Unemployment rate – 4.3% in June 2015 – down from 4.8% in June, 2014
Total revenue growth – 6.3% 2015 over 2014 with 1.4% growth projected in 2016
Strong financial condition – AAA credit rating from all key rating agencies
Core sales and use tax revenue growth – 3.9% in 2015 with 5% growth projected in
2016 Key tax drivers – food/drink; motor vehicles; retail marijuana; real estate/leases;
wholesale trade Lodging activity – 89% hotel occupancy in July for Denver metropolitan area
Home prices – 10.2% home price increase as of June, 2015
Building permits – significant increase in volume with 34% increase in permit $
valuations
Unemployment rate – 4.3% in June 2015 – down from 4.8% in June, 2014
Total revenue growth – 6.3% 2015 over 2014 with 1.4% growth projected in 2016
Strong financial condition – AAA credit rating from all key rating agencies
Core sales and use tax revenue growth – 3.9% in 2015 with 5% growth projected in
2016 Key tax drivers – food/drink; motor vehicles; retail marijuana; real estate/leases;
wholesale trade Lodging activity – 89% hotel occupancy in July for Denver metropolitan area
Home prices – 10.2% home price increase as of June, 2015
Building permits – significant increase in volume with 34% increase in permit $
valuations
CITY KEY BUDGET CATEGORIES AND CHANGES
2016 Compared to 2015 (Dollars in Millions)The proposed City budget for 2016 is over $1.8 billion, which is a 5.2 percent increase over the
2015 budget. The City is legally required to develop a balanced budget of revenue and
expense, which is achieved with the 2016 budget proposal. Some of the key revenue and
expense areas are shown below.
2016 Compared to 2015 (Dollars in Millions)The proposed City budget for 2016 is over $1.8 billion, which is a 5.2 percent increase over the
2015 budget. The City is legally required to develop a balanced budget of revenue and
expense, which is achieved with the 2016 budget proposal. Some of the key revenue and
expense areas are shown below.
KEY AREAS OF INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE
Public Safety
- Sheriff – The best news is that our new Sheriff, Patrick Firman, has been appointed.
Although the Sheriff Department remains significantly understaffed, over $13 million was
added to the budget to address operational issues. New leadership is critical in order to
improve and sustain safe and effective jail operations. City Council will be supporting
Sheriff Firman and his efforts to make needed changes in our jail operations. - Body cameras – The cameras have been approved for the police, and procedures on
how the cameras will be used are being developed for implementation in the next few
months. - Budget – The budget for the entire Public Safety Department (police, fire, and sheriff)
has increased, but the total is less as a percent of total City budget than last year. In
particular, the actual police budget is less than last year with a projected lower number
of active-duty police officers due to retiring officers. With public safety being one of the
city’s most important responsibilities, and crime projected to increase in 2016, the City
Council is addressing this police budget shortage by recommending the two 2016 new
officer classes be increased from 22 to 50 officers. The Mayor has agreed to a police
manpower study to analyze the number of needed police officers for the projected
workload and responsibilities in 2016. This study will be conducted by police and City
Council members.
Affordable Housing
Additional incentive funding for low- to middle-income housing is being planned for next year.
In addition, the City is proposing an ordinance which addresses three areas in the state
construction defects legislation. The proposed changes will not affect the state law’s protection of home owners with potential defect problems. The primary purpose of the ordinance will be to promote greater condo development for new homeowners, especially first-time young home buyers as well as senior citizens wanting to downsize.
In addition, the City is proposing an ordinance which addresses three areas in the state
construction defects legislation. The proposed changes will not affect the state law’s protection of home owners with potential defect problems. The primary purpose of the ordinance will be to promote greater condo development for new homeowners, especially first-time young home buyers as well as senior citizens wanting to downsize.
Strategic Planning Processes
- Blueprint Denver – The present citywide land-use plan will be updated to evaluate all
areas of the City and promote future growth and development in specific areas.
Economic development with a greater availability of future capital improvement funds
will be critical for success.
- Transportation Services – The first comprehensive transportation plan for the City will
be created addressing all forms of mobility (light rail, bus rapid transit, improved bus
service, bikes, and other forms of alternative car transportation). Improving
transportation will be key to economic development.
Infrastructure Improvements
Significant additional funding will be provided for street paving, pothole repairs, bike lanes, bridge maintenance and median rehab. City Council is working on a sidewalk improvement plan with Walk Denver leadership. Areas for street paving in 2016 are listed on the City public works website.
City Council Homelessness Retreat
Homelessness has reached the stage where homeless individuals are having a detrimental
effect on businesses, in our parks, and on the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Even though
there are many organizations which are providing needed services, the systemic management of our services needs to be evaluated. With improvement in mind, the City Council will have a half-day retreat. It will focus on key elements of homeless services and information about how other comparable cities are addressing their system and services. The retreat, chaired by Councilman Wayne New and Councilwoman Robin Kniech, will be held on Friday, December 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
effect on businesses, in our parks, and on the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Even though
there are many organizations which are providing needed services, the systemic management of our services needs to be evaluated. With improvement in mind, the City Council will have a half-day retreat. It will focus on key elements of homeless services and information about how other comparable cities are addressing their system and services. The retreat, chaired by Councilman Wayne New and Councilwoman Robin Kniech, will be held on Friday, December 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Police District Contact Information and Advisory Meetings
The Denver Police Department has three police districts within portions of the boundaries of
our District as follows:
Station Commander Phone # Coverage Meetings
District 2 Commander Michael Calo 720-913-1000 N. of 8th; E. of York First Thursday, Bi-Monthly
District 3 Commander Magen Dodge 720-913-1300 S. of 8th First Monday, Monthly
District 6 Commander Tony Lopez 720-913-2800 N. of 8th; W. of York Contact District 6
our District as follows:
Station Commander Phone # Coverage Meetings
District 2 Commander Michael Calo 720-913-1000 N. of 8th; E. of York First Thursday, Bi-Monthly
District 3 Commander Magen Dodge 720-913-1300 S. of 8th First Monday, Monthly
District 6 Commander Tony Lopez 720-913-2800 N. of 8th; W. of York Contact District 6
7th Avenue Traffic Improvement
On Tuesday, October 20 approximately 100 7th Avenue
residents met at the Church of the Good Shepherd with
Lt. Mike O’Donnell of Police District 3, Steve Hersey of
Denver Public Works and Councilman Wayne New to
discuss recent traffic fatalities, cut-through traffic,
excessive speeding and the lack of pedestrian
crosswalks. Resident Rachelle Bodnar presented
research on traffic mitigation strategies and practices. The discussion was very productive, and a working group of neighbors will be formed by Seventh Avenue Neighborhood
Association along with public works and Councilman New to review traffic mitigation tools. The group will report back recommendations at a Seventh Avenue Neighborhood
Association public meeting in 2016.
residents met at the Church of the Good Shepherd with
Lt. Mike O’Donnell of Police District 3, Steve Hersey of
Denver Public Works and Councilman Wayne New to
discuss recent traffic fatalities, cut-through traffic,
excessive speeding and the lack of pedestrian
crosswalks. Resident Rachelle Bodnar presented
research on traffic mitigation strategies and practices. The discussion was very productive, and a working group of neighbors will be formed by Seventh Avenue Neighborhood
Association along with public works and Councilman New to review traffic mitigation tools. The group will report back recommendations at a Seventh Avenue Neighborhood
Association public meeting in 2016.
Fire Safety
In 2014, the Denver Fire Department responded to 112,370 emergency calls. Bravo to our Fire
and Safety Personnel!!
and Safety Personnel!!
During the holiday season, but in between 911 responses, you may have opportunities to see
Denver Firefighters at community events including turkey drives, the Sam Sandos Basket
Program, the Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Seniors Luncheon, and Toys for Tots among others.
Don’t forget these holiday safety reminders:
Denver Firefighters at community events including turkey drives, the Sam Sandos Basket
Program, the Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Seniors Luncheon, and Toys for Tots among others.
Don’t forget these holiday safety reminders:
- At home: Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Blow out candles
before leaving the room. Download a home escape plan at
http://www.denvergov.org/fire and practice with the whole family.
Staying at another home or a hotel? Know your emergency exits. - On the road: Pull over to the right for sirens and lights. Do not stop in your traffic lane
and do not pull over to the left.
In the kitchen: Oil and water do not mix! If you have a grease fire on the stove,
smother it; do not use water.Planning to fry a turkey? Check out this 2-minute video: http://ow.ly/TJwCE - Call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency questions and services, call 311.
Snow Removal
SNOW REMOVAL FROM CITY STREETS:
Main streets, or most streets with stripes, are the
priority for Denver Public Works and its 70 large
snowplows. These main streets are the streets that
carry most of the city’s traffic, as well as emergency
vehicles and public transportation. Denver Public
Works removes snow from Denver city streets. The Colorado Department of Transportation
addresses state highways.
priority for Denver Public Works and its 70 large
snowplows. These main streets are the streets that
carry most of the city’s traffic, as well as emergency
vehicles and public transportation. Denver Public
Works removes snow from Denver city streets. The Colorado Department of Transportation
addresses state highways.
SNOW REMOVAL FROM RESIDENTIAL OR “SIDE” STREETS:
The Residential Snow Plow Program was created during the blizzards of 2006-07 to keep
residential streets, or side streets, passable. The residential plows do not deploy every time
snow falls. The city only activates the program as an emergency measure under specific
conditions due to the expense and extensive resources required for deployment.
residential streets, or side streets, passable. The residential plows do not deploy every time
snow falls. The city only activates the program as an emergency measure under specific
conditions due to the expense and extensive resources required for deployment.
Criteria for calling out the residential plows:
Between November 15 and March 15 only
12 inches or more of snow predicted
Accompanied by prolonged freezing temperatures
The Manager of Denver Public Works recommends this program to the Mayor when
necessary.
What to expect:
When deployed, the residential plows take a single swipe down the center of each side
street and shave off the top few inches of snow to prevent deep rutting of ice and keep
streets passable; the plows will not expose bare pavement.
The side streets will not receive any anti-icing or de-icing material.
A typical deployment of the residential plow program lasts 2-3 days.
For up-to-date information on Denver Public Works’ snow plan, please
visit www.DenverSnowPlan.com.
Between November 15 and March 15 only
12 inches or more of snow predicted
Accompanied by prolonged freezing temperatures
The Manager of Denver Public Works recommends this program to the Mayor when
necessary.
What to expect:
When deployed, the residential plows take a single swipe down the center of each side
street and shave off the top few inches of snow to prevent deep rutting of ice and keep
streets passable; the plows will not expose bare pavement.
The side streets will not receive any anti-icing or de-icing material.
A typical deployment of the residential plow program lasts 2-3 days.
For up-to-date information on Denver Public Works’ snow plan, please
visit www.DenverSnowPlan.com.
Holiday Events
LIGHT THE LIGHTS OF THE DENVER CITY & COUNTY BUILDING
Friday, November 27
Join the annual celebration of holiday lights illuminating Denver’s City & County Building! The
event begins at 6:00 p.m. with entertainment and includes a live broadcast on 9News with Mayor Hancock flipping the lights on at approximately 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to the Civic
Center for the 85th annual commemoration of holiday lights! The event is non-ticketed, free
and open to the public.
Friday, November 27
Join the annual celebration of holiday lights illuminating Denver’s City & County Building! The
event begins at 6:00 p.m. with entertainment and includes a live broadcast on 9News with Mayor Hancock flipping the lights on at approximately 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to the Civic
Center for the 85th annual commemoration of holiday lights! The event is non-ticketed, free
and open to the public.
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
Friday, November 27
Botanic Gardens
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light.
The York Street location will display over 1 million colorful lights draped in elegant designs to highlight
the garden’s winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages,brand new displays and romantic mistletoe kissing spots, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
Friday, November 27
Botanic Gardens
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light.
The York Street location will display over 1 million colorful lights draped in elegant designs to highlight
the garden’s winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages,brand new displays and romantic mistletoe kissing spots, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
DENVER ZOO LIGHTS
Preview Nights November 27 & 28
Humans aren’t the only species that get to decorate their lawns this holiday season. Take a stroll through Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo and you’ll “ohhh” and “ahhh” over the 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights and more than 150 animated animal sculptures. And don’t miss the month-long Zoo Lights
Lantern Festival taking place in the Toyota Elephant Passage. It’s the perfect way to light up
your holiday spirit. Preview nights begin on November 27 and 28. Daytime admission does not
include Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo will close at 5:00 p.m. and reopen at 5:30 p.m. for Zoo Lights.
Preview Nights November 27 & 28
Humans aren’t the only species that get to decorate their lawns this holiday season. Take a stroll through Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo and you’ll “ohhh” and “ahhh” over the 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights and more than 150 animated animal sculptures. And don’t miss the month-long Zoo Lights
Lantern Festival taking place in the Toyota Elephant Passage. It’s the perfect way to light up
your holiday spirit. Preview nights begin on November 27 and 28. Daytime admission does not
include Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo will close at 5:00 p.m. and reopen at 5:30 p.m. for Zoo Lights.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
November 28
Show your support for the businesses that make our
neighborhoods great by patronizing brick and mortar
shops and services that are small and local. Get up,
get out, and Shop Small on Nov. 28.
November 28
Show your support for the businesses that make our
neighborhoods great by patronizing brick and mortar
shops and services that are small and local. Get up,
get out, and Shop Small on Nov. 28.
9NEWS PARADE OF LIGHTS
December 4 & 5
Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 41st
Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile
parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for
Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE
holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate
floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab
your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever! The event starts at
8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4 and at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5.
Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 41st
Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile
parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for
Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE
holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate
floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab
your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever! The event starts at
8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4 and at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5.
Community Organizations
Neighborhood / Business Organizations Website / Email Address
Alamo Placita Neighbors www.alamoplacita.org
Bluebird Business Improvement District www.bluebirdbeat.com
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN) www.chundenver.org/
Cheesman Park Advocacy Group www.cheesmanpark.org
Cherry Creek East Association www.cherrycreekeast.org
Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce www.cherrycreekchamber.org
Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District www.cherrycreeknorth.com
Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association www.ccnneighbors.com
Cherry Creek Steering Committee bwarch@comcast.net
Alamo Placita Neighbors www.alamoplacita.org
Bluebird Business Improvement District www.bluebirdbeat.com
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN) www.chundenver.org/
Cheesman Park Advocacy Group www.cheesmanpark.org
Cherry Creek East Association www.cherrycreekeast.org
Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce www.cherrycreekchamber.org
Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District www.cherrycreeknorth.com
Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association www.ccnneighbors.com
Cherry Creek Steering Committee bwarch@comcast.net
City Park Friends and Neighbors www.cpfan.org
Colfax Business Improvement District www.colfaxave.com
Colfax on the Hill www.colfaxonthehill.com
Congress Park Neighbors www.congressparkneighbors.org
Country Club Historic Neighborhood Association www.countryclubhistoric.org
Golden Triangle Museum District www.gtmd.org
Golden Triangle Neighborhood Association www.goldentriangleofdenver.com
Miller Park Neighborhood Association trmdenver@comcast.net
Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association www.7thavenueneighborhood.org
Stokes Place – Green Bowers Neighborhood www.sp-gb.org
Swallow Hill Neighborhood Association bobhampe@gmail.com
Unsinkables unsinkablesindenver@gmail.com
Uptown on the Hill www.uptownonthehill.org
Councilman Wayne New | District 10
720-337-7710 | Wayne.New@denvergov.org | www.denvergov.org
Colfax Business Improvement District www.colfaxave.com
Colfax on the Hill www.colfaxonthehill.com
Congress Park Neighbors www.congressparkneighbors.org
Country Club Historic Neighborhood Association www.countryclubhistoric.org
Golden Triangle Museum District www.gtmd.org
Golden Triangle Neighborhood Association www.goldentriangleofdenver.com
Miller Park Neighborhood Association trmdenver@comcast.net
Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association www.7thavenueneighborhood.org
Stokes Place – Green Bowers Neighborhood www.sp-gb.org
Swallow Hill Neighborhood Association bobhampe@gmail.com
Unsinkables unsinkablesindenver@gmail.com
Uptown on the Hill www.uptownonthehill.org
Councilman Wayne New | District 10
720-337-7710 | Wayne.New@denvergov.org | www.denvergov.org