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Dear Neighbors,
As we say hello to warmer days, District 5 is gearing up for an exciting and productive spring season! Our parks are ready to bloom and we're kicking off our annual Spring Cleanup Day on Sunday, April 30 by meeting at Montclair Rec Center at 8:30 am. We hope you can join us! Sign up using the link below.
We're also slowly making the transition to the new District 5. We'll be welcoming the Cherry Creek and Country Club neighborhoods on July 17th, which is Inauguration Day. Over the next few months we'll be adding information related to these neighborhoods on our website and newsletter. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions as we work towards this transition!
Please check our social media and website for updates on all things happening around District 5. And as always, don't hesitate to reach out to our office if there is anything we can do to assist you!
Gratefully,
Councilwoman, Amanda Sawyer
District 5
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GENERAL INQUIRIES
DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org
720-337-5555
Visit our website for useful information and helpful links!
LOCATION
City and County Building
1437 Bannock St., Room 451
Denver, CO 80202
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OFFICE HOURS
Councilwoman Sawyer will be on medical leave due to hip surgery and working remotely for the rest of April. Here is the list of our Office Hours over the next month:
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Friday, April 21, from 11:00AM to 1:00 PM
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Thursday, May 4 from 9:00 to 11:00AM
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Thursday, May 11, from 11:00AM to 1:00 PM at Frank & Roze
Contact our office to schedule an appointment if another time works better for you, or if you would prefer to meet in person!
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Spring Parks Clean Up Day
Spring Parks Clean Up Day is Sunday, April 30 from 8:30AM to 11 AM. The parks that will receive attention this spring are:
- 6th Avenue Parkway (Monaco to Quebec)
- Bayaud Park
- Denison Park
- Great Lawn Park
- John W Barnes Park
- Kittredge Park
- Lindsley Park
- Mayfair Park
- Montclair Park
- New Freedom Park
- Robinson Park
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Quebec Improvements Project Update
Several folks have reached out to our office with concerns about the delays they've noticed in the Quebec St. sidewalk improvement project. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure have told us that there were significant delays in their design process and in their coordination with Forestry, utility owners, local residents, and businesses along Quebec. However, construction is slated to begin later this year. We are eager to see this much needed pedestrian improvement installed!
You can learn more and keep tabs on the project at the project website.
Additionally, starting April 10th a new project is set to begin on the intersection of Quebec St and Iowa just south of District 5. The city will be working on installing an acceleration lane on Quebec, which is anticipated to cause some temporary traffic closures and delays during the construction period. It's important to note that the construction is scheduled to last for a total of 40 days.
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Denver Water Project Affecting Hale Neighborhood
Denver Water will begin a project next week to upgrade a portion of the water system in the Hale neighborhood. The project's first phase is expected to last approximately two months.
Denver Water is coordinating with the Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) in the area, and they will be providing regular project updates on Nextdoor. We encourage you to follow Denver Water there to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
The upgrade project is part of Denver Water's ongoing efforts to improve our water system and ensure that our community has access to clean and safe water. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the project, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Our team will be happy to connect you with Denver Water to address any concerns you may have.
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Uinta Way Traffic Study
Our office is once again partnering with local neighborhood organizations and traffic engineering firm Fehr and Peers to conduct another traffic study in District 5. The purpose of these studies is to identify potential safety upgrades to busy streets in the District. This year we've identified Uinta Way from Lowry Blvd to 11th Ave. as the area we'll focus on.
We kicked off this study with a virtual town hall.
Thanks to the over 100 people who took the Uinta Way Traffic Study survey! The virtual data collection meeting is on May 16 at 6:00 p.m. Join us to review the survey data as well as the traffic and parking counts taken, and see if there is anything we missed before solutions are proposed.
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13th and 14th Avenues Public Meeting Follow-up
Our office has been advocating for improvements for 13th and 14th since we took office in 2019. We recently hosted a community meeting with local residents as well as the Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure and the Denver Police Department. We have provided a recording of our Public Meeting for your convenience. Simply click on the following link to access the recording. Video Recap
Additionally, the Denver Police Department has compiled figures and graphs regarding the topics discussed at the meeting, which can be found by clicking on the appropriate button below. If you're interested in reading through some frequently asked questions, please click on the respective button below.
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Playground Closure Notice: Upcoming Sidewalk Replacement at Robinson Park
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has scheduled the replacement of four sections of concrete sidewalks near the playground. While this project is underway, the playground will be closed to ensure the safety of all community members.
The sidewalk construction and playground closure are anticipated to take place from Monday, April 24th to Tuesday, April 25th. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and wanted to ensure that the community is informed well in advance.
As a proactive measure, we plan to notify the Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) and post an announcement on NextDoor so that community members are aware of the planned closure. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during the sidewalk replacement process.
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East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit Community Open House
The Colfax BRT Community Open House on April 18 will happen from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at the Carla Madison Recreation Center (multipurpose room). If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend virtually. Registration for virtual participation is required and translation services will be available.
Here is a direct link to the open house registration page. You can also find the link to register and more information about the project at www.denvergov.org/ColfaxBRT.
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Street Sweeping Season is Here
Street sweeping season is around the corner, beginning Tuesday, April 4, and running through November.
DOTI will be reminding residents to check the red and white signs on their block so they know what day to move their cars, and so our sweepers can get all the way to the curb line and provide the best service possible! You can visit denvergov.org/online-services-hub to look up sweeping schedules and to sign up for email or text reminders to remember your sweeping day and avoid a $50 citation.
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Colfax Ave Design Overlay
Thanks to everyone who took our survey on the Colfax Design Overlay. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of implementing the overlay so Councilwoman Sawyer, Councilman Herndon, Councilman Hinds, and Councilwoman CdeBaca's offices will be moving forward with the proposed legislation.
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Cherry Creek Curbside Access Plan - First Draft
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is working on a Curbside Access Plan for the Cherry Creek Neighborhood to address the area's changing needs, respond to current levels of activity, maximize curbside resources, and integrate multimodal transportation priorities.
The map above represents the latest draft of proposals. There are also maps about occupancy and parking restrictions that we'd encourage you to peruse. Finally, we've included some plan highlights below:
- Modify parking hours of operation to increase parking space availability later into the evening
- Convert some permit only block faces to 2 or 3 hour parking to provide parking options for a variety of users and maximize parking supply. Parking permits will still be valid
- Introduce no parking zones at strategic locations to provide additional passing opportunities and improve sight distance
- Implement performance based parking pricing in high demand areas to manage the parking supply more efficiently
- Create a Cherry Creek Permit to provide permit holders the ability to park anywhere within the blue area depicted in the plan.
This plan will go through additional outreach this summer (so stay tuned!) before implementation in early 2024.
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Denver Moves Cherry Creek
Denver Moves: Cherry Creek is a year-long planning effort to develop a cohesive strategy for infrastructure development that achieves the City’s mobility goals in the Cherry Creek neighborhood and surrounding area. The project will explore improvements to make it safer and more convenient to walk, bicycle, take transit, deliver goods, and drive in and around the area, and will also examine green infrastructure, parking, curbside uses, and other considerations. When complete, Denver Moves: Cherry Creek will guide how Denver programs, funds, plans, designs, builds, and maintains the future multimodal transportation network of the area.
We have heard concerns from residents that the website for the project is confusing and feels inaccessible to residents. If community members in Cherry Creek would like to schedule office hours virtually or in-person to discuss the project, they can schedule that with Liz Palmquist at liz@nhnconsultingllc.com. Click here to learn more at the project website!
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Change to Pocketgov
We’ve heard you loud and clear: You want city services and information that are more accessible. Our Online Services Hub is the solution. Got a question, ask us! See something that needs fixing? Report an Issue! Head over to www.denvergov.org/Online-Services-Hub to access these services and see the new changes that have taken place.
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311 Thursdays
We're asking District 5 residents to call in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday in 2023! Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhoods safer!
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Slow Down Signs Are Back!
You might have seen them around the neighborhood. By popular demand, our SLOW DOWN Signs are back! The purpose of these signs is to remind drivers that our roads are shared with families, residents with disabilities, and our pets, and drivers should slow down in our neighborhoods. If you would like a sign or signs please email us denvercouncil5@denvergov.org or stay tuned for our next sign distribution event.
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Zoning & Hearing Information | |
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Changes to Safe Outdoor Spaces Rules Proposed
Community Planning and Development (CPD) has brought changes to the Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS). They are proposing to change SOS from a temporary use brought on as a result of limited shelter space from COVID-19 regulations to a permanent temporary use.
I have not voted to support these sites because I believe housing, even temporary, requires at least a roof and a door. Additionally, now that COVID distancing protocols have been lifted, Denver has more than enough shelter space for those seeking it.
Regardless of my opinion, we'd like you to let CPD know what you think about this! Don't forget to email us about your thoughts as well.
Learn more about the program here.
Read the specific changes to the Zoning Code here.
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ADUs in Denver Project - Public Review Draft Now Available
Community Planning and Development has released a public review draft of the proposed zoning changes is now available for review and comment, along with an updated strategy report. You can learn more about the public input Denverites provided, including comments on the draft strategy report, in the feedback summary.
Some highlights in the updated strategy report include:
- Rules that are responsive to the needs of different neighborhoods, with maximum flexibility in urban neighborhoods
- Allowing ADUs as accessory to duplexes, row houses and town houses as a detached structure
- Allowing a more usable second story deck on a detached ADU when the deck would face a public alley
You can learn more by:
This came through Planning Board on April 5, you can watch the hearing here. The ADU's in Denver Project is scheduled to come to council on Tuesday, April 18th, with a public hearing and second reading being held on June 5th if it passes council. More information, including where to sign up to give public comment, will be available as time progresses.
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Protect Your Car With DenverTrack
We know you're concerned about stolen cars, and our DPD Officers have implemented a solution to help stop car thefts in our city. The DenverTrack program works with the vehicles’ GPS systems to track stolen vehicles in real time. The program requires vehicle owners to preauthorize Denver Police access to the manufacturer's GPS service (e.g., OnStar, etc.) in the unfortunate event that their vehicle is stolen. If the vehicle is stolen, when the vehicle owner calls police to report the theft, DPD can then track the vehicle in real time with the goal of locating and returning the vehicle to the owner and arresting the suspect.
Participants will be able to receive a DenverTrack sticker for placement on their vehicle. The sticker is a visible deterrent that alerts potential thieves that the vehicle has GPS and will be tracked if stolen.
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Denver Noise Ordinance Public Meetings
The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is seeking public input on updates to the city's noise ordinance. As part of the stakeholder engagement process, DDPHE will be holding two virtual meetings solely focused on recreational activities and how they relate to the city's noise ordinance.
Currently, the ordinance does not specifically address recreational activities, which means that all noise produced by these activities are subject to the same limits as any other regulated noise-producing activities. DDPHE is interested in hearing feedback and comments regarding noise-producing recreational activities.
The meetings will be held on Monday, April 17th, from 6 pm to 7 pm and on Friday, April 21st, from 1 pm to 2 pm. The meetings will be held virtually, and participants can join via the Zoom meeting link below:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5814266986
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Denver Fire Department's Youth Career Exploration Camp
The Denver Fire Department is happy to share with you that this summer we will be having our Youth Career Exploration Camp. Their application process is now open.
Participating in their camp is an excellent opportunity that allows our youth to learn, experience, and recognize the possibilities of a future career as a Denver Firefighter. Campers will participate in hands-on simulated emergency fire and rescue situations, with an opportunity to earn First Aid and CPR certificates.
It is the mission of our instructors to instill participants with team building and leadership skills, along with valuable life lessons, while having fun! Our hope is to inspire these participants to consider working as a Denver Firefighter after their high school and college careers.
The camp will take place on Mon., June 5 - Wed., June 7 from 9a to 2p at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy, located at 5440 Roslyn, Building F., Denver, CO 80216.
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Urban Forest Strategic Plan Open House
Attend an upcoming Open House to share your thoughts on trees and Denver’s urban canopy!
Join us for an informal listening session on Denver’s trees to help create the city’s first Urban Forest Strategic Plan. City Forestry staff will be available to provide information and answer your tree questions. Stop by any time between 3-6pm to talk with Denver Parks and Recreation, share your thoughts in a short survey, visit the kids’ activity table, enjoy snacks and beverages, and have a chance to take home a free tree!
WHEN: Thursday, April 20, 2023
Stop by any time between 3-6pm
WHERE: Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
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Denver Unveils Kiosks to Renew Vehicle Registration
Denver Motor Vehicle has added another opportunity to skip the trip to the Motor Vehicle office by adding kiosks to the already robust menu of services offered online, by mail, and by phone. Denver residents can access vehicle registration renewal kiosks for automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and coaches/park trailers in Denver and throughout the state. Denver County locations and the counties bordering Denver— Adams, Arapahoe and Jefferson, have over two dozen kiosks for Coloradans to renew vehicle registrations.
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Parking Permit Rules and Regulations
DOTI has been working on some new rules for parking in Denver. The new rules say that people who want to park on certain streets will need to pay $20-30 each year. This will only affect 3% of Denver residents. The new rules won't start until 2024. DOTI is having a meeting on May 5th for people to talk about the new rules. You can tell them what you think by registering on bit.ly/DenverRPP or emailing parking.operations@denvergov.org.
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Community Events & Meetings | |
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21st Annual Día del Niño at the Denver Art Museum | |
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Join us in the celebration of the annual Día del Niño (Day of the Child) at the Denver Art Museum, a global celebration of all children!
Enjoy FREE general admission with full access to the museum (including the special exhibitions "Speaking with Light: Contemporary Indigenous Photography" and "Near East to Far West: Fictions of French and American Colonialism"), in addition to live music and dance performances from around the world.
The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) will bring in celebrity guest readers to read How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen in both English and Spanish. Complimentary copies of the book in English and Spanish will be given to each child who attends the book reading while supplies last.
Learn more here: Día del Niño at the Denver Art Museum
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April 19th is the Food Truck Symposium. This free symposium offers food trucks and trailers the unique experience to communicate directly with the City agencies responsible for regulating food trucks in Denver. The Denver Fire Department will be present to promote and educate our new safety inspection and permitting changes in 2023.
Attendees can also meet members of the Denver Department of Public Health and Excise and License and network with peers on best practices of the industry. A variety of food truck industry businesses will be there including food truck fabricators, suppression system inspections companies, hood cleaning companies, restaurant food and equipment suppliers, commissary operators and more. This is an all-day event complete with presentations, vendor booths, fire safety and food safety courses and time to mingle with attendees and other local jurisdictions.
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Shakespeare in the Spring | |
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Join this wonderful festival celebrating one of the world's greatest authors. People of all ages can come enjoy free food, crafts, community resources, games and more as we welcome the Denver Center for the Performing Arts performing two live shows. All ages welcomed!
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Cook Park Recreation Center, 7100 Cherry Creek S Dr., Denver, CO 80224
Macbeth 12:00-1:00 PM
Double double toil and trouble....With drama, crime, and some bloodshed, Macbeth enters a world of paranoia and betrayal. One of Shakespeare's most acclaimed plays.
A Midsummer Night's Dream 2:00-3:00 PM
Enter a world of magic as the Denver Performing Arts Center performs an abridged version of the classic "Midsummer Night's Dream".
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The Lowry Foundation Presents: | |
Saturday, April 29, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
25th Jubilee Celebration at the Eisenhower Chapel
293 Roslyn Street, Denver
Join in this family-fun, free event as The Lowry Foundation celebrates 25 years serving the community. Enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, music and more! For more information visit, lowryfoundation.org or call 303-344-0481.
Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Free Bike Tune-Up Rally at the Hangar Club
7600 E. 1st Place, Denver
The Lowry Foundation presents this year's Bike Tune-Up Rally at the soon to open Hangar Club. Bring your bike for a free spring tune-up by HopeCycle and prepare for summer riding! While you wait, enjoy free ice cream sponsored by the Lowry Master Community Association (LCMA), a food truck, and business vendors sprinkled about. Bring an old bikes to donate and/or check out the used bikes for sale. For more information visit, lowryfoundation.org or call 303-344-0481.
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Registered Neighborhood Organizations | |
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Denver is a unique city in promoting greater citizen involvement through organized neighborhood associations. Currently, there are 78 statistical neighborhoods represented by more than 200 registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Homeowner Associations (HOAs).
In its defined geographic area, an RNO will normally address neighborhood quality of life issues - such as traffic, development and zoning, crime, communication and licensing, and promote social activities to enhance residential spirit, developing a sense of community, and encourage resident participation. RNOs meet regularly and many send out newsletters to keep residents informed on neighborhood issues and events.
Get more involved in your community by joining your Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO). Below is a list of Council District 5 community organizations. You can also find out which RNO you belong to by entering your address or selecting a location on the map.
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