District 5 News

District 5 Annual Blood Drive Coming in January

It is time for the 3^rd annual District 5 Blood Drive to commemorate National Blood Donor Month in January! It is not too early to schedule your donation — just click the button below. Once at the event page, you can click on the long link to pledge to the drive. Vitalant will contact you to schedule your donation.

Share the event (https://bit.ly/SEDenverGivesBlood-23), and share your donation experience with the hashtag #SEDenverGivesBlood!

And, if you have previously been unable to donate due to extended travel in Europe in the 1980s and 1990s, that restriction has been lifted as of a few months ago. Please call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 to confirm your eligibility to donate. 

E. Tennessee Avenue & S. Oneida Street Stormwater Project

Work on phase one of this project continues and we'd like to share an update on how it might affect you while out and about.

Kearney Street Closure in Garland Park

• Kearney Street will be closed between Mississippi Avenue and Cherry Creek North Drive beginning the week of November 28, 2022, until the summer of 2023 for construction activities related to the Tennessee and Oneida Stormwater Improvements. Park users should enter Garland Park on Kearney Street from Cherry Creek North Drive to access athletic field parking.

Project Overview

• New stormwater pipe and infrastructure improvements are planned to begin at Lollipop Lake in Garland Park and the Cherry Creek waterway in Phase 1 of a multi-phased project that will extend to E. Tennessee Avenue and S. Oneida Street. 
• This is a multi-phased improvement project that will:  
• Decrease property damage due to local flooding
• Increase pedestrian and driver safety during storm events
• Improve water quality for stormwater runoff going into Lollipop Lake and the Cherry Creek waterway.

For more information call the project hotline: 720.460.9055 or email them at: ccd.constructionupdates@gmail.com

The D5 Annual Survey is Here!

A huge thank you to the nearly 1000 people who've already taken our annual survey! If you haven't, we need your feedback by December 31st! Each year our office puts together a survey to guide and focus our priorities for the upcoming year. This is crucial information to us so that we can ensure we are voicing the concerns of our residents, and we are so grateful for the time everyone takes to fill it out. The survey closes on December 31st for please click here or on the button below to take the survey.

South Hilltop Electricity Undergrounding Update

Our office was notified that the completion of the Xcel underground has been delayed. The underground system has been installed in its entirety but Xcel cannot do the official switch until they work out how best to distribute the load to multiple feeders in the area.

Installation of the Xcel’s underground lines is currently expected to be completed in Spring 2023. The overhead lines will be removed following the switch to the new system. Crews will be working on the east side of the intersection of E. Dakota Avenue and S. Hudson Street. Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic; the intersection will be reopened to through traffic from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. each evening. The public can expect upcoming temporary power outages during the switchover to underground electricity. Xcel will work to schedule service disruptions during non-peak hours and restore service as quickly as possible. Impacted properties will be notified in advance.

As Xcel works toward completion of its undergrounding work, the telecommunications providers operating in the area have begun moving their lines underground from the existing poles, as well. Comcast crews are currently working along E. Dakota Avenue between S. Holly and S. Jersey Streets. Traffic control is in place. This work is expected to be completed by the end of December, weather permitting.

Paving is anticipated to take place following completion of the switch to the underground system in Spring 2023.

Denver Water Construction on Quebec St

In conjunction with City and County of Denver’s Quebec Street Pedestrian and Mobility Improvements Project, Denver Water is extending their project to include more work on Quebec Street. The complete project area is now Quebec Street from East 12th to East 23rd Avenues. The work has already begun and should take about 2 more months to complete. Read the traffic advisory notice here.

Lindsley Park Visioning

Thank you to the more than 400 residents who filled out our community survey! We held our second and final community meeting regarding the Lindsley Park Visioning process on December 6. If you want to get up to speed on the latest news you can view the community meetings we've held:

• November 1st meeting
• December 6th meeting

Feel free to email us to get more information or if you have any questions. The next step is to work with Parks & Rec to prioritize projects and identify funding to implement upgrades over the next few years.

Slow Down Signs Are Back!

You might have seen them around the neighborhood. By popular demand, our SLOW DOWN Signs are back! If you would like a sign or signs please email us denvercouncil5@denvergov.org or stay tuned for our next sign distribution event.

Zoning & Hearing Information

If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please review the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Sign-up for public comment at a hearing begins 45 minutes prior to the Committee’s scheduled start time and ends 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Click here for information about how to participate virtually.

There is currently one open rezoning request in District 5. 

• 1254 Monaco St Pkwy was filed on October 11, 2022. The Planning Board hearing was held on December 7. The LUTI committee hearing is TBD.

Upcoming public hearings *dates are subject to change.

December 19

• No public hearings scheduled

December 26

• No Council meeting scheduled

January 3 (Tuesday)

• No public hearings scheduled

January 9

• 6302 E 62nd Ave & 6308 Argonne St

Citywide News

Be a Great Neighbor! Everyone Enjoys Safe, Clear Sidewalks 

It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the sidewalks adjacent to their home or business clear and accessible. Shovel all sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, and bus stops around your home as soon as it's practical and safe. Businesses have 4 hours after the snow stops to shovel, and residents have 24 hours. (RTD only shovels bus stops that have a shelter. If it’s just a sign with no shelter, the resident/business is responsible for this sidewalk.)

Show kindness and offer to help your neighbors if they aren't able to shovel! Neighbors helping neighbors is one of the things that makes Denver great. You can volunteer to be an official “snow angel” at www.denvergov.org/snowangels or just do a #NeighborCheck. There are all sorts of reasons why people may need assistance, or they may just not know what the city’s rules are for keeping sidewalks clear. A simple conversation with a neighbor or just lending that helping hand will almost always resolve a snowy sidewalk faster than the city can, and it will preserve city resources for the rest of Denver’s 3,000 miles of sidewalks.

Tips:

• Use the shovel to push the snow; don't lift it.
• Shovel early! When snow isn't shoveled, it gets packed down and becomes ice. Shoveling all the way to the pavement will also prevent ice from forming.
• Shovel into your yard and not into roadways and bike lanes. 
• Salt can be damaging when it runs off into your lawn or the storm sewer with the snowmelt. Look for ecofriendly and pet-safe deicers.
• Be proactive and come up with a plan for addressing sidewalks now, before it’s snowing.

Learn more at www.denvergov.org/Snow. 

Applications Open for the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee 

The Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee advises the Mayor on matters relating to bicycles. Applications are being accepted for 3 year terms that begin in January 2023. They're looking for diverse backgrounds / abilities who want Denver to become a safer and more pleasant place to ride a bike. Please apply by today, December 15th.

Expanded Waste Services Update

In January, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) will begin weekly recycling collection service. Customers can set out their recycling cart, as needed, on a weekly basis on their regular trash collection day. January through March, billing will begin based on the size of a person’s trash cart.

The trash cart fee will range from $9 to $21 per month, billed quarterly, and based on size. Rebate applications are available for eligible Denver residents who need financial assistance.

Starting in the summer, the city will expand weekly compost collection for all City and County of Denver customers. If you are filling up your current trash cart weekly, DOTI recommends waiting for your compost service to begin before you downsize your trash cart. This way you’ll know what cart size is best for your household. Current compost customers and small households that don’t use their full trash carts today, are welcome to request a smaller size.

What’s next? 

• Look for your first quarterly invoice between January and March 2023. 
• Rebate applications are now live for eligible Denver residents on the DOTI website. 
• In January, you can set your purple cart out weekly, if needed, on your regular service day. Otherwise, store it on your property.
• You will receive a notice before your compost cart is delivered, along with additional information on how to compost correctly. 

Inclusive Play in Denver Parks Community Survey

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) recognizes the need to increase access to inclusive play across our park system - this survey is part of the Citywide Inclusive Play Strategy, which aims to ensure play elements are integrated for all ages and abilities.

The Citywide Inclusive Play Strategy will also create recommendations for inclusive play equipment, and spaces, the maintenance, and training needed, as well as policy recommendations to increase access to these play areas for all. 

As part of this process, all community members are invited to take the first project survey to share their opinions about what types of inclusive play equipment should be integrated into Denver playgrounds.

The survey is confidential and will be open through January 11, 2023. Learn more about DPR's Inclusive Play Strategy project.

Noise Ordinance Changes: Public Meetings and Survey

Denver is reviewing and revising the local ordinance that governs noise, including construction and deliveries, music festivals and other noise topics – and we need your help. Please join the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) at an upcoming public meeting to share your feedback about Denver’s noise ordinance:

Tuesday, Jan. 31

6:00-7:30 p.m. 

Denver Police Department, District 1

1311 W. 46^th Ave., 80211

Wednesday, Feb 8

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5814266986  

COVID and the Flu During the Holidays

COVID-19 and cases of other respiratory viruses are increasing in Denver. After a week of traveling for Thanksgiving, time spent in crowded airports, and gathering with friends and family for holiday parties, epidemiologists at the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) are reminding folks to look out for possible symptoms of COVID-19, RSV or the flu.

If you have any symptoms, or don’t feel very well in general, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. The infectious windows for the “triple threat” viruses are as follows:

• Flu: Contagious for 5-7 days after start of symptoms.
• RSV: Contagious for 3-8 days after start of symptoms. Some infants and people with weakened immune systems can spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.
• COVID-19: There is strong evidence an Omicron infection lasts, on average, 8-10 days. Some people will be infectious for less, and some will be infectious for more. You won’t know unless you test. 

The best thing you can do for your friends, family and loved ones is stay home and get tested if you’re feeling sick. More information about testing is available on the DDPHE COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Public Safety Cadet Program Application is Now Open

The Department of Public Safety is now accepting applications for the 2023 Class of the Public Safety Cadet Program. 

The Public Safety Cadet Program is a great opportunity for those who want to pursue a career in Public Safety while working toward a college degree. Through this program, Cadets are assigned to various Public Safety departments where they gain hands-on training and experience working alongside industry professionals. Simultaneously, Public Safety Cadets work toward attaining a bachelor’s degree with a full sponsorship from the Department of Safety. 

The application period will be open until December 31^st. Please see the job posting here for the application and additional requirements. 

Scam Spotter Updates

Take a look at the latest update on scams going around Denver, Colorado, and the nation in the District Attorney's most recent scam spotter newsletter.

Community Events & Meetings

New at Denver Art Museum: Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools

Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks is closing soon at the Denver Art Museum! This unique presentation of medieval, renaissance and baroque paintings, sculptures and other objects from the Southern Netherlands features works from masters including Hans Memling, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, among others.

This exhibition is a ticketed exhibition, not included in general admission. More info: https://bit.ly/Saints-Sinners-at-DAM. 

Winter Break at the Art Museum

School’s out, so bring on the art! Winter Break at the DAM is December 17, 2022–January 6, 2023. There’s a lot to see with a general admission ticket—which is free for visitors 18 and under every day, and free for ALL during Free Days at the DAM (coming up Tuesday, Jan. 10!). And with the purchase of a special exhibition ticket, visitors can experience the must-see Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks, which is only here for a limited time (through Jan. 22, 2023).

View the work of artists old and new and from cultures across the world, then explore your own creativity in hands-on artmaking stations and studios throughout the museum. Learn more about what’s available to explore at the DAM in December (and beyond) here.

Holiday Lights & Music at the City and County Building

Come from November 23 to January 22 nightly* at 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM and enjoy the holiday lights and sounds!

*except for Mondays, and Sat, Dec 3 and Wed, Dec 21

The Downtown Denver Skating rink will be open daily from November 21 to February 14 at Skyline Park at 1601 Arapahoe St.

Hours vary so check out their website for more details.

Christkindlemarket at Civic Center Park

Experience the warmth and charm of an authentic German Holiday Market right in the heart of Denver.

This year, from November 18 to December 23, guests of the Market are invited to explore the magic of Europe during the holidays - no passport required. Sign up for our Christkindlmarket Newsletter to get updated on the latest information on new vendors, special events, and entertainment. Learn more at their website https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/.

Mile High Tree at Civic Center Park

Create a new family tradition as the Mile High Tree puts on a dazzling music and lights show. And, for the first time, you can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place. America’s tallest digital tree!

Registered Neighborhood Organizations

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.

• Bellevue-Hale Neighborhood Association
• Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District
• Crestmoor Park (2nd Filing) Homes Association
• Crestmoor Park Neighborhood Association
• Dakota Hill Homeowners Association
• East Colfax Neighborhood Association
• Fax Partnership
• Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Historic Montclair Community Association, Inc.
• Lowry Community Master Association
• Lowry United Neighborhoods
• Mayfair Neighbors, Inc.
• Mayfair Park Neighborhood Association
• Park Forest Homeowners Association
• Preservation of Residential South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Rangeview Neighborhood Association
• South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Virginia Vale Community Association
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association

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