Denver District 5 | May 2021
Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer | District 5
720-337-5555 |  [email protected] | Senior Aide: Logan Fry
Aide: Sara Visser | Aide: Jenn Gross
Dear Neighbors, 

Even though it has been a soggy and chilly start, spring is definitely here! Gardens and parks in District 5 have come alive with color once again, bringing delight to residents of and visitors to D5.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed during the District 5 Spring Town Hall Meeting - held virtually on April 29. Topics discussed were based on the 1,141 responses to our 2020 Annual Survey, where D5 residents expressed the most concern around: Crime and Safety; Traffic; and Development. During the Town Hall, we heard updates from representatives of Denver Police Department, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Planning and Development. We also heard great questions from D5 residents. If you missed the meeting and would like to see it, click here to watch the video.

Another "Thank You" goes out to the 60+ volunteers who are signed up for up for D5's Spring Park Clean Up tomorrow, 8:30am - 11:00am. If you can lend a hand, scroll down for sign-up information. It looks like it may rain tomorrow, so we will email everyone who is signed up to volunteer on Sunday morning to confirm. The rain date will be next Sunday, May 23.

On the subject of parks, I was honored to speak at the Celebration of the Opening of the Multi-Sport Rink at Lowry Sports Complex at Jackie Robinson Field this past Thursday. Thank you to Denver Parks & Rec and the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Team for helping to make this wonderful new amenity a reality! If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you should!

As always, the District 5 team is here as a resource for everyone in the District 5 community. Please be in touch if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Gratefully,

Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer 
District 5 
Speak with CW Sawyer about the issues that are on your mind! As Denver begins easing restrictions, CW Sawyer will hold occasional face-to-face, drop-in meetings at locations in D5. Masks and social distancing will be required, per City guidelines. Unless otherwise indicated below, Office Hours will be held virtually by private phone or Zoom appointment. Please email our office or call 720-337-5555 to reserve a virtual meeting time. If you're unavailable for these dates, please contact our office to schedule an appointment at another time. Dates and times are subject to change.

  • Thursday, May 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Wednesday, May 26, 5:30pm - 7:00pm - In-person, drop-in Office Hours at the Game Lounge! 1490 Eudora (Colfax & Eudora)
  • Thursday, June 3, 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Thursday, May 10, 11:00am-1:00pm
Tomorrow is the D5 Spring Parks Clean-Up - Volunteer Opportunities Are Still Available!
Join us on Sunday, May 16 to tidy some of D5's wonderful parks. Click below for a list of the parks, meet-up spots, available volunteer slots, and other guidelines. Note: Sunday's weather currently looks iffy. We plan to move ahead unless it is raining and will make a final decision at 7:30am on Sunday. If it is raining, we will delay the Park Clean-Up one week to Sunday, May 23. If you are a volunteer, look for a confirmation email from our office on Sunday morning.
Vacant Veterans Administration Hospital Property Update
You may have seen the article in Denver Business Journal (you’ll need an account to read it) about the US Government Services Administration (GSA) splitting up the 12-acre VA hospital property in the Bellevue-Hale neighborhood, keeping some of it and selling some of it. Currently, the federal government is checking for environmental issues at the site, and then the land will be up for sale. The City of Denver has committed to selling the land as a single parcel instead of selling it as part of a portfolio of several properties.

A few things to know about the VA hospital land:
New Sidewalks Coming to Denver and D5
The City of Denver is currently working to address essential missing links in its sidewalk network to help people get where they want to go more safely and easily. With more than 300 miles of sidewalk gaps in the City, the current program focuses on high-priority connections nearest transit stops. Additional sidewalk gaps prioritized for construction are those that provide access to transit, schools, grocery stores, and parks, as well as along high-injury corridors. The Sidewalk Gap Program is funded primarily by Elevate Denver Bond dollars approved by voters in November 2017, which included $47.7M to fill existing gaps in the sidewalk network.

These locations in D5 are scheduled to get new attached sidewalk in 2021:
  • East Colfax, north and south sides of Richthofen Place between Wabash St. and Willow St.: 1 block
  • East Colfax, north side of 11th Ave.: Verbena St. to Willow St.: 2 blocks.

The program works closely with City Forestry to minimize impact to trees. Two days before construction, door hangers will be placed by the construction contractor, and will detail parking and construction information, and contact information. Click here to see the Work Plan, project updates, what to expect before and during construction, and more.
Denver Forestry's Tree Pruning Tips
Did you know that our city is one of the only in the U.S. with a designated City Forester? The Parks & Recreation Forestry Office is responsible for trees and shrubs in public parks, parkways and around government buildings.

"With spring upon us, many residents are eagerly planning their gardens and starting to spruce up their yards. Pruning helps trees live longer, which allows them to grow taller and contribute to Denver’s urban canopy. With this in mind, the City Forester is offering helpful tips for pruning. It’s important to keep in mind that if you cannot safely prune your tree from the ground, it’s best to hire a licensed tree care professional since they use specialized equipment and have the necessary field knowledge. When you prune a tree, you are planning for the future, and with patience, you will ultimately have results that benefit generations to come." Click here to read the full tree-pruning article.

April Vaccine Clinic at Candlewyck Condominiums
On April 20, Candlewyck Condos hosted a clinic for the first round of COVID-19 vaccines for residents, including the families and care workers of elderly residents, maintenance workers, and residents from surrounding properties. Approximately 130 appointments were scheduled and some walk-ups were welcomed, as well. Thank you to Denver Health for providing staff and Candlewyck for hosting! We were thrilled to be able to provide this event as one of several scheduled to support the District 5 community.
Outdoor Watering Rules in Effect May 1 - October 1: Let's All Do Our Part to Conserve
Denver Water's rules incorporate best practices for efficient outdoor water use to help keep our landscapes healthy and preserve reservoir levels, as well as reduce the need for additional water restrictions in the future:

  • Water during cooler times of the day. No watering between 10:00am and 6:00pm.
  • Water no more than three days per week.
  • Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
  • Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
  • Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
  • Do not water while it is raining or during high winds.
  • Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.
  • Shrubs and perennials needs half as much water as lawns.

Thank You, Lowry Silver Ropes Volunteers for Your Ongoing Work at The Denver Rescue Mission
On April 29, volunteers from Lowry Foundation's Silver Ropes gave their time at the Denver Rescue Mission with a variety of jobs, including sorting clothes and about 2,000 pairs of new athletic shoes. The Mission provides so much to our homeless community, including clothing, meals, job skills training, help finding housing, and more. Lowry Foundation Silver Ropes volunteers help provide services at the Mission two Thursday afternoons per week. Click here to learn more and find out about volunteer opportunities with Silver Ropes.
Property Valuation: Property Maps; How to Protest Your Assessed Property Value; Property Tax Relief Program for Owners and Renters
As mandated by state statutes, all Colorado counties must revalue taxable properties and mail property valuation notices to property owners by May 1. Property valuations occur every odd year, and current assessments reflect June 30, 2018 - June 30, 2020. The Assessor’s Office locates, appraises and records all of Denver's real and personal properties in accordance with the Colorado Constitution, State statutes, and Board of Equalization procedures; and has created maps showing the median value change for single family and townhome properties from 2019 to 2021:
 
Certified property values are one part of a three-part equation to determine property taxes. The assessment rate - determined by the state legislature, and the mill levy - set by the county’s taxing authorities, are the other two components. Property owners will know their new taxes at the end of the year, after the mill levy and assessment rate are set. Similarly, the City will not have certified property tax revenue estimates until the initial appeal process is complete in August.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - Resources to Find Help for Yourself and Others
After the trauma and upheaval of the past year, focusing on how to access mental health care is critical. If you feel that you or someone you know is in need of extra mental health support, you're not alone. Learn about available resources, even if it's simply talking with someone outside your circle.

Colorado Crisis Services has walk-in centers throughout the state and are also available by talk or text 24/7/265. They provide free, confidential, and immediate support. Click the links below for additional resources:
FCC Program Provides Discounted Broadband Service to Eligible Consumers
The Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program allows enrolled customers to receive a discount of up to $50/month on broadband service. Verizon has shared with our office that it will offer the EBB discount on Fios, 5G Home, LTE Home, and mobile broadband services. Click here to learn more, determine if you are eligible, apply and find a broadband supplier near you.
Apply Now for DFD's Free Youth Career Exploration Camps
Denver Fire Department's Young Adult Career Exploration Camps are free for youth grades 4-12. The Camps are an opportunity for participants to consider a future career as a firefighter, while learning team building and leadership skills. Campers participate in hands-on simulated fire and rescue situations and earn certificates in first-aid and CPR. Registration is first-come, first-served and capped at 50 per Camp. Questions? Click here to email Capt. Greg Pixley or phone him at 303-503-7490.
 
Reminder: Disposable Bag Fee Goes Into Effect July 1 - Together We Can Reduce Waste and Litter, and Protect Our Waterways
The Fee on Disposable Bags goes into effect on July 1, requiring retail stores in Denver to charge 10-cents for each disposable bag - plastic, paper, or other material that is provided to customers at checkout. The goal is to reduce the impacts and costs of disposable bags in the community and encourage the use of reusable bags. Click here for more information, including FAQs, specific guidelines and a reusable bag giveaway planned for June. You can also call 311, Denver's non-emergency phone number. Bring your own bag to avoid the charge! Our office will have bags to hand out at SLOW DOWN sign pick-up sites/dates listed below.
Pick Up Your SLOW DOWN Sign and a Free Reusable Shopping Bag at Locations in D5 in June!
Our office has more SLOW DOWN signs, and you can pick up yours next month at these locations:
June 4, 4:00pm-6:00pm at Montclair Rec Center, 729 Ulster Way
June 11, 4:00pm-6:00pm at GW High School, 655 S Monaco Pkwy
June 18, 4:00pm-6:00pm at Palmer Elementary, 995 Grape St.

Remember to adhere to Denver's sign ordinance, including rules to keep signs in good repair and out of the right-of-way. If you're replacing an old or damaged sign, please consider recycling it or any other yard signs to keep them out of the landfill.
Current City of Denver Public Comment Opportunities
If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please take a look at the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Sign-up begins 45 minutes prior to the Committee’s scheduled start time and ends 15 minutes before the meeting begins.

There are currently three open rezoning requests and one Legislative rezoning proposal in District 5:
  • Rezoning application at 10353 E. Mississippi was filed on October 1, 2019, and a revised application was received on December 1, 2020.
  • City Council Public Hearing is scheduled for June 7. Click here for updates.
  • Rezoning application at 1091 S. Parker Rd. & 7400 E. Mississippi Ave was filed on February 10, 2021.
  • No additional information is currently available. Click here for updates.
  • Rezoning application at 5350 Leetsdale Drive was filed on April 19, 2021.
  • No additional information is currently available. Click here for updates.
  • Legislative Rezoning of East Colfax for ADUs, proposal led by CW Sawyer and CM Herndon. Click here to learn more and see updates.

Upcoming hearings on re-zoning requests in other Districts are listed below - dates are subject to change. For more information on proposed rezonings around the city and their public hearings visit the Denver Community Planning and Development website.

May 17
  • 8120 W Tufts Ave 3030 N Newton St.
  • 4995 Washington St, 4949 Washington St, 4930 Pearl St, 4934 Pearl St

May 24
  • 990 King St.
  • 235 W Evans Ave
  • 2650 Arkins Court, 3280 Denargo Street, 2700 Wewatta Way, 3205 Denargo Street

May 31 - No Council Meeting due to Memorial Day Holiday

June 7
  • 10353 E Mississippi
  • 2101 & 2105 Humboldt St
  • 2162 S. Grant St.

June 14
  • 3300 Irving St
  • 2394 S. Lincoln St

If you don't have internet access, you can still attend all Denver City Council meetings by phone. Call 720-928-9299 and enter the Meeting ID of the meeting you wish to listen to. Click here to learn more and to see a Meeting Calendar.
Changes to Vaccination Registration Options, Eligibility, Locations, and Schedule to Increase Access; Vax at Red Rocks!
Pre-registration for the Community-Based Vaccination Sites is no longer required. Community members can now show up during any event and, as supply allows, receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals will still be asked to provide their name and DOB, along with optional contact information and screening questions.
 
All eligible Coloradans can now schedule an appointment for the Community-Based Vaccination Sites. Previous limitations on zip codes were designed to ensure community sites prioritized individuals living near those locations without burdening the community with increased traffic and competition.

To ensure that community members with varied work/family schedules can access the vaccine, Community-Based Vaccination Sites offer weekday and weekend options, as well as additional evening appointment times. Denver health officials will monitor the success of these days/hours, and will adjust based on community needs as much as possible.

Click here to access Denver's Vaccination webpage, which includes vaccination locations, a calendar of vaccination events, types of vaccines available, event planning support and more. Community members without internet access or with language barriers can register by phone at 720-865-3005 or register on-site.

Also, at select performances over the coming weeks, concert-goers at Red Rocks can get vaccinated and receive a free t-shirt and concessions voucher.
ARPA: Denver to Receive $308M Over the Next Two Years
On May 10. the U.S. Department of Treasury released the final allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for city and county governments as well as their initial guidance. Denver will receive both a city and county allocation for a total of $308M. Local governments will receive funds in two tranches, with 50% provided beginning in May 2021 and the balance delivered approximately 12 months later. Per the ARPA, Denver has through the end of 2024 to expend the dollars in full. Denver's Department of Finance said, "We greatly appreciate the work of our Congressional delegation in ensuring Denver had access to both the city and county allocations."
 
The Department of Finance plans to gather input from City Council, the community, and businesses about their priorities for investment of ARPA funds. On May 11, the Department of Finance presented their recommendations for disbursement of the remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds authorized under the CARES Act to the City Council Finance and Governance Committee. Click here to access the meeting Agenda, Minutes and video. This fifth disbursement will allow for continued support for the community’s needs as a result of the pandemic. Initial issuance of ARPA funds to the community is expected this summer.

Part of this allocation includes $27,274,556.20 in additional federal Emergency Rental Assistance program funds. This is the second allocation of ERAP funds awarded to Denver, providing the city with a total of $49,159,548.30 to help support households that are unable to pay rent and utilities. Click here to learn more and apply for the program.
News From Denver's DEDO
Denver's Department of Development and Opportunity (DEDO) updates:


  • Denver Workforce Services delivers the popular Back to Work 50+ free job coaching program from AARP. Click here for more information or call 720-337-WORK. AARP’s Foundation offers a wealth of free programs to help older adults.

  • The new monthly Events bulletin from DEDO’s Denver Construction Careers Pilot has free networking and support for workers in construction or those aspiring to be! #LetsGetToWork. Click here for more information.  
DPP Now Offers Preschool Tuition Credits for 3-Year-Olds
The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) launched a tuition credit pilot program for three-year-olds - "Preschool for 3s!" The new program wants to equitably expand access to quality preschool for a limited number of children who turn three by October 1, 2021. Unlike DPP's traditional tuition credits for four-year-olds, this pilot program prioritizes families based on financial need and is only available to families attending a DPP community-site school.

Save the Date! Renovated DAM Opens October 24 with Free General Admission
The new spaces of the Denver Art Museum seek to welcome all community members as it opens its expanded and reimagined campus to the public with free general admission on Sunday, October 24. All eight levels of the iconic Gio Ponti-designed Lanny and Sharon Martin Building, and the new Anna and John J. Sie Welcome Center will be open. Click here to learn more about DAM buildings, upcoming events, new restaurants and renovation history.
Smart Technology Pet License Tags Available Now
A lack of proper ID remains one of the biggest obstacles in returning a missing pet to its home, and pet licenses are required in Denver. A new pet license at Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) can help reunite you with your furry friend should they go missing. ID tags and microchips can both be effective in reuniting pets with owners, but often an ID tag on a pet’s collar can do this more quickly. Click here to learn more and get the new ID.
DEN Updates on Great Hall Project
At the April 7 City Council Business, Arts, Workforce, & Aviation Services Committee meeting, representatives from Denver International Airport (DEN) gave updates on the state of the airport and progress of the Great Hall Project. In terms of the traffic reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DEN fared better than most comparable airports during 2020 due to its central location in the U.S. and its strong domestic network. Even though passenger traffic continues to lag 2019 numbers by about 30%, traffic is on the rise, and vaccinations are expected to result in increased travel.

Phase 1 of the Great Hall Project is on-schedule for completion by the end of the year and is estimated to finish $25M below budget. Those monies will be rolled into the budget for Phase 2, keeping Phase 1 and 2 completion on-budget at $770M. Mayor Hancock has asked the DEN team to look at a potential Phase 3, which would be over and above the $770M budget for Phases 1 and 2. DEN is developing scope options and associated budgets and schedules to review with the Mayor and DEN’s airlines before determining whether a potential Phase 3 is moved to Council for consideration.

DPS Announces Three Finalists in Superintendent Search - Watch Their Intro Videos & Give Your Feedback by May 17
On May 6, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced their three finalists for the role of DPS Superintendent: Dr. Alex Marrero, Dr. Stephanie Soliven, and Andre Wright. Please visit DPS's Finalists page to read through their bios and watch their introductory videos. DPS is seeking community input and feedback. Click here to complete a feedback form and/or to sign up to share your thoughts publicly at the board’s public comment session on May 17.
May is National Preservation Month
Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Preservation Month aims to promote historic places and heritage tourism to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. See below for two ways to celebrate Preservation Month in Denver, and click here for more ideas.
 

 
DPL Announces More Branch Reopenings
Beginning May 18, all Denver Public Library (DPL) branches - with the exception of Byers and Westwood, will be open to the public five days a week, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am- 6:00pm, and Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Click here for current hours at all DPL branches.
Share Your Thoughts About How you Enjoy Denver's Parks
Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) would like to hear about how you engage with your local parks and recreation centers. Whether you attend an outdoors, socially distanced birthday celebration; a live Zoom fitness class; take a walk on one of the urban park trails; or enjoy another activity, DPR wants to hear about it! Please take this quick survey to share your favorite park or view, or most memorable DPR moment or experience. 
Virtual & In-Person Events
In-person events are gradually returning to Denver and around the state, and many of us are excited to get out and safely experience them! If your D5 neighborhood is hosting an event, please email us if you'd like it promoted in this newsletter.
The City of Denver is once again issuing permits for events to be held on City property. Click here to see the City and County of Denver Events Calendar for all such events around town!
Farmers Market at Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Saturdays, May 1 - October 30, 9:00am-2:00pm
Wednesdays, June 16 - September 29, 9:00am-1:00pm
Fresh products, local finds, food trucks, music, and more in an open-air market.
Montclair Neighborhood Garage Sale

Saturday, May 22
8:30am-3:00pm
If you live in Montclair and would like to participate as a seller, send an email with your address and items you'll be selling. All are welcome as browsers/buyers!
District 5 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 are a list of Council District 5 community organizations. You can also find out which RNO you belong to by and entering your address or selecting a location on the map.