District 5 News

2024-2025 Annual Survey Analysis

I'm excited to share the results of the 2024-2025 annual survey, and we want to express our gratitude for the overwhelming response! This year, a total of 1,611 residents participated. Crime and Safety led as the primary concern voiced by District 5 residents, followed by issues related to traffic/mobility infrastructure, and the cost of living. I sincerely appreciate the diverse participation from all corners of the District and commit to continuing my work on each of these issues.

I'm very proud of this work and recognize that there's more to be done. Please free to reach out to our office if you have any questions, suggestions, or if there's anything we can assist you with. I value your engagement and am here to serve the People of District 5.

2025 District 5 Vibrant Denver Bond Project Requests List

My Office has requested these improvements to be included in the 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package:

Parks

• Winston Downs Pocket Park (land acquisition and construction)
• Ben Bezoff Park Playground Replacement
• Manley Park Playground Replacement and Picnic Table Renovations
• Lindsley Park Tennis Court Renovations, Playground Replacement, and Construction of a Dog Park
• Burns Park Statue Renovations (Black Abstract Line Statue Dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr and the Untitled Yellow Circle Statue)
• Emporia Park (Design and Construction)
• Denison Park Playground Replacement
• Implementation of the 2018 Cherry Creek Area Greenway Plan

Transportation Infrastructure

• Mid-block Bike Path Underpass - Leetsdale Drive between the Xcel substation and George Washington High School & Greenway
• Roundabout Reconstruction and Traffic Calming Measures on Lowry Boulevard
• Underpass for Highline Canal at South Dayton Street
• Fairmount Drive / Valentia Street Traffic Calming
• Traffic Study Implementation (6th Ave, 8th Ave, Uinta Way, Exposition Ave, and Holly St)
• Intersection Improvements at 1st & Steele
• Intersection Improvements and Gateway Construction at 1st & University
• Alameda Road Safety Audit Implementation
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Dayton & Emporia
• 13th & 14th Traffic Calming - Return to Two-way East of Colorado Boulevard

Public Safety

• Red Light Cameras (E Colfax Ave & Colorado Blvd, 1st Ave & Colorado Blvd, Monaco Pkwy & E Alameda Ave, Monaco Pkwy & Leetsdale Dr, Lowry Blvd & Quebec St, and 14th Ave & Quebec St)

Public Buildings

• New Police District in East Denver (land acquisition and construction)

Are there any other projects you’d like to see happen in your neighborhood? Let us know by e-mailing DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org. Learn more about the Vibrant Denver bond package at denvergov.org/vibrantbond. Take the survey by April 17th here.

East Avenues Safety Study Results are Here

These streets have been a long-standing concern for area residents, business owners, and other constituents. Portions of these streets have been identified on the city's High Injury Network in the 2022 Vision Zero Action Plan. Additionally, forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on East Colfax Avenue is expected to change travel patterns in the area. This study aims to identify mitigations for both pre-existing safety concerns on these streets as well as for potential diversion effects resulting from East Colfax Avenue BRT.

This study was comprised of an analysis of existing conditions, recommendation of countermeasures to improve safety, and a benefit-cost analysis of each recommendation. Now that the study is complete, the Department of Transportation will look at funding to implement these recommendations. Our office is extremely frustrated that no funding was dedicated to improvements in District 5 for 2025, and we have added the conversion of both 13th and 14th back to two-way streets as one of our requests in the Vibrant Denver bond proposals. Stay tuned as this develops.

Alameda Road Safety Audit

The Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) completed a Road Safety Audit on Alameda Avenue between Kearney Street and Fairmount Drive. My Office is requesting that implementation of this Road Safety Audit be included in the 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package.

Holly Street Traffic Study

May 6 via Zoom at 5:30 PM

My Office, the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), and traffic engineering firm Fehr and Peers will be hosting a virtual meeting for residents and stakeholders to discuss a traffic study that was conducted on Holly Street between 8th Avenue and Leetsdale Drive. This meeting will be an opportunity to learn about proposed improvements on Holly Street. Join our community meeting on May 6 via Zoom at 5:30 PM to learn more!

Potential Creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek

Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer is facilitating community conversations to hear your feedback on the possible creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek, as recommended by the Cherry Creek Area Plan. Please join us at one of the following meetings below!

• Tuesday, April 15th @ 5:15 P.M. via Zoom for residents living in the BID: Bit.ly/CCGIDInfoSession1
• Thursday, April 17th @ 12:30 P.M. via Zoom for businesses in Cherry Creek: Bit.ly/CCGIDInfoSession2
• Tuesday, May 13th @ 5:30 P.M. via Zoom for all residents in Cherry Creek: Bit.ly/CCGIDInfoSession3

What is a General Improvement District?

• A GID is a special district that is established to fund enhancements to an area, like security, placemaking, pedestrian lighting, and infrastructure.
• The study area of this GID proposal applies to the Cherry Creek statistical neighborhood, which is bordered by 6th Avenue to Alameda Avenue and University Boulevard to Colorado Boulevard.
• All property owners in a GID agree to tax themselves to fund improvements to a specified area.
• Property owners and all registered voters in Cherry Creek would have the final say on the creation of a GID by voting for or against it.

Learn more at: denvergov.org/CCGID

If you have questions, please contact us at: CCGID@denvergov.org

Sign-up for Spring Community Clean-up Day

April 27, 2025 @ 8:30 AM at the Montclair Recreation Center (729 Ulster Way)

Our neighborhoods are cherished places, and we want to keep them beautiful! That's why Councilwoman Sawyer has created District 5 Community Clean-up Day, which is a unique opportunity for community members to come together and contribute to the beautification of our city. Below is a list of parks, open spaces, and RTD bus stop benches that we need your help sprucing up.

Parks and Open Spaces

• 6th Ave Parkway (Monaco to Quebec)
• Bayaud Park
• Cherry Creek Trail and City of Karmiel Park (University Blvd to Alameda Ave)
• Denison Park
• Great Lawn Park
• John W. Barnes Park
• Kittredge Park
• Lindsley Park
• Mayfair Park
• Montclair Park and Richthofen Parkway
• Robinson Park

Bus Stop Benches

• E Bound – Alameda Ave & Miami Ct
• W Bound – Alameda Ave & S Dayton St
• W Bound – Alameda Ave & S Monaco Pkwy
• E Bound – Alameda Ave & Quebec St
• S Bound – Quebec St & 13^th Ave
• W Bound – Alameda Ave & Clinton St
• E Bound – Alameda Ave & S Niagara St

I hope you'll join us for my annual Spring Parks Clean-up Day on April 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM at the Montclair Recreation Center (729 Ulster Way)! Sign-up at: Bit.ly/2025SpringCleanup

East Park Lowry 6-Month Neighborhood Safety Check-in

My office organizes a bi-yearly community meeting where members of the community, DPD, and other City Agencies and Departments could talk about safety and crime-related issues. Please join us in upcoming meetings. We hold one in April and another in October. Outcomes from these meetings include a HALO camera at Tailwinds Park and an 83% drop in crime.

The April 2025 meeting will be held on April 29 at 5:30 PM on Zoom. Register at: Bit.ly/EastParkLowryApril29

#WeBackTheFax

Work is underway on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, aimed at improving reliable, safe and sustainable transit along the corridor. Visit the project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications.

East Colfax Avenue businesses are open! This holiday season, support local businesses along East Colfax for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Here’s how:

• Eat, drink, shop or play at an East Colfax Avenue business.
• Take a photo or video showcasing your support for the business.
• Post on social media with the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and tag the business.
• Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form.

District 5 Paving Plan

The Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) creates an annual paving plan for the City & County of Denver and then briefs each of the District Councilmembers on upcoming paving happening in the neighborhoods they represent. The attachment above is the 2025 paving plan for District 5.

My Office uploads this plan to my website so that all District 5 residents are able to view it and be aware of roads that will be paved in their community.

Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday! Is there a pothole on your street? Graffiti on an electrical box or building? Tall weeds or overgrown vegetation in your neighborhood? An intersection that needs improvements? Please report to 311! 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!

Community Spotlight

9+CO Development Wins Mayor's Design Award!



Congratulations to the 9+CO development on winning a Mayor's Design Award in the Open Space, Street Activation and Placemaking category! Go check out the shops, restaurants, and open spaces in this area and you'll quickly see why we love it so much!

Learn more about this award by clicking here.

Small Business Spotlight

MESOB Ethiopian Restaurant

Since 2006, MESOB has been serving the Denver community through catering, private events, local markets, and indoor/outdoor dining. Located on 14th and Poplar, the aroma of their spices will entice you from blocks away. Whether you prefer takeout, dining in, or delivery, they guarantee your satisfaction.

MESOB is a family-owned establishment that takes pride in offering a unique culinary experience. Their spices are sourced directly from Ethiopia and are carefully selected to create the perfect flavor for you. Their warm and welcoming environment makes you feel like you're part of the family. Pair their delicious cuisine with their homemade Honey Wine, Ethiopian Beer, and full service bar for an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for your dedication to our community!

Video Recap

You may have seen the short, informational video clips Councilwoman Sawyer has recorded in an effort to provide transparency and to better connect residents to your government. Watch recent clips below!

WATCH: Join us for a community conversation about the potential creation of a General Improvement District in Cherry Creek!

WATCH: It's opening day! Go Rockies!

WATCH: Statues in Burns Park are being renovated!

WATCH: Check out the Spring activities guide hosted by Parks and Recreation!

Upcoming Rezonings

If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please review the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Click here for information about how to participate virtually.

There is currently one open re-zonings in District 5 at 1060 South Emporia Street from OS-B to OS-A. The current OS-B zoning allows for private open space. The OS-A zoning requested would allow for public open space and parks. This re-zoning will be at Planning Board on April 16 at 3:00 PM. Click here to watch or participate in the Planning Board hearing.

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

April 21

• No public hearings

April 28

• No public hearings

May 5

• No public hearings

May 12

• 35 East Center Avenue & 589 and 595 South Lincoln Street

May 19

• Waste No More (1st Reading Hearing)
• RiNO BID Renewal
• 4634 and 4638 North York Street

May 26

• No Council Meeting due to the Memorial Day holiday

Citywide News

Share Your Feedback on Modernizing Parking Requirements

• Denver is pursuing new parking requirements in an effort to:
• Promote the development of more housing;
• Provide flexibility for development to include the number of parking spaces necessary based on market conditions; and
• Streamline zoning regulations for efficiency and clarity.

The proposed rule changes would remove minimum parking requirements from development regulations, which now require a minimum number of parking spaces based on the proposed use and zone district of each project. Currently, minimum parking ratios don’t apply to single-unit homes, accessory dwelling units, or certain neighborhoods downtown. Some affordable housing developments already have reduced parking requirements. 

For more project background, FAQs and the Public Review Draft, please visit the Modernizing Parking Requirements website.

You are also invited to participate in upcoming town halls that will include a presentation from the City Council sponsors, Councilmembers Sarah Parady, Chris Hinds, Flor Alvidrez, and Darrell Watson, and city staff and there will be time for your questions and feedback.

Tuesday, April 15: Virtual Town Hall

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Registration for this event is required.

Measles cases rising: Protect yourself and your community

Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. With many families traveling for spring break, it's crucial to ensure you and your family are protected. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) urges Coloradans who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or are not already immune to get vaccinated against this highly contagious disease.

Why the concern?

Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe

complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and in serious cases, death. Measles spreads easily. It can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

The best protection: MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine works extremely well and is your best protection against measles. It is highly effective, providing about 93% protection after one dose and about 97% protection after two doses. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood vaccination schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. DDPHE recommends all children and adults who aren't already immune get vaccinated.

• Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
• Infants (6-11 months) should receive a dose of MMR vaccine before international travel, ideally two weeks prior. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule.
• Adults who may need to be vaccinated include:
• Those who were vaccinated before 1968 and received early, inactivated versions of the measles vaccine which weren't as effective as the current MMR vaccine.
• Those who were born in 1958 or later who are unsure of their MMR vaccination history. There is no harm in getting a dose of MMR vaccine even if you may be immune already.
• Health care personnel who do not have evidence of immunity or two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

There is no recommendation for adults born between 1968 and 1989, who likely received just one dose of the measles vaccine, to receive a second dose of MMR unless they belong to certain high risk groups like health care providers. Anyone in this population who is concerned about their level of protection should speak with their health care provider before seeking MMR vaccination.

Where to get vaccinated:

The MMR vaccine is available at low or no cost at various locations, including:

• Doctor's offices
• Community health centers
• Pharmacies
• Public health clinics
• Some schools

Denver residents who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive free vaccinations from DDPHE. As a certified Vaccines for Children (VFC) site, DDPHE can acquire and provide vaccines, including the vaccine against measles. DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if you qualify for vaccination through us. DDPHE public health nurses are here to help. If you have additional questions for our public health nursing team, contact them by email. They can help answer question about measles, vaccines and more!

Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and most private health insurers cover the cost of the MMR vaccine, so you don't have to pay anything 2 at providers that accept your health plan. Even without health insurance, you can get recommended vaccines for no or low cost at one of nearly 600 locations statewide.

Take action now!

Share your feedback BY THIS WEEK on the 2025 Vibrant Bond Package



The Mayor announced the Vibrant Denver bond package that will be on your November 2025 ballot. Bond packages are voted on by the People and are a financial tool for the city to be able to fund investment projects related to parks, infrastructure, public safety, and other items without raising taxes.

As part of this process, the Mayor is asking you to share your feedback by April 17 on what projects should be added to the list. Visit Denvergov.org/VibrantBond

Tell CPD: How Well do Denver's land use and development rules work?

In February 2025, Denver’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) Department launched the first comprehensive review of the city’s zoning and urban design regulations (including landmark rules) in nearly two decades. The initiative examines whether CPD’s land use and development rules effectively support Denver’s evolving needs, such as affordable housing, climate resiliency, neighborhood design quality, and process efficiencies.  

Over the course of 2025, CPD and its consultant team will conduct stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and development site evaluations to identify where Denver’s zoning and urban design codes do not align with these needs. The team will also review other cities’ zoning codes to research best practices relevant to CPD. Findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report in December 2025. Although the project itself will not create new policies, it will inform future updates to zoning regulations and urban design guidelines. 

As part of this important work, CPD is seeking community feedback on key regulatory challenges. Here’s where you come in! 

Please take the community survey and share your thoughts on how well the city's land use and development rules are working. The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete and is open now until April 28.

Thank you for your support and participation!

Check if you are Eligible for Property Tax Relief

Get a refund on your 2024 property taxes! If you live in Denver County and qualify for the Property Tax Relief Program, you can get an average refund of $1,000. You may qualify if you are:

• A renter or homeowner who is 65 or older
• A renter or homeowner who was disabled all of 2024
• A homeowner who lived with at least one dependent minor child in 2024

This program has income limits and other qualification requirements. Check to see if you qualify and apply at www.denvergov.org/propertytaxrelief

Denver District Attorney's Office April Scam Spotter

Home Improvement Scams

Spring is here – let the home improvement projects begin!

It might make sense to hire someone rather than do the job yourself. Finding a good contractor is important since a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you big time.

Teams of professional home-improvement scammers roam the country scoping out victims. “Travelers”, or “Storm chasers” as they are referred to, move from state to state and city to city offering, fast, inexpensive home repairs, roofing, and paving. Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you more than money; it can lead to delays, sub-par work, and even legal problems.

Finding a legitimate contractor takes time and effort, but it will pay off in the end.

Community Events & Meetings

The Road Ahead Conference

April 17 from 8:00 - 11:30 AM at the University of Denver

As a board member of Transportation Solutions, I’m passionate about sustainable transportation and its role in shaping a more equitable and accessible Denver. I’m excited to invite you to The Road Ahead, our annual event that brings together business, government, and community leaders to discuss key issues impacting our region. This year we will be discussing the connection between affordable housing and transportation.

Join us on Thursday, April 17, from 8:00 to 11:30 AM at the University of Denver for a half-day event. The event will include a light breakfast and engaging discussion with affordable housing and transportation experts. Your presence and insights will significantly enrich our 20th annual event.

Your voice and expertise are invaluable to this dialogue. Please take a moment to register today for The Road Ahead: Affordable Housing and Transportation and be part of this important conversation. 

Lowry United Neighborhoods Earth Day Kick Off Event

April 22 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the Montclair Recreation Center (729 Ulster Way)

Join Lowry United Neighborhoods (LUN) and the Lowry Clean Team on Earth Day for their kick off event to keep Lowry clean!

Glowing Wild Adult Night

May 1 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Enjoy the Zoo's all-new immersive lantern experience without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date night or gathering with friends, Glowing Wild Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way! This awe-inspiring, evening-only event is best enjoyed in the darker hours—the later you visit, the brighter and bolder our lanterns become. Ticket price includes one drink.

Tickets available at https://denverzoo.org/events/glowing-wild-adult-night/

Join Denver Water's Landscape Transformation Workshop

May 3 from 9:30 AM to Noon at Denver Water



The workshop will cover creating gardens that benefit pollinators, from site assessment and design to plant selection. You’ll learn about the lives of bees, butterflies and other pollinators along with how simple landscape changes can support food, shelter, and other resources for these important animals.

DPD2 and DPD3 CAB Meetings

Did you know that both of our police districts host monthly community meetings? Both District 2 and District 3 Commander Advisory Board meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month at the district station (excluding holidays). CAB meetings start at 6pm, but feel free to come early as Community Resource Officers will be available starting at 5pm to answer specific questions, discuss concerns, or to help you register for crime prevention programs. 

District 5 neighborhoods located in Police District 2 are Hale and Montclair. All other District 5 neighborhoods are located in Police District 3.

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
• Cherry Creek East Association
• Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association
• Country Club Historic Neighborhood Inc.
• Crestmoor Park (2nd Filing) Homes Association
• Crestmoor Park Neighborhood Association
• Driving Park Historic District
• Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Hilltop Heritage 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
• Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association
• South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association

View as Webpage