District 5 News

Fall Parks Clean Up Day is October 1st

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who joined us for the Spring Park Cleanup Day! It was a tremendous success, with an fabulous turnout of over 100 people coming together to make our parks shine. Thanks to your hard work and dedication, our community's outdoor spaces have already undergone a stunning transformation.

As we continue to prioritize the upkeep of our parks, we want to remind everyone that we host these cleanup events twice a year. Fall Parks Clean Up Day is currently scheduled for October 1st 2023, barring any unforeseen weather. You can sign up for the clean up by clicking the button below! Once again, a big thank you to everyone in District 5 for your continued support!

Bellevue-Hale and Mayfair ADU Rezoning

My office is considering putting forward legislation to allow the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the Bellevue-Hale neighborhood, including western Mayfair. 

An ADU is a small, single apartment located at the back of a property separate from the main house, or built adjacent to a main house such as a basement unit with a separate entrance. ADU's are also commonly known as granny-flats, in-law units, casitas, carriage houses or guest houses. 

We have already had several successful single property rezonings to allow ADUs in the Bellevue-Hale and Mayfair neighborhoods. By rezoning the entire neighborhood at once, it would save residents time and money, and create the ability to add to the diversity of housing stock in a District 5 neighborhood. Learn more about this potential rezoning by visiting the Bellevue-Hale and Mayfair ADU website.

Please share your feedback by taking the community survey, which closes September 29. Also be sure to register for our Bellevue-Hale Virtual Town Halls to learn more!

7th Ave Bikeway Updates

Thank you so much for attending our recent community meeting on the 7th Ave Bikeway. My team and I were thrilled to see such an engaged turnout and are eager to collaborate with all of you to enhance the lives of those residing along the 7th Ave Historic District. In light of that, we wanted to follow up with this email, providing you with some helpful information and a recap of the meeting.

To begin, we have a video-recap of the meeting available for your convenience. You can watch it by clicking here. Be sure to check the comments section to view the complete video from start to finish.

In case you have any further questions for Nick from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), please feel free to contact him by clicking the button below.

For your reference, we have also compiled a PDF containing all the questions raised during the meeting.

Linked here, you will find the DOTI website on Community Transportation Networks (CTN) including the Seventh Ave Bikeway.

We recently received a memo from DOTI to respond to questions raised at the July 20, 2023 community meeting, as well as other questions sent to the DOTI team via phone and email throughout the duration of the project. 

As we move forward, we promise to keep you informed with any updates or new information that comes our way. Your active participation in this discussion is greatly appreciated, and we are enthusiastic about continuing our collaboration in the upcoming months.

Project Update: Daytime work continues on East Colfax Avenue

August 11, 2023 update:

Next week, work will continue between Pearl and Emerson streets.

The typical work schedule on the project will continue to be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend work will be required at different points throughout the project. This first phase of work, which stretches from Broadway to Emerson Street, should be complete this fall.

Project details:

Denver Water will replace nearly 5 miles of aging pipe along East Colfax Avenue, between Broadway and Yosemite Street, working in two- to three-block segments at a time. The entire project should be complete by the end of 2024.

Most work will occur Monday through Friday, although some weekend work may be required. Construction schedules are also subject to change due to weather and may be altered to accommodate major events in Denver. Commuters should expect delays in this area. For more information or to sign up to receive updates, we encourage folks to visit denverwater.org/Colfax.

Denver Water and RTD are coordinating to minimize impacts to bus routes throughout the project. For more information about bus routes, visit RTD Service Alerts.

Trader Joes on 8th and Colorado Update

The Trader Joe's team at the 8th and Colorado location is committed to restoring the site to its original and recorded Site Development Plan (SDP). Currently, they are in the process of securing a building permit to facilitate the removal of the awning and the relocation of the loading area to its approved position along the alley. These changes are aimed at enhancing the overall shopping experience for their valued customers while keeping the exit alley open outside of the permitted times. We will keep you updated on any changes moving forward.

The Lowry Foundation Wants Resident Input

Calling all Lowry residents! Join the Lowry Foundation in shaping the future of your community! Share your thoughts on living, working, and playing in Lowry, and help guide The Lowry Foundation’s Starbright Fund.

Session 2:

Tuesday, August 22

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Denver Beer Co., 7070 E. Lowry Blvd. (Find us inside)

No RSVP necessary.

Lowry East Park Virtual Community Town Hall

Since July 2019, your Council Office has been working hard to improve neighborhood safety in Lowry East Park by hosting neighborhood safety check-in meetings every six months. These meetings have included stakeholders from the Lowry Community Master Association, Lowry United Neighborhoods, Denver Police Department District 3, Aurora Police Department District 1, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, and residents.

If this is your first meeting feel free to peruse the previous meetings' minutes, presentations, and videos here.

Please join us for our next meeting on October 10 on Zoom or Facebook Live! You can register now by clicking the button to the left or following the instructions below!

Head to bit.ly/EastParkOct2023

Or: watch on Facebook Live

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org. Thank you!

Montclair Park Updates

In 2022, the Montclair Park playground faced significant damage as a result of a powerful storm that brought down substantial tree branches. Unfortunately, due to supply chain challenges, the Parks & Recreation department (DPR) experienced a delay of nearly a year in procuring the necessary equipment for replacement.

Significant strides have been made and key components of the park infrastructure, for example the slide, having been successfully replaced. However, it's important to note that certain equipment pieces will not be replaced, including the zip line. This decision is tied to the broader vision for the playground's revitalization, which has earned a prioritized status under the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) funding for 2024.



As we move forward, we encourage you to stay engaged and informed. More updates regarding the playground's transformation and the enhancements will be shared as they become available.

Mayfair Park Flooding

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) would like to provide you with an important update regarding the playground's drainage system at Mayfair Park, which failed earlier this summer.

DPR had to excavate the drainage area since the drainage line couldn't be fully cleared with snaking. This has revealed a significant need for on-site repair work to replace and rectify the playground drainage system. Parks & Rec maintenance has cordoned off sections of the playground while their design and construction team is coordinating contractors to carry out the necessary repairs. During this period, regrettably, certain portions of the playground will remain inaccessible. If you have any further inquiries regarding this matter, please feel free to reach out. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

13 and 14th Avenue Updates

The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has recently completed one-way signage inventory along both 13^th and 14^th Avenues and will be delivering missing signs to the identified streets soon. Denver has also recently recommitted to the Vision Zero project. As part of this commitment, DOTI has installed traffic calming measures at 21 intersections along 13^th and 14^th Avenues, spanning from Broadway to Yosemite Street. By adding paint and posts, they hope to reduce pedestrian crossing distances, making it safer for all of us to navigate these busy areas. Visit https://bit.ly/VSNZERO for additional information.

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. Thank you to everyone who also joined us for our virtual data collection meeting on May 16. On June 28th as we made our final recommendations to DOTI based on the data from our study.

Now that the final recommendations have been made, we are awaiting DOTI approval. We will keep you updated as this process progresses. The implementation of these improvements will occur over the next five years.

DO-8 Overlay Update

Currently, the East Colfax corridor is predominantly focused on automobile and auto-oriented uses. However, the City plans to implement a Bus Rapid Transit line along this route by 2026, signaling a shift towards a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system. To complement this vision, the DO-8 overlay proposes adding design guidelines to the existing zoning regulations. These guidelines will encourage the creation of vibrant commercial and residential spaces, supporting a mix of uses that provide goods, services, and amenities alongside residential areas.

On July 14th we filed a rezoning application to implement the Active Centers & Corridors Use Overlay on parcels along East Colfax from Broadway to Yosemite. You can watch the final overlay public meeting by clicking on the button below. Also, please check out the interactive map to get more information on specific locations within the implemented overlay. The Planning Board has scheduled a briefing regarding to DO-8 Overlay, allowing an opportunity for questions and concerns to be addressed. This session is set to take place on September 6th.

Jackson Street Storm Drain Project

We are excited to announce that the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has completed the design for the second phase of the Jackson Street Storm Drain Project. This project aims to provide a crucial link between the lower and upper Montclair Basin systems for managing storm water and improving flood mitigation during heavy rainstorms.

Phase 2 of the project will improve capacity to manage storm water flows coming from the upstream portion of the Montclair Basin and under Hale Parkway. It will begin at Jackson Street and E. 14th Avenue, cross under Colorado Boulevard, and proceed along Colorado Boulevard south to E. 13th Avenue, where Phase 2 construction will end.

The actual construction phase, which involves lane closures, excavation work, and associated noise, is expected to commence in September or October of this year. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. DOTI will provide proactive communication to the surrounding area before and during the construction period. Stay tuned as updates become available.

Bayaud Street Storm Drain Project

The Bayaud Storm Drain is a proposed new drainage system that aims to create a robust infrastructure for managing water flow in Cherry Creek East. However, it's important to note that this system is currently lacking funding and may not be implemented for several years. Capital projects are prioritized based on various factors such as known flooding areas, likelihood of flooding, and fairness in distribution. DOTI's engineering assessments have revealed that the risk of flooding to properties in Cherry Creek East is relatively low compared to other neighborhoods in the city.

Fortunately, DOTI has taken into account the financial feasibility of backbone drainage systems and has also developed smaller-scale "General Storm" systems to address local concerns and mitigate flooding risks during smaller storm events.

A few years ago, DOTI identified the Ellsworth Avenue System as a viable option to tackle drainage issues in Cherry Creek East. Construction on a new drainage system for Ellsworth Avenue began in the summer of 2021, starting from Steele Street and progressing eastward. The project was completed in mid-2022, concluding just east of Cook Street. DOTI has plans for a future phase, called Ellsworth Ave Ph2 or General Storm-Torreys Peak, which aims to extend the system further east to Garfield Street. This project has been scheduled to receive a budget allocation in 2024. We anticipate the work will commence in the fall of 2024.

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. We are hosting another SLOW DOWN sign pick-up event September 5 at the Ross-Cherry Creek Library. If you would like a sign or signs please come to this event or email us denvercouncil5@denvergov.org

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!

Community Spotlight

E. Jane Lorimer

President of Winston Downs Community Association

I’ve lived in Denver since the late 1960’s and watched Denver’s changes; some I agree with and some I don’t. As many City and State leaders know, I am not shy about expressing my concerns or praises to current leaders.  My interest in serving our neighborhood is because I believe that neighborhoods are stronger when they come together to solve problems, maintain the quality of life and support one another.

For a good number of years, I have served on the board for our RNO, and currently have the honor serving as president for the Winston Downs Community Association (WDCA).  Our neighborhood lies between Alameda, Monaco, Quebec and E. Ohio Dr.  In the past, I also served as a delegate to Inter Neighborhood Cooperation/INC, and was even a volunteer for a District 5 councilperson in the early 2000’s!  

An important factor that makes our neighborhood successful is that our board operates as a team to meet the stated purposes of the organization; each person on the team brings skills and talents that make us stronger. Our team also includes chair positions for safety, social media, communications, and special task forces as needed. 

Bottom line: We care and every voice counts. For that reason, it takes each position’s input to be able to address residents’ concerns and to organize meetings that matter and events that unify our neighborhood.  I love being a part of this team, both board and chairs, that cares not only about our community, but also how we contribute to the city of Denver.

Thank you Jane for all you do for District 5!

Small Business Spotlight

Lowry Beer Garden

Have you checked out the award winning Lowry Beer Garden in Lowry? It's one of our favorite local D5 businesses!

Recently featured in USA Today as one of the Top Ten Beer Gardens in the US, the restaurant is a gem!

"The Lowry Beer Garden sits within its own park containing more than 9,000 square feet of outdoor space, including a covered pavilion. Guests sit at Oktoberfest-style picnic tables while enjoying a selection of draft and bottled beers with Colorado brews heavily represented. The food menu includes locally made sausages, fresh-baked pretzels, burgers, fries, and salads"

-USA TODAY

Upcoming Rezonings

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 are currently five open re-zonings requests in District 5. 

• 1401 Fairfax St was filed on Feb 16, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 162 & 190 St. Paul St. was filed on submitted on April 4, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 325 & 329 Detroit St. was filed on March 31, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is being held on July 19th. LUTI meeting happened on August 8th. City Council Public Hearing is TBD
• 101 N Adams St. was filed on February 8, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD
• Multiple properties along Colfax Ave receiving the DO-8 Overlay was filed on July 14, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD. Planning Board informational update is scheduled for September 6th

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

August 21

• 4470 N Grant St
• 3101 & 3131 Walnut St
• 3625 W 10th Ave

August 28

• 2241 N York St landmark

September 4

• No meeting - Labor Day

September 11

• 1600 N Hooker St
• 1001 & 1010 N King St
• 6137 E 17th Pkwy

Citywide News

BELOW CURB Outdoor Places Program Requirements Final Draft Released

The Outdoor Places Program has released the program requirements for Below Curb patios (on-street parking), the final typology for the permanent program. The design guidelines include patio placement, safety barriers, ADA access, urban design guidance and more.

Click here to View the Below Curb Design Standards

Community Meeting #2

Join Denver Community Planning and Development and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for a virtual community meeting on the Outdoor Places Program on August 29, 2023. The project team will provide an overview about what to expect with the new program, discuss the new requirements for outdoor patios below the curb, and take questions from the participants.

Date: August 29, 2023

Time: 5:30pm MT

Register Here

Language Access Services are available for free to Limited-English Proficient and American Sign Language individuals. Requests can be made by phone (720) 865-2557 or planningservices@denvergov.org up to three business days before the meeting. If you need to make other disability-related accommodation requests or have any questions, please email DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org.

Help Denver PLAN(t) for the Future!

Denver Parks and Recreation and the Office of the City Forester conducted a community-wide survey in the spring of 2023 to hear from residents about what matters to them when it comes to trees and the city’s urban forest. That information is being used to develop the city’s first Urban Forest Strategic Plan, which will refine existing goals, identify new goals and provide a common and equitable vision for the future of the urban forest in Denver. The urban forest encompasses all trees within the city, both on public and private property. 

Here are two ways you can make your voice heard when it comes to the future or Denver’s trees: 

1. Provide your feedback in a short survey: Based on learnings from the spring survey, Denver Parks and Recreation and the Office of the City Forester would like to ask a few additional and important questions in a second survey. Take the survey before September 4 to give your input! The survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. 
2. Attend an upcoming Open House: Visit with Denver Parks and Recreation at the Montbello 20/20 7^th Annual Back-to-School Wellness Fair (Lincoln School of Technology- 11194 E. 45^th Ave., Denver, CO 80239) on Saturday, August 12 any time between 11am-3pm. City Forestry staff will be available to provide information and answer your tree questions, as well as hear your thoughts on the urban forest. 

RTD's ZERO FARE for Youth

FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2024, YOUTH 19 AND UNDER CAN JUST HOP ON BOARD*

RTD is excited to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits at no cost. Zero Fare for Youth is a one-year pilot program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. By inviting youth ages 19 and under to ride the bus and train at no cost, we also remove barriers to education and employment, while creating access to destinations across the metro Denver region. If you’re new to our system, check out RTD's How to Ride video.

*What Do I Need to Show When I Ride?

To ride at no cost as part of this program, you must be prepared to show one of the following to the bus operator or fare inspector: current school ID, valid government-issued ID, alien registration/permanent resident card, Military ID/dependent card with DOB, RTD-issued youth special discount card.

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.

Protect Your Bike With DPD's 529 Garage

Great news for cyclists in Denver! The city has launched a new digital bicycle registration and tracking platform called 529 Garage. Developed by Project 529, this system replaces the outdated database previously used by the Denver Police Department (DPD).

By signing up on the DPD's website or downloading the 529 Garage app, you can register your bike for free. Simply enter your bike's details, including the serial number, make, model, and color. Already registered? Your information has been transferred to the new system.

As an added bonus, the 529 Garage program offers a tamper-resistant decal called the 529 Shield. It comes with a unique seven-character ID code, acting as a visible deterrent to thieves. Happy cycling and stay safe!

Solid Waste Weekly Compost Rollout Update



The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will begin phasing in weekly compost service to new customers next month by Solid Waste Collection (SWC) District – starting with SWC District 2, which includes City Park, City Park West, Clayton, Cole, Elyria-Swansea, Five Points, North Capitol Hill, Skyland, Whittier, and parts of Globeville.  

The next area to receive weekly compost service before the end of the year is SWC District 4, which includes Montbello, Gateway, and Green Valley Ranch. The department is prioritizing neighborhoods with lower diversion rates in its rollout, with SWC Districts 5 and 8 next in line in 2024 and is developing a rollout schedule for the remaining districts. 

Gradually phasing in weekly compost service will allow DOTI to better educate and coordinate with residents, mitigate contamination, and allow our collection routes to grow with the service. Currently, no action is needed from residents, and you'll continue to receive the Phased Service Roll-out Credit on your invoice until DOTI delivers their green cart. Existing compost customers will not see any changes in their service while DOTIs expand compost collections. Residents who want to get started early or who have extra yard debris can utilize Denver's free Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off center. 

The DA's August Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

Hail Damage Contracting:

• Check References: Ask for three previous client references from repair companies and verify them. Know your rights under The Consumer Protection/Roofing Bill from the relevant association.
• Get at Least 3 Bids: Obtain multiple bids to avoid falling for low-quality work or biased recommendations.
• Signs of Insurance Fraud: Avoid contractors offering to pay your insurance deductible, as it's insurance fraud.
• Payment/Contracts: Insist on a written contract and a detailed estimate before work starts. Preferably pay by credit card to dispute charges. Avoid large upfront payments, and pay in increments as work is completed.
• Documentation: Always get documentation of completed work, product warranty, and payment for insurance filing.
• Verify License and Insurance: Ensure the repair shop is fully licensed and insured. Be extra cautious with dent-less repair shops, as some might employ untrained technicians.

By following these tips, you can safeguard yourself from potential scams and ensure quality repairs for your auto or home after hail damage.

Community Events & Meetings

Lowry: Fun Food and Treats For You!

Summer may be winding down for some, but we still have a list of events and food trucks for you to enjoy. Here's what's on the docket for the next month in Lowry:

• Tuesday, August 15: R&B Tacos at Tailwind Park, 5-8 pm
• Sunday, August 20: Back to School Ice Cream Party! HipPOPS at Sunset Park 2-4 pm; the first 100 servings are free, sponsored by the LCMA!
• Tuesday, August 29: Toby's New Orleans Po'boys at Tailwind Park, 5-8 pm 

Denver Art Museum Activities

Kids Get in FREE

ALL OF SUMMER

All visitors ages 18 and under receive FREE general admission to the Denver Art Museum every single day! From exploring the collection galleries and exhibitions to artmaking in the Creative Hub and hands-on gallery activities, a day at the museum has a lot to offer visitors of all ages. The program also helps support a transportation fund for school bus trips and enables the museum to offer $5 youth pricing for all ticketed exhibitions. Learn more about the program at https://bit.ly/Free-for-Kids-at-DAM.

Free Admission for Active-Duty Military

Now – Sept. 4, 2023

Active-duty military personnel and their families can visit the Denver Art Museum for free throughout the summer! The DAM is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program, which annually offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families Memorial Day through Labor Day (Monday, September 4, 2023).

Lowry Food Truck Tuesday Schedule

August 15: R&B Tacos, Tailwind Park. Taco Tuesday!!

August 29: Toby's Po Boys, Tailwind Park.

Comfort food at its finest!

Denver Zoo: Flock Party

DATE: September 9, 2023

TIME: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

AGES: 21+

Denver Zoo invites you to join us for Flock Party: a brilliant evening benefiting our beloved animal family—including our American and Chilean flamingos. This colorful, casual, and ALL-INCLUSIVE benefit features festive food + drink, live entertainment, exclusive animal experiences and so much more.



With 84 acres to explore and something fascinating around every bend, Flock Party is a brilliant movable feast providing you with plenty of room to spread your wings throughout the event. Join us for the soirée of the year—and get ready to shake a tailfeather for a good cause!

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
• 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

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