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!

Project Update: Daytime work begins on East Colfax Avenue

July 14, 2023 update:

Crews experienced some delays this week while finalizing installation and testing of the new pipe between Grant and Logan streets. Denver Water hopes to begin work next week on East Colfax Avenue between Logan and Pearl streets.

Note: Crews will work Saturday, July 15, in the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Broadway. There will be lane closures through the intersection from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and delays should be expected when traveling through the area.

The typical work schedule on the project will continue to be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Additional weekend work beyond this weekend will be required.

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.

After initial night work from Broadway to Sherman Street, work will take place during daytime hours for the remainder of the project. Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.

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.

Montclair Park Updates

In 2022 the Montclair Park playground was damaged when a storm blew down large tree branches. Due to supply chain issues, Parks & Rec (DPR) was delayed almost a year in replacing the equipment. The replacement parts have been installed; however, the playground has been also been prioritized for replacement under the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) funding for 2024. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.

Mayfair Park Renovations



Denver Parks and Rec (DPR) would like to provide you with an update on the recent developments concerning the drainage system under the playground. Unfortunately, there has been a failure in this system, and it is necessary to engage a contractor to repair or replace it.

The current heavy rainfall has further emphasized the nonfunctioning state of the drainage system, making it impossible for us to reopen the playground until the repairs are complete. We recognize the importance of the playground to the community, and we share your desire to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.



However, we must also emphasize that repairing or replacing the drainage system will take some time. DPR is committed to resolving this issue in a thorough and efficient manner, ensuring that the playground is safe and fully operational once again. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience during this process, as our team is working tirelessly to expedite the repairs.

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.

Denver Term Limits Survey

My office is considering bringing a proposal to change the term limits for Denver’s elected officials from three terms (12 years) to two terms (8 years). This would require voters to approve a change to the Denver Charter. We would love feedback from our Denver residents with regards to this potential Charter change, and have put together a short survey which you can access here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DenverTermLimits

The survey will be open until July 31 2023. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions.

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.

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 Sign Pick Up Event!

You might have seen them around the neighborhood. By popular demand, our SLOW DOWN Signs are back! The purpose of these signs is to remind drivers that our roads are shared with families, residents with disabilities, and our pets, and drivers should slow down in our neighborhoods. If you would like a sign or signs please email us denvercouncil5@denvergov.org or come to our distribution event on July 25 from 4-6pm at the Montclair Rec Center. No need to register, just come on down and pick one up while supplies last!

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

Nick LeMasters 

President & CEO Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District

Following a thirty-year career in the regional shopping center industry, Nick LeMasters assumed the role of President and CEO of the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District in November of 2019. In this role, LeMasters is responsible for the day-to-day management of the district including marketing, enhancing the physical environment, government relations and business development. Prior to joining Cherry Creek North, LeMasters served as General Manager of Cherry Creek Shopping Center – one of Denver’s top tourist attractions.

LeMasters is a past recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Commission Business Social Responsibility Award. He was also honored by the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce as Community Leader of the Year in 2012. Also, in 2012, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival recognized LeMasters as their Patron of the Arts. More recently, LeMasters was recognized by the Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association as Retail Manager of the Year and by the Transportation Solutions Foundation for his efforts in improving mobility options in the Cherry Creek area.

Thank you for your work on behalf of our residents and businesses, Nick! 

Small Business Spotlight

A Message from Jennifer Morgan, the Gelato Boy Store Manager

Have you checked out Gelato Boy in the shops at 9+CO? It's one of our new favorite local businesses!

Store Manager Jennifer Morgan says "At Gelato Boy, we are a Colorado based company with roots in authentic gelato traditions. Here you will find pure Italian flavors such as Sicilian Pistachio, unique offerings like our Lavender Poppy, and cravable favorites such as our Gooey Butter Cake and Caramel.

You can get our gelato in fresh made waffle cones, alongside house baked goodies or even packed in pints to take home. We were excited to be an early part of the 9th & Colorado development and enjoy being a part of the Denver community. Stop in to try our summer menu addition, a gelato cookie sandwich!"

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

• 1401 Fairfax St was filed on Feb 16, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD.
• 79 S Albion St was filed on March 24, 2023. The Planning Board hearing was held on May 17, 2023. Public Hearing at City Council August 7th.
• 162 & 190 St. Paul St. (New Due to Redistricting) was filed on submitted on April 4, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 325 & 329 Detroit St. (New Due to Redistricting) was filed on March 31, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is being held on July 19th.
• 101 N Adams St. (New Due to Redistricting) was filed on February 8, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 159 Adams St. (New Due to Redistricting) was filed on February 14, 2022. Planning Board hearing was on May 3, 2023. LUTI public meeting was on June 13, 2023. City Council Public Hearing is TBD

Upcoming public hearings *dates are subject to change.

July 17

• None Scheduled

July 24

• 2042 and 2062 S Bannock St
• 3360 Albion St*
• 2501 N Gaylord

July 31

• 3100 Blake Street
• 159 N Adams Street
• 3480 N York St

August 7

• 621 W 8th Ave
• 79 S Albion St*

August 14

• 4690 N Clay St*
• 1520 S Ash St*
• 925 E 17th Ave

Citywide News

BELOW CURB Draft Outdoor Places Program Requirements Available for Public Comment

The Outdoor Places Program has released draft 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. Public Comment on the draft Below Curb requirements will be accepted until July 26, 2023. Feedback received will be used to further refine the draft requirements. This is the program that will cover the structure outside Quality Italian in Cherry Creek, which we have received numerous concerns about from residents. Please take this opportunity to make your voices heard!

Click here to View the Below Curb Design Standards

Please VOTE for DPD 3 Officer of the Month

Email christie.mochoruk@denvergov.org with your choice!

Nomination 1: Officer Dunnam and Officer Ahlstrom

On 6/10/23 Officers Dunnam and Ahlstrom responded to a residence on report of a female party armed with a knife inside the location. The male caller had locked himself in the bedroom with their child. Officers arrived on scene and heard the female suspect attempting to kick down the bedroom door. Officers entered the apartment and took the suspect into custody without incident. The male reported that the female had menaced him with the knife and then had been trying to stab through the door once the male half had locked himself inside.  The suspect was transported to the DDC and charged with felony menacing (domestic violence). 

Nomination 2: Corporal Cordova and Officer Cueva

On 6/27/23 Corporal Cordova and Officer Cueva were conducting proactive patrol in the RTD parking garage located at 1901 E. Buchtel Ave when they observed a transient male camping on the 4th floor with drug paraphernalia in plain view. The officers advised him he was trespassing, and the subject gave false info when asked to identify himself. When Cpl. Cordova and Officer Cueva began to take him into custody the suspect fought the officers and cover cars were called in Code 10. The subject was eventually taken into custody as other officers arrived and he was finally identified through the mobile fingerprint reader. He was found to have an active Robbery (w/ handgun) warrant. He was jailed on the warrant and new charges of PCS, Resistance, and Damaged Property.

Nomination 3: Officer Gorham and Officer Martin

On 06/10/23 Officers Gorham and Martin developed information regarding the distribution of fentanyl in the Baker Neighborhood. The information included specific facts including the type of vehicle used to make the deliveries and the most recent delivery location.   The officers immediately provided the information to District Three Narcotics Detectives. Thanks to the specific information, the detectives were able to locate the dealers on their first attempt. Detectives located the dealers selling to a line of buyers. A buyer was contacted in the delivery vehicle with the two sellers and admitted that he was attempting to barter with them for fentanyl. Over 22 grams of heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, 31 grams of fentanyl powder and pills, 22 grams of alprazolam, 12 grams of methamphetamine, $2,000 in cash, a digital scale, and a large amount of packaging material were recovered from the backpack and delivery vehicle. The District Attorney’s Office has accepted the case for criminal filing with ten possession/distribution charges against each defendant.

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.

Join the 529 Garage community and help reduce bike theft while increasing the chances of recovering stolen bikes. Visit the DPD's website or download the 529 Garage app today to get started.

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. 

DOTI will be posting information on social media, attending community events and doing paid outreach to help residents prepare and understand what’s next. Residents who want to get started early or who have extra yard debris can utilize Denver's free Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off center. 

DOTI is updating their compost website with resources to help residents prepare at www.denvergov.org/compost, and created an interactive map showing the SWC district boundaries. Find out more!

The DA's July Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

• Subscription Scams: Have you ever received a magazine you didn't order? It may seem like a pleasant surprise, but it could be a scam. Some companies charge for subscriptions you never wanted or ordered. Always double-check before paying for any subscription. Stay cautious and be wary of unsolicited subscriptions.

• iPhone Text Message Hacks: Recent studies have highlighted a potential vulnerability in iPhones that can allow hackers to access your device through fraudulent text messages. This flaw in the software can grant them control over your data and even remote control of your iPhone. Keep your device updated with the latest software and avoid opening suspicious texts from unknown senders.



• Moving Scams: With summer being a popular time for moving, it's crucial to be alert and aware of moving scams. Watch out for unscrupulous movers offering unrealistically low estimates, demanding large upfront deposits, or holding belongings hostage for additional fees. Protect yourself by researching moving companies, obtaining multiple quotes, reading customer reviews, and requesting proof of licensing and insurance.

Changes to Pocketgov.org



We’ve heard you loud and clear: You want city services and information that are more accessible. Denver's Online Services Hub is the solution. Got a question, ask the City staff! See something that needs fixing? Report an Issue! Head over to www.denvergov.org/Online-Services-Hub to access these services and see the new changes that have taken place. 

Community Events & Meetings

VIVA! Streets Denver

Get ready to experience Denver like never before!

Mark your calendars for:

• August 6

With 3 miles of car-free streets, you can walk, bike, skate, or scoot through some of Denver's most colorful neighborhoods!

Enjoy food, art, and entertainment from local businesses and communities along the way. Bring your family and friends for a day of fun in the sun while supporting local businesses!

Find more info here: https://www.vivastreetsdenver.com/

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, and discover what you can see and do at https://bit.ly/DAM-June2023.

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

July 18: Mama Kabob, Liberator Park. Authentic Mediterranean kabob, gyro, shawarma, and falafel!

July 25: Big Belly Brothers BBQ, Tailwind Park. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, oh my.

August 8: Chibby Wibbitz, Liberator Park. Funny name with serious sliders, tots, and tacos.

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

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

Comfort food at its finest!

Winston Downs Yard Sale

July 22-23 8:30 AM-2:30 PM

Winston Downs will hold a neighborhood-wide yard sale on Saturday Jul 22 and Sunday Jul 23 from 8:30am to 2:30pm each day.  Winston Downs is located between E. Alameda, E. Ohio, Monaco and Quebec. 

Hilltop Barkin' Beach Bash

July 15th 1- 4 PM

Calling all pet owners in Hilltop! Get ready for an exciting and fun-filled Precious Pet event this July, the Barkin’ Beach Bash! We have partnered with a talented photographer, Hanna Jerde Photography to capture the lasting memories of your furry companions! The Barkin’ Beach Bash is a perfect way to spend a day out with your pet and have fun in the sun. Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other type of pet, this event is open to all Hilltop furry friends and their owners. dogdrop will be providing an obstacle course, brain puzzles + more fun giveaways from co-sponsors!

Date & Time: Saturday, July 15, 1pm - 4pm

Location: Robinson Park

Event: Our photographer will capture you and your precious pet! You will get 1-3 free image downloads and a goodie bag!

Cost: $20 donation to benefit A Friend of Jack Rescue

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barkin-beach-bash-registration-630052432787

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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