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Dear Neighbors,
Let's goooooooo Nuggets! I hope to see you all at the parade this morning to celebrate our team's championship win!
With the transition to a new Mayor on July 17th, there's an air of anticipation around the city, and a lot going on. But it's business as usual in the District 5 Council office. Mark your calendars for the Uinta Way Traffic Study Final Recommendations Meeting, set to take place on June 28th, and our final community meeting on the DO-8 overlay proposal on July 11th.
We're also making the transition to the new District 5. We'll be welcoming the Cherry Creek and Country Club neighborhoods on July 17th, which is Inauguration Day, and saying farewell to East Colfax and Virginia Vale residents. Over the next few months we'll be adding information related to our new neighborhoods on our website and newsletter. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts as we work towards this transition!
Please also check our social media and website for updates on all things happening around District 5. And as always, don't hesitate to reach out to our office if there is anything we can do to assist you!
Gratefully,
Councilwoman, Amanda Sawyer
District 5
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GENERAL INQUIRIES
DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org
720-337-5555
Visit our website for useful information and helpful links!
LOCATION
City and County Building
1437 Bannock St., Room 451
Denver, CO 80202
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OFFICE HOURS
We have virtual office hours this upcoming month:
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Thursday, June 15, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM
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Thursday, June 29, from 1:00 to 3:00PM
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Thursday, July 13, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Contact our office to schedule an appointment if another time works better for you!
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Fall Parks Clean Up Day
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 unprecedented 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!
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East Colfax Pipe Replacement Project
Starting in early June, Denver Water will begin a project to replace over five miles of 130-year-old infrastructure along the East Colfax corridor between Broadway and Yosemite streets.
Lane closures will be in effect on East Colfax Avenue, and delays should be expected during the pipe replacement project. However, business access will be maintained throughout, and residents and businesses in the construction zone will receive additional notifications with specific impact information.
Phase One of the project is scheduled to commence in June 2023 at Broadway and East Colfax Avenue, with the overall pipe replacement expected to continue until 2024. Working hours will vary based on the project location, with tentative hours as follows:
- East Colfax Avenue from Broadway to Sherman Street: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- East Colfax Avenue from Sherman Street to Colorado Boulevard: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- East Colfax Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Yosemite Street: 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Find updates and more information by clicking the button below
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Verbena Park Renovation
Construction at Verbena Park will finally begin mid-summer! Improvements will include an aviation themed playground, a new multi-sport court, and improved drainage in the athletic field. Items that were not in the original budget, like picnic tables, grills, coal bin, memorial benches and community plaque were included with the additional funds raised by the community.
While there was a delay to get construction started, we’re glad that Denver Parks & Recreation was able to fund all improvements that community members requested during design in 2022. During construction, access to the park may be limited. We know this is an inconvenience, but it will be well worth it when the project is complete next summer.
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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. Next, join us on June 28th as we make our final recommendations to DOTI based on the data from our study.
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DO8 Overlay Update
As you may know, Councilmembers from District 5, 8, 9, and 10 are proposing a rezoning known as the DO-8 overlay, which aims to transform future development along Colfax to help create a vibrant and multi-modal corridor. This project is crucial to achieving better development outcomes and facilitating future growth along Colfax.
Currently, the 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.
To ensure that community members are well-informed and have the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and concerns, we will be hosting the final DO-8 overlay proposal meeting on July 11 at 6:00pm. This gathering will be an invaluable opportunity to learn more about what the overlay will entail and to ask any questions you may have. Your participation in this meeting is vital if you want to gather accurate information about the proposed changes and have your voice heard.
To register for the meeting, please visit https://bit.ly/JulyDO8 or simply click the button below. By attending, you will have the chance to engage directly with city officials, planners, and community leaders who have been working tirelessly to shape the future of our neighborhood.
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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.
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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!
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Valor on the Fax is Now Open
On Wednesday May 17th, we celebrated the grand opening of Valor on the Fax, a 72-unit supportive housing community in Denver. Developed by Brothers Redevelopment in collaboration with the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, Valor on the Fax will provide stable housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on those who have suffered from acquired brain injuries or related disabilities.
I am incredibly proud to have partnered with Brothers Redevelopment to make this vision a reality. Together, we are taking a step towards ending homelessness for the 72 households that will now call Valor home.
Located at 7900 E. Colfax Ave., Valor on the Fax is part of the City and County of Denver's commitment to affordability and community-serving uses along this vibrant corridor. Through income restrictions, these 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units will be accessible to households earning up to 30% of the area median income.
This project is another example of the momentum we are building in creating supportive housing options and providing a lifeline to those who need it most.
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Ross Cherry Creek Library Update
We wanted to provide you with an update on the library's construction progress. Both structural evaluations concluded that there were structural needs that must be addressed. None are concerning enough to close the facility permanently.
The closure of the branch has been a precaution by the City until conclusive engineering opinions about the facility could be made. However, as of last week, both engineers have confirmed that the branch can be reopened, is safe for the occupants, and structural concerns/cracks will be monitored. Design solutions will be initiated to mitigate and fully fix the structural repairs that are needed, and DPL is actively preparing for the reopening.
The construction schedule and impacts for this work are unknown at this time, until the design can be completed. They hope that the construction phase will be as minimally intrusive and impactful to branch operations as it can be. A reopening date has not yet been identified. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
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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!
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Zoning & Hearing Information | |
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Changes to Safe Outdoor Spaces Rules Adopted
Council voted to make these sites a permanent program, offering city-sanctioned tents and parking spots with support services. Originally created as a temporary measure during the pandemic, these sites were set to end in December 2023.
I want to be transparent that I did not vote in support of this program. My belief is that housing, even if temporary, should provide a roof and a door. With the lifting of the COVID emergency order, Denver now has adequate shelter space available for those seeking it. As the lone dissenting vote on June 5th, I advocated for alternative solutions.
However, despite this outcome, I remain committed to serving our homeless population and finding better ways to address their needs. My focus now shifts towards developing legislation that ensures comprehensive support and stability for our unhoused community members, without seeking the easy way out.
Learn more about the program here.
Read the specific changes to the Zoning Code here.
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ADUs in Denver Project - Passed City Council
On June 5th, the City Council passed the proposed changes, marking an important step forward in our efforts to address construction technicalities in the zoning code and make ADU construction more accessible.
The goal of the project was to carefully examine various aspects of the zoning code, such as size and placement requirements, and determine whether adjusting these rules would streamline the process of building ADUs.
Some highlights in the updated strategy report include:
- Rules that are responsive to the needs of different neighborhoods, with maximum flexibility in urban neighborhoods
- Allowing ADUs as accessory to duplexes, row houses and town houses as a detached structure
- Allowing a more usable second story deck on a detached ADU when the deck would face a public alley
It's important to note that the committee did not discuss rezoning all of Denver to allow for ADUs, and this ordinance does not alter that aspect either. City Councilmembers will continue to pursue full neighborhood rezoning initiatives as appropriate. Furthermore, the owner occupancy rule remains unchanged. Homeowners are still required to live in either their primary residence or the ADU they construct. This rule ensures responsible ownership and prevents both units from being rented out by homeowners or developers.
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Public Hearing on Outdoor Places Private Property Design Guidelines
Community Planning & Development will have an upcoming public hearing on the proposed Outdoor Places Private Property Design Guidelines. This hearing will shape the regulations for outdoor gathering areas in Denver. Key Details:
- Date: Wednesday, July 5th, 2023
- Time: 3:00 P.M.
- Location: Wellington Webb Building, 201 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80202, Room 4I4
You can attend the hearing in person at the Webb Municipal Building. If you can't attend, written comments can be emailed to christin.brandow@denvergov.org or mailed to Community Planning and Development at 201 W. Colfax Department 205, Denver, CO 80202. The deadline for comments is 4:00 P.M., July 3rd, 2023.
You can review the proposed guidelines on the Denver Outdoor Places Program webpage: Outdoor Places Program. They are also available for viewing at the Community Planning & Development Office in the Wellington Webb Building. For more information, contact Christin Brandow at christin.brandow@denvergov.org or call (720) 865-2965.
We encourage your participation in this public hearing to shape the Outdoor Places Private Property Design Guidelines according to our community's needs.
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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.
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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!
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Denver Police Department's Youth Community Academy
Saturday, July 15th
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
At the Denver Police Academy
2155 N. Akron Way
Free to young people between the ages of 15 and 19.
Applications must be received by July 16, 2023 - class size is limited so apply ASAP.
The Denver Police Youth Community Academy is designed to familiarize teens with the “how/what/why” of police work and interact with active police officers. We work towards planning an engaging academy that reflects current trends, themes, and topics, and will encourage thoughtful discussion about police work within the community.
Teens will get the opportunity to participate in discussions and see/listen to demonstrations about
- Police K-9's
- AirOne Helicopter
- The investigative process
- Arrest/search/seizure
- Less-lethal weapons options
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Scenarios in the Virtra 300 Simulator
Officers and other experts assist with lectures and demonstrations. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will be invited to join many of the available Denver Police Youth Programs.
Program requirements:
- Must be attending high school in the 2022-2023 school year
- Must be between the ages of 15-19 as of July 15, 2023.
- Come in with a positive attitude and open mind regarding police practices and work in the Denver Community.
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DOTI Rolls-out 20MPH Speed Limit on all Local Streets
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) will be installing new 20mph signs on local streets citywide. The goal is to promote safety and create a culture of safety within our neighborhoods where people are more likely to walk and bike. They also plan to reduce the overall number of signs out now and post gateway signs at the entrance of Denver, stating the speed limit on local roads is 20 mph.
To further promote this initiative, we've created yard signs for residents to post, reminding drivers to slow down. Please click here to request yard signs
As DOTI distributes these signs, please keep in mind that the 20mph speed limit only applies to local and residential streets, with no stripes or centerlines. Our goal is for this initiative to help us create safer streets in Denver.
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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.
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Community Events & Meetings | |
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Get ready to experience Denver like never before!
Mark your calendars for:
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/
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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).
Free Day at the DAM
Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Every visitor can explore the Denver Art Museum for FREE on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.! Everything currently on view at the DAM is included in general admission. Don’t miss the final weeks of Her Brush: Japanese Women Artists from the Fong-Johnstone Collection (on view through July 16), or explore the newly reopened arts of Africa, arts of Oceania, and modern and contemporary art galleries.
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Smash In The Square Festival | |
June 21st 5pm-8pm
Soak in the extra hours of sun on the longest day of the year at the inaugural High Line Canal Summer Scamper, 5K for All! The event will take place June 21 along the Canal in Bible Park in Denver with a Summer Solstice Festival from 5-8 p.m., a free kids Ditch Dash at 5:40 p.m. and a 5K race at 6 p.m.
Hang out at the festival to enjoy dinner, music, yoga, face painting and the beer garden. All funds raised will benefit the High Line Canal Conservancy and their efforts to preserve, protect and enhance all 71 miles of the High Line Canal trail, including those that run through Denver. Scamper into summer with us and make an impact! Register at: https://highlinecanal.org/summer-scamper/
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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
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Bike to Work Day
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Put some joy back into your commute! Join Way to Go and thousands of Denver-region residents for Bike to Work Day this summer. Register to swap a ride in your car for a ride on two wheels on Wednesday, June 28, and help improve air quality. Sign up and be automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes including a Tern e-bike. Find out more info including biking stations by clicking the link below
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Registered Neighborhood Organizations | |
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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.
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