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
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Dayton & Emporia
• 13th & 14th Traffic Calming - Return to Two-way East of Colorado Boulevard

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

Sign-up for East Colfax BRT Updates

Construction has started on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Click on the buttons below to sign-up for e-mail and construction updates and to access business support.

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.

Potential Creation of a General Improvement District (GID)

Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer is hosting 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.

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.

My Office is facilitating community conversations to share more information about this proposal, to get your feedback, and answer your questions. 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

Learn more at: denvergov.org/CCGID

Sign-up for Spring Parks Clean-up Day

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! Sign-up at: Bit.ly/2025SpringCleanup

Compost Rollout to District 5 and Service Changes

Denver is accelerating its rollout of compost collection service. Customers in District 5 should have received a letter in December explaining how to sign up for service, and all compost carts have now been delivered. More info at: www.denvergov.org/compostrollout. If you did not sign up for a compost cart but would like one, please contact our office and we can help put you in touch with the DOTI trash team.

To be able to accelerate the compost rollout to the rest of the city, Mayor Johnston and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) have announced service changes to recycling service and large-item pick-up. Starting in 2025, recycling service will be bi-weekly instead of weekly and large-item pick-up will be every 9 weeks instead of monthly. While we are extremely disappointed in these developments, we look forward to composting capabilities coming to the residents of District 5 quickly.

More info at: www.denvergov.org/expandedcollection

Schlessman Library Temporary Closure for Renovations

Schlessman Library has temporarily closed for renovations. The renovation project includes: 

• Increase square footage with an addition to improve the service point for technology and service models
• Updating/relocating community room
• Exploring new arrangements for flexible learning spaces
• Redesigning the children’s area
• Modifying material shelving arrangement
• Redesigning staff rooms
• Exploring new arrangements for computers/mobile device access
• Exterior improvements to research and repair leaking titanium façade panels, replacing the roof, addressing landscaping, sidewalk and exterior lighting
• Improvements to building systems including HVAC
• Reducing solar gain on east and south curtain wall, life safety, surveillance and access controls, electrical, data, and communication systems
• Provide new interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and signage
• Compliance with current ADA requirements

We expect Schlessman Library to reopen in the summer of 2026. Until that time, residents should utilize the Ross-Cherry Creek or Virginia Village Branch libraries. Thank you for your patience!

Ellsworth Ave. Storm System Phase 2 Status Update 

Phase 2 of the Ellsworth Storm Drain project is well underway! Please see below for information about work hours and schedules!

General Information

• Typical Hours of Construction: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Unique circumstances may require work past 5:00 p.m., but all work will be completed prior to 9:00 p.m. per City of Denver Noise Ordinance. 
• Business/Driveway Access: All business and residential driveway access will be maintained during construction. There may be instances where alternative entry and exit parameters are required to complete the work. Each property owner will be contacted prior to access modifications.

Monthly Construction Look Ahead - January 2025

• Road Closures: Concrete Work of Colorado (CWC) currently has the roadway closed on Ellsworth Ave. from just east of Madison St. to just west of Garfield St. Both intersections of Madison St. and Garfield St. on Ellsworth Ave. are open to north/south traffic. Access to the alley on Ellsworth Ave. between Madison St. and Monroe St. has been opened to through traffic. Access to the alley on Ellsworth Ave. between Monroe St. and Garfield St. is expected to be closed from March through July 2025, but still accessible from 1^st Ave. and Bayaud Ave. The project team has coordinated with the City of Denver-Solid Waste so that there will be no interruption to trash/solid waste pickup in the alley. Please follow all roadway detour signage to limit congestion around the project site.
• Pedestrian Travel: Crews have replaced all ADA ramps at the intersection of Ellsworth Ave. and Madison St. and will begin installing new ADA ramps at the Monroe St. intersection. When sidewalk is scheduled for removal, crews will maintain an open sidewalk path on one side of Ellsworth Ave. for pedestrian access. 
• Construction Activities: There will be excavation work and relocation of utilities in conflict with the proposed storm system in the Ellsworth/Monroe intersection. The main storm line has been installed from Cook St. through Monroe St. on Ellsworth Ave. Crews will be installing the main storm line between Monroe St. & Garfield St. this month in addition to the storm laterals in the Monroe St. intersection. Crews may have a lane closed through the Garfield St. intersection to preform survey and pothole for existing utilities. 
• Utility Work: No domestic waterline outages are anticipated in March. In an event an unexpected outage is needed, each homeowner being affected will receive a notice on their door 48 hours prior to each outage. Crews will work diligently to keep these outages as short as possible.
• Paving: No paving expected in March. The asphalt on Ellsworth Ave. will be completely re-paved from street edge to street edge by the end of this project.
• Vibration Monitoring: The project team has installed vibration monitoring equipment onsite and continues to monitor vibration levels caused by construction so that they remain at an acceptable level.

Denver Water East Colfax Pipe Replacement Project

Next week, the crew will work on the following segment of East Colfax Avenue:

• Forest Street to Hudson Street.

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 may be required throughout the project.

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 in 2025.

Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.

Construction schedules are 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.

The pipe replacement work is taking place in advance of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, which is being led by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, in partnership with RTD, Colorado Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Authority and the City of Aurora.

Project resources

• Denver Water Customer Care (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.): 303-893-2444
• 24-hour Emergency line: 303-628-6801
• Project website: denverwater.org/Colfax
• Project email address: WaterUDoing@denverwater.org
• Water Outage FAQs
• Street Restoration FAQs

#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.

Highline Canal Improvements

The much-anticipated High Line Canal path expansion is underway! This project will replace the existing narrow asphalt trail with a new 12-foot wide concrete trail and adjacent 6' wide crusher fines path between Parker Road and Havana Street. The project will also include ADA ramp upgrades and other trail amenities. The project is a partnership between Denver Parks & Recreation and the High Line Canal Conservancy.

Update Trespass Agreements with DPD

If you currently have or would like to have a trespass agreement with the Denver Police Department (DPD), you must fill out a new one for the new year. By filling out the form, businesses and residents alike authorize DPD to remove trespassers.

• All businesses and residences north of 6th Avenue must fill out a District 2 form. Click here to access the trespass agreement.
• All businesses and/or residences south of 6th Avenue must fill out a District 3 form. Click here to access the trespass agreement.

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

Kyle Chism



Hello District 5!!

My name is Kyle Chism, and just recently joined the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce as the new Executive Director. My primary focus here will be to foster a thriving business community by connecting local entrepreneurs, established businesses, and civic organizations. My focus is on building meaningful partnerships, advocating for business-friendly policies, and providing resources that help businesses succeed in Cherry Creek and beyond.

Before stepping into this role, I spent over 25 years in business strategy, development, and external affairs, including leading Turner Construction’s external affairs and ESG programs. My background includes government affairs, strategic planning, and creating collaboration between the public and private sectors.

I come from four generations of my family who have all lived in the same home—though not at the same time—and I still live just up the street from that house today. My roots in Denver run deep, and I’m sincerely passionate about this city—its people, its businesses, and its future.

I’m committed to supporting local businesses and strengthening Denver’s economic landscape. Whether it’s working with business owners, community leaders, or policymakers, I believe that collaboration is the key to long-term success.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods, working on projects through Topo Strategies (my consulting firm), and tending to my beehive—a hobby that ties into my commitment to sustainability and community building.

Small Business Spotlight

7 Leguas Mexican Grille

7 Leguas Mexican Grille in Denver, features three great locations on Colfax. Family friendly dinning, with a true taste from south of the border. Featuring authentic Mexican dishes, signature house dishes, seafood, full bar, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Start your meal with our authentic Guacamole Dip or our new Queso Fundido a delicious queso with Chorizo sausage and Jalapenos. Then enjoy one of our many flavors from Burritos, Tacos, Fajitas, to our combination plates, and over 30 traditional Mexican seafood dishes. Completed your meal with an order of our deep fried ice cream, flan, or sopapillas. Dine in or take out... or enjoy their great patio space!

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 Bond conversation with the Mayor on March 18th!

WATCH: Join the East Avenues Safety Study meeting on March 13th!

WATCH: Join a Vibrant Denver bond committee!

WATCH: Schlessman Library will be closed temporarily for upgrades!

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.

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

March 17

• Near Northwest Legislative Re-zonings

March 24

• No public hearings

April 7

• 3115 West 8th Avenue
• 627 South Lipan Street

April 14

• 3419 West 5th Avenue
• 500, 501, 551 Wazee Street

April 21

• No public hearings

April 28

• 4634 and 4638 North York Street

Citywide News

Denver Acquires Park Hill Golf Course

In a historic deal negotiated by Mayor Mike Johnston, the City and County of Denver will acquire the site of the former Park Hill Golf Course and transform the space into a new regional park. Managed by Denver Parks & Recreation, the park will open to the public as open space for passive recreational use by summer of this year. At 155 acres, the Park Hill property will become one of Denver’s largest urban parks and will mark the city’s largest-ever, single acquisition of private property for an urban park. Learn more about next steps and sign up to get updates at denvergov.org/ParkHill. 

Vacancy on the Board of Adjustments

Denver City Council is accepting applications for an appointment to serve as an alternate on the Board of Adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Administrative Review to allow for reversal of a decision where Zoning Administrator has erred.  
• Approval of Zoning Permit with Special Exception Review (ZPSE) for Uses which are allowed in a zone district but have the potential to impact the surrounding neighborhood.  
• Granting variances to allow a deviation from the Code where a justifying circumstance is demonstrated (most common case coming before the BOA).  
• Issue a Stay or Delay of Enforcement related to existing noncompliant conditions. 

This posting is for an alternate position. City Council and the Mayor each appoint, for a term of three years, one alternate member of the Board of Adjustment in addition to the five members. When a member of the Board is recused or is absent, an alternate member shall act in their place. The Board shall make an effort to alternate between the city council alternate and the mayoral alternate when possible.

Qualifications

• Pursuant to Denver zoning code, applicants must have a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design.
• Applicants shall not be on the staff of the Board or be employed by Community Planning and Development.

If you or someone you know has a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design, check out the full description and application instructions here.

Seeking Appointments to the Office of Neighborhood Safety Advisory Board

The Denver City Council is seeking applications to fill five openings on the newly established Office of Neighborhood Safety Community Advisory Board.

Board Function & Duties

The community advisory board shall advise the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) of the needs of residents and/or neighborhoods of the City and County of Denver related to:

• gun, group, and gang violence.
• youth violence prevention and programming.
• civilian response and service connection to those in crisis.
• job readiness for persons experiencing homelessness and/or individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Board members shall make recommendations on a range of community safety issues historically addressed by police, in support of ONS’ commitment to reduce the footprint of policing, advance community-driven solutions, and drive equitable community engagement and empowerment.

Board members will work with ONS to develop and adopt by-laws, governance policies, roles and responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms.

Board members will work together to ensure the voices of Denver’s diverse communities are incorporated into the Community Advisory Board’s (CAB) recommendations to ONS.

Qualifications:

The council seeks applicants who meet one or more of the below criteria:

• Non-profit community partners
• Youth representative/advocate
• For-profit partner
• Ecumenically minded religious leader
• Individuals with relevant, equity-centered legislative or policy experience

Terms:

Terms are three years, with a limit of two terms. Initial terms may have alternate lengths to create staggered terms.

Time commitment:

Meeting cadence and schedule will be determined in collaboration with board members. The estimated time commitment is 10-15 hours annually.

Compensation:

Board members shall serve without compensation.

Application Process:

To apply please:

• Complete the online application.
• Provide a resume or CV.
• Include a cover email/letter indicating why you are interested in this role and highlighting your relevant experience.

Applications are due by April 13, 2025. Please send questions to Melissa Mata.

General Obligation Bond and Opportunity for Engagement



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 on what projects should be added to the list. Visit Denvergov.org/VibrantDenver

Solid Waste Holiday Service Alert

Reminder! For the upcoming Cesar Chavez Day holiday, all Solid Waste Management services will operate as normal. Please put carts out on your regular collection day. Need a reminder? Sign up for notifications on the FREE Denver Trash and Recycling App or web platform so you never miss service reminders and important alerts. Get started at Denvergov.org/TrashSchedule!

Put out carts on your regular collection day for these additional working holidays in 2025:

• Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19
• Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11

Put out carts one day delayed for these non-working holidays in 2025:

• Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
• Independence Day: Friday, July 4
• Labor Day: Monday, September 1
• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
• Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25

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

Community Events & Meetings

Join the Mayor and Councilmembers Sawyer, Kashmann, and Romero Campbell on March 18



Mayor Mike Johnston is excited to invite you to a community conversation hosted by the Mayor’s Office in partnership with City Councilmembers Diana Romero Campbell, Amanda Sawyer, and Paul Kashmann, to discuss the 2025 Vibrant Denver GO Bond, a proposed bond initiative that aims to make transformative investments in our city! This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the bond proposal, ask questions, and share your thoughts on potential bond projects and areas of investment in the district with representatives from the Mayor’s Office and City Council. Your input is invaluable as we shape investments that impact our neighborhoods and the future of our city. We ask that you RSVP at the link below as seating is limited. We also encourage all residents to take the Vibrant Denver GO Bond Survey linked below to submit your ideas for neighborhood bond projects.

Vibrant Denver GO Bond Community Conversation Information: 

Date: Tuesday, March 18^th from 5:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Location: Most Precious Blood Catholic Church 2200 S. Harrison St., Denver, CO 80210

RSVP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/VibrantDenverBond

THE VIBRANT DENVER GO BOND SURVEY: https://tinyurl.com/VibrantDenverBondSurvey

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

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