District 5 News

Crestmoor Park Playground Renovations Completed

We’re thrilled to announce that the new Crestmoor Park playground is officially complete! The grand opening took place yesterday, May 14, and the playground is now ready to welcome families and neighbors.

A huge thank you to the voters who supported the RISE Denver Bond in 2021 and helped make this possible. This project was years in the making — from funding and community engagement to design and construction — and after a long journey, we’re excited to finally open this wonderful new space for the community to enjoy!

GWHS Super Smash Bros Team Won State Championship

Congratulations to the George Washington High School Super Smash Bros team for winning their second consecutive CHSAA Esports State Championship state title! No. 1 seed Air Academy had the early advantage, but the Patriots rallied to claim the title in a thrilling final match, securing a 3-2 victory. We are so proud to have them representing District 5!

Schlessman Family Branch Library Renovations Underway

The first phase of construction, originally funded by the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond, has been completed. The branch has entered Phase II of construction, which was previously unfunded. Thanks to funds from the City of Denver’s Facilities Improvement Team and Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund, the location will receive updated restrooms and deferred maintenance, including upgrades to the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.

While the library is closed for construction, expanded hours are being offered at the Virginia Village Branch Library and Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library. Residents can check out denverlibrary.org/southeast for updates on how library services will be available to the community during the renovation closures.

Residents are invited to join the next “Coffee & Construction Drop In” event to chat with the library staff about its progress on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Virginia Village Branch Library (1500 S Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80222).

For more information, contact CommunityEngagement@denverlibrary.org.

Phase 3 of E. Tennessee Ave. and S. Oneida St. Stormwater Project Beginning Soon

Phase three of the City and County of Denver’s stormwater improvement project is scheduled to begin in late June 2026 and will last up to nine months. Work will take place along Mississippi Ave., just east of S. Monaco Parkway, continuing east to S. Oneida St., as part of a broader four-phase effort that started at Lollipop Lake in Garland Park and Cherry Creek and will ultimately extend to E. Tennessee Ave. and S. Oneida St.


The project aims to reduce flooding-related property damage, improve safety for pedestrians and drivers during storm events, and enhance stormwater quality entering Lollipop Lake and Cherry Creek. Phases one and two are already complete, with additional updates expected as construction progresses.

Denver Water Lead Reduction Program Update

Work is underway in the Montclair for the Lead Reduction Program, with additional planning underway for work in Hilltop. Denver Water replaces water mains for various reasons, including repairing or avoiding main breaks, replacing corroded pipe, alleviating water quality problems, increasing available hydrant flow and improving area delivery.

Click here for more information.

Landscape Transformation at City of Karmiel Park and City of Takayama Park

The project area was seeded in the early winter of 2025 so this is the very first year of seed germination! Given the weather patterns that we have been having we expect a slightly slower start to plant growth this spring.

Over the next few months, there should be some grasses beginning to germinate with wildflowers beginning to grow in select locations later this summer. It will also be common to see nuisance species like annual mustards in these early years. A management strategy has been developed that targets weeds when they are most vulnerable and treatment will not impact native vegetation as harshly.

This first growing season will result in a patchy and variable growth pattern as native vegetation begins to grow in and this is normal. Over the next few years this patchiness will fill in and the site will look more dense and grown in.

Temporary Road Closures for Xcel Construction

Xcel Energy is replacing the aging Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver to meet growing electricity demand. The new project will install a larger, more modern cable system to improve reliability. Temporary road closures will be in place as construction is underway.

Temporary Road Closures

• S Birch Street between E Cedar Avenue and E Ellsworth
• E Bayaud Avenue between S Clermont Street and S Bellaire Street
• S Glenco Street between E Cedar Avenue and E Alameda Avenue
• E Cedar Avenue between S Grape Street and S Forest Street
• S Glencoe Street between E Dakota Avenue and E Alameda
• E Dakota Avenue between S Grape Street and S Forest Street
• E Ellsworth Avenue between S Colorado and S Jackson

During construction, there may be times when temporary restrictions to driveway access are required. If this becomes necessary, a construction representative will contact residents in advance to coordinate directly, minimizing disruption and restoring access as quickly as possible. Xcel Energy encourages residents and commuters to plan ahead for alternate routes and adjust street parking during this period.

For more information about current road closures and schedule changes, visit xcelenergytransmission.com/projects/leetsdale-elati.

Final Phase of East Colfax BRT Project Underway

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project aims to improve reliable, safe, and sustainable transit along the East Colfax corridor from Broadway to I-225. The project includes upgraded stations, enhanced amenities, and better pedestrian and bike connections.

RTD and project partners broke ground this month on the Aurora segment of the project, marking the start of full corridor construction from Denver to Aurora. The final segment brings progress across all five sections of the project, aimed at reducing travel times, improving accessibility, and creating more reliable connections to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.


Along Colfax, three new arches have been installed to serve as future jump-on and jump-off stations, with a fourth planned at Monaco. Major construction is expected to finish by the end of the year, while landscaping, crosswalk upgrades, and repaving are scheduled for spring 2027 as the corridor is transformed with faster service to downtown and Anschutz.

Visit denvergov.org/ColfaxBRT to learn more and to sign up for updates on construction, project progress and opportunities to “Back the Fax” by supporting small businesses along the corridor.

We Back the Fax

East Colfax Avenue businesses remain open! This winter, support local businesses along East Colfax before, during, and after the East Colfax BRT 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

Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call or text 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 call 311 to report an issue or text 'HEY311' to 439311.

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

Jeff Brasel, Zoning Administrator

Growing up in a military family and moving around the country sparked my interest in how cities work—how the decisions we make, and the rules we put in place, shape our neighborhoods for better or worse. I’ve spent most of my career in the Denver area as a city planner for several Front Range communities, and I’m excited and honored to return to the City and County of Denver in this role.

I’m committed to helping residents and business owners realize their goals for improving their properties and to making the city’s development and permitting process as clear and supportive as possible.

As Denver’s Zoning Administrator, I oversee three teams within Community Planning and Development: Commercial Zoning, Zoning Administration, and Zoning and Neighborhood Inspections. Together, these teams review projects for compliance with the city’s zoning rules, conduct zoning inspections for new construction, address property maintenance issues, and serve as a resource to other city staff and agencies. We also support the review of requests for variances to the zoning code.



Outside of work, I love to travel with my husband, enjoy Colorado’s great outdoor spaces, cheer on the Broncos, Nuggets, and my beloved Oklahoma Sooners, and spend time recreating in the city’s parks and on its patios enjoying a good meal with friends and family.

Small Business Spotlight

Marczyk Fine Foods

Marczyk Fine Foods, the family-owned neighborhood market founded by Pete Marczyk and Barbara Macfarlane in 2002, is celebrating 24 years in Denver. Known for its locally sourced produce, artisan products, sustainably raised meats, fresh-baked bread, prepared meals, and curated wines, Marczyk’s has become a staple for quality food and community connection with two locations. Congratulations on 24 years!

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: Colorado Blvd Bus Lane Open House


WATCH: Denison Park Basketball Court Renovations Underway

WATCH: Thanks to Volunteers for Spring Community Clean-Up Day

WATCH: Reminder: Spring Community Clean-Up Day

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 are currently no open re-zonings in District 5.

Upcoming Public Hearings 

*dates are subject to change

May 18

• Data Center Moratorium
• DPR Rezoning Package
• 3232 Larimer St

May 25

• No hearings scheduled due to Memorial Day holiday

June 1

• 3535 E 26th Ave Pkwy Landmark Designation
• 363 W Evans Ave (SPRC)
• Welton/Rossonian Project

June 8

• 8401 E Belleview Ave
• 4991 N Telluride St and 17600 E 56th Ave (Denver Spur)
• Hurley Pl Metro District Service Plan Amendment

Citywide News

Denver Water Implemented Temporary Drought Pricing

Starting in June, Denver Water customers will see May drought pricing reflected on their bills as the utility works to reduce water use by 20% and protect supplies from worsening shortages later this year. The pricing structure is designed to encourage conservation while protecting essential indoor water use. The lowest pricing tier, based on winter usage, covers basic household needs like cooking, bathing, and sanitation, while higher levels of use — largely tied to outdoor irrigation — face increasing drought charges to discourage excessive consumption.



New watering restrictions are also now in effect. Single-family homes may water lawns no more than twice weekly on assigned days based on address numbers, while multifamily, commercial, and government properties are limited to two designated weekdays. Seasonal conservation rules remain in place as well, including watering during cooler hours, preventing runoff, repairing leaks quickly, and avoiding irrigation during rain or high winds. Denver Water says enforcement will focus on repeated violations while allowing flexibility for occasional mistakes, and residents can report water waste online.

To help customers Use Only What They Need indoors and outdoors, Denver Water offers a range of tools, including:

• Information for finding and fixing leaks inside the home. 
• Rebates for low-flush toilets and water-efficient sprinkler nozzles. 
• A limited number of discounts on Resource Central’s water-wise gardens and turf removal services (currently waitlisted). 
• Free workshops (in-person and online) to help customers remodel their landscapes. 
• Free DIY Landscape Transformation Guide and YouTube video series. 
• Landscape Transformation Assistance Program that can help fund larger HOA, commercial and public spaces. 

Additional information and tips are available denverwater.org/Conserve. 

Mill Levy Override Proposal

DPS is working on a Mill Levy Override proposal to send to voters that would increase property taxes to help fund teacher salaries, academic programs, classroom supplies, safety initiatives, and other school needs. Under Colorado’s TABOR law, voters must approve any property tax increase. If approved in September, the proposal would cost the average homeowner an estimated $5.91 more per month, or about $71 annually.

A community meeting will be held May 18, 2026, from 6:30–8 p.m. at Trevista for the Northwest region to provide information about the proposal and gather public feedback. For more information, contact School Board Member DJ Torres at dj_torres@dpsk12.org.

Community Events & Meetings

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is an award-winning celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts produced by the nonprofit organization CherryArts, which supports artists and arts education year-round. The 2026 festival will showcase 260 juried artists working across 13 different art media, with entrances located along 2nd and 3rd Avenues as well as Fillmore and 1st Avenue, and a performance stage near Fillmore and 1st Avenue.

The event runs July 3–5, 2026, with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday (including an accessibility hour from 9–10 a.m.), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

More information on event details and updates can be found at CherryArts.org.

Cherry Creek Farmers Market

Cherry Creek Farmers Market returns for the season, running every Saturday through October 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the construction of Cherry Creek West, it has been moved to the East Side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center near Macy's.

Open rain or shine and on all holidays, the market features a large mix of Colorado-grown seasonal produce and local goods, including fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, artisanal products, food trucks, and live music. Visitors also benefit from free parking and a lively weekly community atmosphere with rotating vendors and fresh finds throughout the season.

For more details, visit coloradofreshmarkets.com/visit.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)

Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

The Denver Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is comprised of 19 members appointed by each City Council member, the Mayor, and Denver Public Schools. Advisory Board members work closely with their appointing authority, the community and the Department to be stewards of the Denver Parks & Recreation system.

View the Advisory Board Roster

Regularly scheduled meetings are open to the public and occur on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. To request a recording of a previous meeting, or to sign up for public speaking time at an upcoming PRAB meeting, email Arthur.gilkison@denvergov.org.

Thank you to the amazing Meredith Levy who is the District 5 appointee to the PRAB!

Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) Advisory Board

Meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 4:00 - 6:00 PM



The Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Board was approved by the voters of Denver in 2020. The board comprises 19 members (6 Mayoral appointees and 13 City Council appointees) and is charged with advising DOTI on transportation policy and operations of the department along with reviewing and commenting on the proposed annual department budget.

Huge thank you to Joe Levi who is the District 5 appointee to the DOTI Advisory Board!

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 6 p.m., but feel free to come early as Community Resource Officers will be available starting at 5 p.m. to answer specific questions, discuss concerns, or to help you register for crime prevention programs. This is a fantastic way to learn about how DPD is tackling crime in our neighborhoods and see real-time crime statistics for yourself!

District 5 neighborhoods located in Police District 2 are Hale, Mayfair, 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