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Dear Neighbors,
With the holidays on the horizon, I want to encourage our residents to give back. There are numerous food and toy drives that you can contribute to throughout Denver; from city-wide events like the Boys & Girls Club Toy Drive, Food Bank of the Rockies, and Kenzi's Causes, to local neighborhood initiatives like the Lowry Beer Garden Food Drive, the Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment Giving Tree, the Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences or George Washington High School food drives, or the East Colfax Neighborhood Association Food Bank. Even if it's as simple as helping a neighbor shovel their sidewalk, I hope, if you have the ability, you'll take a moment to help those who are in need this season.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving, and a joyous holiday season. As always, please 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
[email protected]
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
Our Office Hours remain mostly virtual. Here is the list of our Office Hours over the next month:
- Week of November 14th, no Office Hours (NLC Conference)
- Week of November 21st, no Office Hours (Thanksgiving)
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Thursday, December 1st, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Thursday, December 8th, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Contact our office to schedule an appointment if another time works better for you, or if you would prefer to meet in person!
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Budget Amendment Update
As you might have read last month, our office proposed two budget amendments to the Mayor's 2023 budget. Totaling $11 Million, we asked the Mayor's Office to include funding for one warranted stoplight ($8.8 Million) and one warranted Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon ($2.2 Million) in each Council District. The Mayor's Office granted our request by dedicating $800k to designing the 11 stoplights in 2023.
Despite reducing the ask by 50% and passing Council 10-0, the Mayor vetoed our request to construct the 11 RRFB's. However, last night the Council voted 13-0 to overturn the Mayoral veto and fund these much needed projects. We are thrilled that these pedestrian safety measures will be constructed next year and very much appreciate the support of our fellow Councilmembers and community in this veto override.
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Newport and Alameda Stoplight
It's finally here and operational! The long-awaited stoplight at Newport and Alameda is working and we couldn't be more excited for this crucial piece of traffic safety infrastructure to make our streets safer!
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Palmer Elementary School Potential Consolidation
Many of you might of heard that DPS is planning to consolidate and close several schools. Palmer Elementary was among the proposed school consolidations. However, DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero realized the difficulties that such a closure would cause Mayfair residents and has removed Palmer from the list of schools, for now.
You can read my letter to the school board opposing this closure here.
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The D5 Annual Survey is Here!
A huge thank you to the over 850 people who've already taken our annual survey! If you haven't, we need your feedback! Each year our office puts together a survey to guide and focus our priorities for the upcoming year. This is crucial information to us so that we can ensure we are voicing the concerns of our residents, and we are so grateful for the time everyone takes to fill it out. Click here or on the button below to take the survey.
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13th and 14th Safety Updates
As we wait for the additional traffic safety upgrades to be constructed, you might have seen sign trailers and additional enforcement along 13th and 14th Aves. this month. This is a. part of the plan to help make these roads safe. Read the joint press release our office and DOTI put out here.
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7th and Ash Traffic Circle Upgrades
DOTI has planned upgrades for the traffic circle at 7th and Ash:
- Modified striping and signing to clarify movement through the circle.
- Replacing stop sign control on Ash with yield signs for all legs of the intersection.
- Additional reflective signage in the center of the circle to improve visibility at night.
- Filing the center of the with asphalt to keep curbs in place and prevent debris from being caught in it.
These improvements are scheduled to be installed this year.
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Lindsley Park Visioning
You may have seen our signs around Lindsley Park but we need your input on the future of the park! The next community visioning meeting will be Tuesday, Dec 6 at 6 PM, follow the links to sign up! We have also launched a survey where you can share your thoughts. Visit bit.ly/LindsleySurvey or click the button below. You can register for the meeting by visiting bit.ly/LindsleyMeeting or by clicking the button below.
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DPS Needs Crossing Guards
Crossing guards make a huge difference in whether or not caregivers allow their students to walk or roll to class. DPS needs crossing guards. If you’d like to be a crossing guard, you can earn $18/hour. The job is flexible and very rewarding. Visit their website to apply, or talk to your local school principal about volunteering.
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Our Gun Buy Back Program Collected Nearly 1000 Weapons!
This year, our office partnered with the The Denver Broncos, the City of Aurora and RAWtools, a Colorado Springs-based non-profit organization, to host gun buy back events in Denver and Aurora. We are proud to announce that we had nearly 1000 guns turned in voluntarily over the year! While we know that individuals participating in criminal activity will not typically turn in their firearms at a buyback event, working to reduce the number of available guns in our communities is part of an overall strategy to address gun violence and we are proud of the difference this effort made in our community. View the Broncos's wrapup article here for more information.
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Ross Library Update
The Ross branch will remain temporarily closed for safety reasons while they work to get a second engineering study and understand what needs to be done to correct the deficiencies in the building. In the meantime, Library representatives are working to provide alternative service to Cherry Creek residents. Thus far, the rumors are not true - there are no plans to sell the Library! You can read their letter to the community here.
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East Colfax and Hale Lead Reduction Program Update
To date, Denver Water has replaced 15,000 customer-owned lead service lines since the launch of the program in 2020. The program dashboard shows up-to-date information about ongoing progress.
In 2023, customers in the program will continue to receive replacement filters and reminders about proper filter use. They will also be sending water quality tests and conducting inspections at select homes to help refine our inventory of lead service lines. Beginning this month, water quality tests will go to some of the properties identified for service line replacement over the coming year. They will also begin sending consent form packets to customers for upcoming replacements. Denver Water needs the consent form to complete work to replace the customer-owned service line.
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Slow Down Signs Are Back!
You might have seen them around the neighborhood. By popular demand, our SLOW DOWN Signs are back! If you would like a sign or signs please email us [email protected] or stay tuned for our next sign distribution event.
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Zoning & Hearing Information | |
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Wage Theft Virtual Town Halls
Our office, in partnership with the Auditor's Office, Council President Torres, and Councilmembers Gilmore and CdeBaca, are sponsoring legislation to address wage theft in Denver. Please join us at our November 29th online informational meeting by visiting bit.ly/wagetheft_Nov29 or clicking the button below.
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Denver Recreation Memberships on Sale Now!
It's Denver Parks & Recreation’s Annual Membership Sale! All individual annual recreation center memberships are discounted up to 45% for the month of November!
For more details and to purchase your membership, visit the front desk at your nearest recreation center or denvergov.org/RecMemberships.
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Denver Library Launches New Mobile App
The Denver Public Library launched a mobile application for customers to easily access all the great resources and titles in one place. The new mobile application can be downloaded on a smartphone at denlib.org/app. The app allows library cardholders to self check out, link and manage family accounts, browse the catalog and place holds or download e-media. Videos on how to use the app are available on the library’s YouTube channel.
You can visit the new homepage at denverlibrary.org.
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Denver Noise Ordinance Changes Survey
Denver is reviewing and revising the local ordinance that governs noise, including construction & deliveries, music festivals, and other noise topics- and we need your help! This survey is for Denver residents only. Please help and provide your input by completing this survey.
If you would like to provide additional feedback or request information related to the ordinance stakeholder process you may do so by emailing: [email protected]
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You May Qualify For Assistance With Your Water Bill
If a household qualifies for the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, the Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help too. This emergency federal program, operated through the Colorado Department of Human Services and part of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, helps residents pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shut-offs and support reconnections related to non-payment.
For information on LIHWAP assistance and eligibility, including income requirements, visit cdhs.colorado.gov/Leap. The deadline to apply for assistance is May 1, 2023.
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The Mayor’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee Looking For New Members
People serve three-year terms on the MPAC. Recent Committee activity includes recommendations to the City on shared streets, speed limits around schools and in neighborhoods, and sidewalk funding policy. The Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday from 7:30-9:00 am. Meetings are currently held via Zoom.
Anyone wishing to be considered can submit an application for Boards and Commissions at the their website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, November 30, 2022
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Community Events & Meetings | |
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New at Denver Art Museum: Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools | |
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Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks opens Oct. 16 at the Denver Art Museum! This unique presentation of medieval, renaissance and baroque paintings, sculptures and other objects from the Southern Netherlands features works from masters including Hans Memling, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, among others.
This exhibition is a ticketed exhibition, not included in general admission. More info: https://bit.ly/Saints-Sinners-at-DAM.
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Crime Prevention Coalition Meeting | |
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Join new Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas and District 3 Commander Carlos Aragon on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 6 PM at Wings Over The Rockies for an informative and interactive meeting regarding plans to enhance safety in southeast Denver, and how you can help!
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The parade will take place on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 6:00pm beginning in front of the City and County Building. There are grandstand seats available for purchase at www.denverparadeoflights.com as well as entry to our fundraiser, the inaugural Jingle Jog Fun Run. The parade is a free event to watch anywhere along the parade route
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LUN November Town Hall - POSTPONED | |
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The Lowry United Neighborhoods Traffic and Safety Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15th, is unfortunately postponed until 2023 because of cancellation by the DOTI speaker. Stay tuned for updates!
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Experience the warmth and charm of an authentic German Holiday Market right in the heart of Denver.
This year, from November 18 to December 23, guests of the Market are invited to explore the magic of Europe during the holidays - no passport required. Sign up for our Christkindlmarket Newsletter to get updated on the latest information on new vendors, special events, and entertainment. Learn more at their website https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/.
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Mile High Tree at Civic Center Park | |
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Create a new family tradition as the Mile High Tree puts on a dazzling music and lights show. And, for the first time, you can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place. America’s tallest digital tree!
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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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