District 5 News

6th Ave & S Dayton St Traffic Studies Are Complete

Our traffic studies of 6th Ave and S Dayton St are finished. In case you weren't able to attend our August 30th meetings to hear the recommendations that our traffic engineers put forward, you can watch the 6th Ave Meeting here. And you can watch the S Dayton St Meeting here.

13th and 14th Safety Updates

One of the most common complaints our office receives is regarding the traffic on 13th and 14th Avenues, and why nothing has been done to mitigate the dangerous speeds. Our office would also like to know why the planned traffic calming improvements on 13th and 14th Avenues - which we’ve been told will be constructed since early 2020 - haven’t gone in yet!

As you may be aware, City Council does not have the Charter authority to implement these safety measures - only the Mayor's Office and DOTI can do that. However, I took the Executive Director of our Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure on a ride-along tour of District 5 in late August so that he could see the challenges along 13th and 14th, and throughout the rest of District 5, firsthand. It was a valuable exercise because he said at the end of the ride, “It’s different when you see it in person.” 

We’ve been told that despite two Requests For Proposals (RFP’s) going out, DOTI hasn’t received a single bid from a contractor to construct the work. Earlier this summer they tried to bundle this work with other projects across the city to create a larger contract in the hopes that will get someone on board, and we were just informed earlier this week that construction of the planned traffic calming measures linked above will begin in October.

We're hopeful that these improvements will be installed quickly. There has not been a single crash at 14th & Glencoe since the traffic calming measures were installed at that location and that's a good measure of success. Stay tuned, we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Trader Joe's Traffic Update

Many of you may have noticed how difficult traffic in the Trader Joe's parking lot can be! Part of the problem stems from a permit that was incorrectly issued in 2015 that modified the location of the loading area and rendered the loading area that was designated in the site development plan unusable. This has lead to Trader Joe's having to take deliveries in the alley on the east side of their store. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations to revoke the permit passed in 2018 so other solutions must be found.

The latest news is that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a occupation permit for the alley. The permit is good for just six months and allows Trader Joe's to occupy the alley from 4 to 7 AM. This was issued as a result of a noise study that Trader Joe's conducted in an effort to continue operations while a long term solution is reached. The property owners are working with Community Planning & Development to resolve this issue permanently. We'll keep you posted!

Kearney/Krameria Neighborhood Bikeway: Revised Designs Expected this Fall

Thank you for providing feedback on the Kearney/Krameria Neighborhood Bikeway 60% design throughout the late spring and summer. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) gathered community feedback in May and June through the Konveio online mapping tool, and then conversations continued with the community throughout the summer via office hours, walk-throughs with the HOA Board, and email correspondence.

DOTI is currently incorporating your feedback into updated bikeway designs. The updated designs will integrate community feedback while also adhering to DOTI’s engineering standards, which improve corridor safety by slowing vehicles and creating better visibility at intersections. Major design changes include:

• Elimination of the proposed mid-block pinch points and chicanes throughout the whole corridor. After installation, DOTI will monitor speeds to inform if additional traffic calming measures are required.
• Reduced use of vertical bollards at intersections by substituting low-profile lane separators (approximately 4 inches tall by 2.5 feet long). This approach increases the spacing between bollards, which reduces the overall number of bollards used at intersections along the corridor. For the bollards that remain in the design, DOTI is also evaluating alternative bollard options with different aesthetics and increased durability. More information about the safety benefits of bollards is available in the FAQ document, which is linked below.

Once DOTI completes these new engineering designs, they will be shared with the community this fall. Have questions? Access the recently-updated project FAQ document here, access the project webpage here, or contact the project team at [email protected]. 

Jackson Street Storm Drain Project - Phase 2 - Community Meeting September 21!

Design is currently underway for Phase 2 of the Jackson Street Storm Drain Project, which will connect the recently completed system on the west side of Colorado Boulevard to the east side of Colorado Boulevard at about Albion Street near 13th Avenue. Phase 3 remains undesigned and unfunded, and is not expected to kick off for several years.

While the community now has greater flood protection benefits from the recently installed stormwater pipe and inlets, Phase 2 will further improve the capacity to manage heavy stormwater flows coming from the upstream portion of the Montclair Basin. Phase 2 construction is currently anticipated to begin in late 2022. You can see the projected timeline (subject to change) in the graphic above. Learn more about the program as a whole here.

Lindsley Park Visioning

Our office will be hosting two public meetings to hear feedback from community members about your vision for Lindsley Park. We are also launching 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. If you live in Bellue-Hale or Mayfair, look for a post card in your mailbox with a link to the survey in early October!

Montclair Park Playground Update 

Many folks have reached out to us about the damage to the playground at Montclair Park. We reached out to Parks and Rec and they shared this with us: 

Our facilities team that takes care of playground repairs has assessed Montclair damage. They are working with the manufacturer vendors to source the needed equipment. Please understand that we are experiencing long lag times in shipping and receiving replacement parts. We are anticipating at least two months to fully repair, but can update timeframes as we receive confirmations. In the meantime, we will transition from caution tape to more robust fencing to ensure kids and parents stay out of the damaged areas.

We will keep you posted with more information as we get it!

Ross-Cherry Creek Library Update

As you might be aware, the Ross-Cherry Creek branch of the Denver Library has been closed due to structural concerns. The latest news is as follows: A portion of the x-raying has been completed and no red flags. There is difficulty reaching some of the upper columns to complete x-raying. No estimated time of completion yet.

Cherry Creek parking is now Pay-By-Phone

You might already know but Cherry Creek's parking meters are now digital. You can pay at the kiosk near your spot or on your phone. Only your license plate number is required and nothing needs to be put in your vehicle!

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.

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 is currently one open rezoning requests in District 5. 

• 100 Oneida St was filed on June 24, 2022. The Planning Board hearing was held on August 17. The Land Use, Transportation, and Infrastructure Committee meeting was held on August 30. The City Council hearing is TBD.

Upcoming public hearings *dates are subject to change.

September 19

• 768 Mariposa St
• 2910 Fairfax St
• 2356 S Gilpin St & 2581 S High St

September 26

• 3400 E Bayaud Ave & 121 S Madison St
• 1350 S York St
• 1818 S Humboldt St

October 3

• Livestock Exchange Historic Designation

October 10

• No hearings scheduled

Citywide News

Transportation Solutions Summer Rewards

Transportation Solutions is back with its annual Summer Rewards campaign. Reduce your carbon footprint for a month and join us to win prizes! Follow these steps:

1. Visit the online challenge and sign-up to join.

2. Log your eco-friendly trips in the Denver metro area – each log is an entry to the drawing! The contest ends on the last day of summer on September 21, and the drawings are on the first day of fall on September 22. 

Participants can win one of two Trek commuters in this end-of-summer contest! When you sign up, and for each eco-friendly trip you log, you are entered to win 20 various prizes. Among the prizes is a $50 gift card for Denver Biscuit Company, free scoops from @sweetaction, and two brand new Trek bikes from @CampusCycles 🚲

Pet Care and Safety 

Our office receives lots of questions and concerns about the rules surrounding pets and their care in Denver. The Department of Public Health and Environment's Animal Protection division has sent us some helpful flyers that we would like to share with you! Please feel free to peruse the documents below and let us know if you have any questions.

Understanding Denver's Animal Laws and Basic Pet Care

Dog Safety

Expanded Solid Waste Program Updates & Rebate Application

In 2023, City and County Denver trash collection customers will begin receiving weekly recycling and compost collection services to reduce the amount of trash the city sends to the landfill and the production of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

What you need to know: 

• Weekly recycling collection service will start in January 2023. 
• To pay for the expanded services, customers will be charged a fee based on their trash cart size, ranging from $9 to $21 per month (the smaller the trash cart, the lower the fee). Weekly recycling and composting collection services will be included at no extra charge.

• Billing will start the first quarter of 2023; current compost customers will transition from a compost bill to a trash bill. 
• Weekly compost collection service will roll out citywide over the course of 2023. 
• Customers will pay a reduced billing rate until their compost service starts and will have an opportunity to downsize their trash cart after their composting service starts. 
• DOTI will provide customers information about compost service start dates and how to recycle and compost.

Rebate Application: 

Rebate applications are now live for eligible Denver residents. The rebates will help offset the cost to pay for trash collection services. Denver is one of only a few cities in the United States to provide financial assistance on trash services for low-income households. 

Residents who meet the criteria below are eligible to apply: 

• You live in the City and County of Denver 
• You receive trash and recycling collection services from Denver's Solid Waste Management division (at a single-family home, duplex or apartment in a complex with seven or fewer units) 
• You have an annual household income within these limits: 
• 1 person: up to $44,016 
• 2 people: up to $50,034 
• 3 people: up to $56,592 
• 4 people: up to $62,880 
• 5 people: up to $67,910 
• 6 people: up to $72,941 
• 7 people: up to $77,971 
• 8 people: up to $83,001 

Residents can apply as well as get more information about the program here. To request a hard copy application or to receive help completing the application, call (720) 944-3350 or email [email protected].

Fire Safety

The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home. More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Every year, there are more than 500,000 residential fires serious enough to be reported to fire departments. More than 90 percent of residential fire death sand injuries result from fires in one and two family houses and apartments.

Denver Fire Department shared this helpful PDF on fire safety and how to prep your home to be as safe as possible.

City of Chennai Park Survey and City of Potenza Park Public Meeting #2

City of Chennai Park will be receiving a newly permitted picnic shelter that reflects the site topography, accessibility, community input, park maintenance, and landscaping. This project is funded for design and construction as part of the Elevate Denver Bond Program. Please take the survey and share your ideas! Survey closes September 28, 2022, take the survey here.

City of Potenza Park Improvements: Public Meeting #2

Thank you to those that joined us for the public meeting last week. If you were unable to make it, you can review the presentation, survey summary, and video recordings here. Now, join Denver Parks & Recreation for the second public meeting for the City of Potenza Park improvements. Review draft design recommendations and share your thoughts!

WHEN: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 @ 5:30 PM

WHERE: In-Person at City of Potenza Park, 1101 S. Holly St (meet at the playground)

The Denver Public Library Seeks Input From Community

The Denver Public Library launched a community survey today (Sept. 13) to gather public feedback to help shape the future of the library. The online survey will be open to the public through Oct. 6. The survey is available online at denlib.org/survey, a printed survey can be picked up at library locations. 

Community members are invited to take the survey from their mobile device, at any library location, or bookmobile site during the survey window. The survey is anonymous and includes optional demographic questions. Upon completion of the survey, respondents will receive a limited edition Denver Public Library sticker available at any library location. 

The last time the library conducted a community survey was in 2016. The survey is being administered through POLCO/National Research Center, a nationally recognized custom survey research organization. 

“A lot has changed in the city of Denver over the past six years,” said Michelle Jeske, city librarian. “This survey is in direct alignment with our three year Strategic Roadmap and will allow us to learn more about what our community wants and needs from the library.”

In 2021, the library released its three year Strategic Roadmap to guide the future of the library. One of the objectives of the roadmap is to gain a better understanding of what the community wants and needs which led to the creation of the community survey. Questions on the survey are tailored to help the library understand the effectiveness of current services, customer perception of facilities/accessibility, barriers to library utilization, why people choose to/not to attend programs/use services, and what is important to customers/quality.

Water Providers Unite for Colorado River Basin Reductions

Large water providers from across the Colorado River Basin announced today a commitment to substantially expand existing efforts to conserve water, reduce demands and expand reuse and recycling of water supplies. 

“Climate change and overuse of the Colorado River have put us squarely within the crisis we long saw coming. The bottom line now: We all need to work on solutions, no matter our individual impacts on river flows,” said Jim Lochhead, CEO of Denver Water.

“While we have long been a conservation leader, Denver Water has consistently said it is prepared to do even more, and the commitments contained in this agreement reflect our readiness to take further important steps to keep more water in the Colorado River Basin.”

Read the whole article about this historic agreement here.

Community Events & Meetings

The East Colfax Neighborhood Association monthly meeting will host the District 8 and At-Large Candidates for next year's City Council elections  

Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30 PM at Counterpath: 7935 E 14th Ave

LUN September Town Hall

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Sept. 20, for LUN's Town Hall to meet the two candidates running for Colorado Attorney General, Incumbent AG Phil Weiser (D) and District Attorney 18th Judicial District, John Kellner (R). Details about the meeting here.

Blithe Spirit at the John Hand Theater

Firehouse Theater Company is back with ticket sales for upcoming show of Noel Coward's work Blithe Spirit. Oct. 1 - Oct. 29. LUN Night at the Theater is Friday, Oct. 14. Tickets also on sale for the five show season. 

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
• Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District
• Crestmoor Park (2nd Filing) Homes Association
• Crestmoor Park Neighborhood Association
• Dakota Hill Homeowners Association
• East Colfax Neighborhood Association
• Fax Partnership
• Hilltop Heritage Association
• 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
• South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Virginia Vale Community Association
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association

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