District 5 News

2024 Vitalant Blood Drive

Exciting news! Southeast Denver Gives Blood Drive is back from January 1st to 31st, 2024. Join us in saving lives by donating at Vitalant Lowry, aiming for 75 donations to potentially save 225 lives. With a 25% decline in blood collections in Colorado, your contribution is crucial.



How to Contribute:

• Schedule Your Donation:
• Visit https://bit.ly/SEDenverGivesBlood24.
• This link takes you to a Facebook event page.
• Find another link in the event description or a post with Vitalant’s registration link for the blood drive.
• Click on the unique link to secure your slot early.
• Vitalant Lowry Location:
• Address: 717 Yosemite St., north of the Great Lawn.
• Spread the Word: #SEDenverGivesBlood
• Share your donation experience on social media using the hashtag #SEDenverGivesBlood to inspire others.

D5 Projects Night

I am thrilled to invite you to District 5 Project Night. It's an excellent opportunity for residents to engage directly with their local government and learn about impactful upcoming neighborhood projects. Your participation is key to building a more connected and informed District 5.

Event Details:

• Date: January 30
• Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
• Location: George Washington High School

Featured Agencies and Projects:

• Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR): Planning
• Denver Public Library (DPL): District 5 Libraries
• Denver DOTI: Wastewater, Transportation, Vision Zero/Safe Routes to School (SRTS), 5-year Paving Plan, ROWE, Solid Waste, Denver Moves: Bikes
• Denver Police Department (DPD): Public Safety
• Denver Fire Department (DFD): Station 14, Station 18, Station 19
• Denver Water, Xcel
• Mayor's Office: Homelessness
• DEDO: NEST
• DDPHE: Noise Inspection
• EXL: Short-term Rental and Residential Registry
• Clerk and Recorder: Voter Registration

Facebook Event:

Join the Facebook Event for more information

Kearney/Krameria Neighborhood Bikeway Project Update

DOTI wants to extend a heartfelt thanks to all community members contributing to the Kearney/Krameria Neighborhood Bikeway project. Spanning 9.6 miles from E Smith Rd to E Virginia Ave, it bridges a vital gap in Denver's bike network, linking Cherry Creek Trail neighborhoods to North Denver.

This update specifically addresses the southern portion from E 12th Ave to E Virginia Ave. Construction is set to begin in 2024.

Project Background:

• Addresses a significant north/south gap in Denver's bike network.
• Connects future bikeways on 12th Avenue, Severn Place, 3rd Avenue, Southmoor Drive, and Cedar Avenue.
• Enhances safety at major intersections, including 6th Avenue Parkway, Southmoor Drive, and Cedar Avenue.
• Links key destinations like Crestmoor Park, George Washington High School, Safeway, and King Soopers.
• Funded by Elevate Denver Bond, fulfilling voter-approved commitments.

Design Changes:

• Reduced flex posts, retaining critical safety elements.
• Enhances intersection safety, visibility, and aids snow maintenance.

Next Steps:

• Construction of both northern and southern sections in 2024.
• DOTI to confirm construction dates and provide updates.
• Stay informed on the City’s website.

For inquiries, email bikes@denvergov.org. or visit the City's website Your continued support is invaluable!

Bellevue-Hale & Mayfair ADU Rezoning Proposal

My office has put forward legislation to allow the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the Hale statistical neighborhood, including Bellevue-Hale, western Mayfair, and northern Hilltop.  An ADU is a small, single apartment located at the back of a property separate from the main house, or built adjacent to a main house such as a basement unit with a separate entrance. ADUs are also commonly known as granny-flats, in-law units, casitas, carriage houses or guest houses.

We wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who took our survey on this and we are happy to announce that the survey was statistically valid and had 58% of respondents in favor of the changes. Based on the feedback we received in our community meetings, in the survey, and in the East Area Plan, have filed the application with a legislative rezoning that, if approved, will allow all single unit properties in Hale to build an ADU without having to go through a rezoning process.

The application was filed on Nov 20, 2023, and the Planning Board hearing is on January 17, 2024. We will update you with the progress on this rezoning as it moves along in the rezoning process.

Get involved with the Alameda Avenue Corridor Study

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is leading a study of Alameda Avenue in partnership with the City and County of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Glendale, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The goal is to develop a shared vision for the corridor from Wadsworth Blvd., in Lakewood to the R-Line in Aurora. 

The study aims to improve mobility and safety for all users and plan for future transit investments, while still preserving the character of the corridor. The study will identify mobility and safety issues and result in recommendations for transportation improvements that will enhance the corridor – making it safer and more accessible for all road users.

DRCOG is currently collecting feedback to understand community concerns with safety, mobility or other transportation along the Alameda Corridor. You can learn more about the study, provide feedback about your experiences along Alameda, and sign up for a focus group discussion on the project website at: https://engage.drcog.org/alameda-avenue-study

14th Ave. at Colorado Closed for the Jackson Street Storm Drain Project

In 2020, DOTI began work on a project that will include installing larger storm sewer pipe to better manage and improve flood mitigation during heavy rainstorms. The second phase of the project extends from the intersection of Jackson St and 14th Ave, across Colorado Blvd and south to the intersection of 13th Ave and Colorado Blvd. The project started last month and will last through January 2025. 

A full closure of E 14th Avenue—from just east of Jackson Street to Colorado Boulevard will last for approximately four months. In addition to the full closure along E 14th Avenue, there is a local-traffic-only closure on E 14th Avenue—east of Josephine—in effect. We encourage drivers to follow the posted detour signs to E 17th Avenue.

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 in 2024! 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

Mike Borquez

Hello everyone, my name is Mike Borquez. I am a Denver native and grew up in the Barnum Park neighborhood. I’ve been a Police Officer for about 25 years. I am married and have two boys Caleb 13 years and Benjamin 9 years. Both boys love lacrosse and it keeps us busy on the weekends with games and tournaments. 

I’ve worked in Districts 1 and 3 for most of my career, however, I’m now in District 2. I look forward to implementing our Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch (NW/BW) programs with the D2 community. We built a strong NW/BW in District 3 and I know we can do the same in District 2. Community engagement is paramount to our success as a police department. With that said, I look forward to working with everyone to improve our Crime Prevention efforts in our communities. Remember – Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility. 

Please let me know if you need anything or would like to start a Neighborhood Watch and/or Business Watch. The training is only about 60 minutes or less (depending on Q and A). I appreciate the partnership with City Council Amanda Sawyer and her staff. I’ve worked hand in hand with them on community issues and events. I appreciate CW Sawyer and her staff more than they know. I am excited to meet and work with all of you. I can be reached at mike.borquez@denvergov.org.

Small Business Spotlight

Stargazer Fine Chocolates

"Stargazer Fine Chocolates is our family-owned and operated business located in Denver, CO specializing in the creation of hand-crafted, artisan chocolates. Since the best chocolates originate with select cocoa beans, we order our fair trade, certified, non-GMO chocolate from a fourth generation supplier.

Our professional chocolatier, Karen, transforms this chocolate into unique creations, which will delight your eyes and please your palette. Karen’s interest in chocolate began with our family’s 25 year relationship with a local chocolate shop and its owner, a European-trained chocolatier, who generously shared his knowledge and expertise with Karen over several months prior to his retirement. Karen enjoyed this extensive hands-on training, which inspired her to continue her education at the renowned Ecole Chocolat where she has achieved the designation of Master Chocolatier. Karen’s experience, talent, and artistic ability led to the establishment of our Colorado chocolate company.

Today we offer a wide variety of traditionally prepared fine chocolates including handcrafted truffles, chocolate bars, nut and fruit filled bark, specialty and hand-dipped items to delight both adults and children, holiday themed treats and gifts for family, friends and business associates.

Our family welcomes the opportunity to share our delicious chocolate creations with you and your family."

Thank you being an amazing business for all of the residents in the district!

Upcoming Rezonings

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 are currently seven open re-zonings requests in District 5. 

• 1401 Fairfax St was filed on Feb 16, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 653 N Marion St. was filed on Nov 16, 2023. Coming to LUTI on January 16, 2024
• 6750 E Exposition Ave was filed on Nov 22, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD.
• Multiple properties in the Hale Statistical Neighborhood was filed on Nov 20, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is on January 17, 2024.
• 162 & 190 St. Paul St and 165 & 185 N Steele St. was filed on submitted on April 4, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD.
• 365 S Kearney was filed on Oct 9, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 101 N Adams St. was filed on February 8, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

January 16

• 4001 & 4021 N Fillmore Street

January 29

• 3051 Lawrence Street

February 12

• 4120 N Federal Blvd
• 61, 73, 75, 87, and 95 N Lincoln St.
• 3150 W Scott Pl

January 22, 2024

• 1034 S University Blvd
• Near Northwest Area Plan

February 5, 2024

• None

Citywide News

Denver Water's Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Heed these tips to avoid expensive and wasteful water leaks this winter.

Before cold weather hits:

• Learn the location of your home’s water shut-off valve. If a pipe breaks, you’ll need to shut off the water to your house to minimize damage. In most single-family homes, the valve is in the basement or crawl space, on a wall facing the street.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off the water.
• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold, such as those along exterior walls and in unheated basements.

During a deep freeze: 

• Keep open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as access doors for sinks), so that household air can warm them.
• If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut. Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space, leaving it vulnerable to winter's worst.
• Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your water enters the house. A very slow drip will keep water molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved for other household uses.
• Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days.

If you think a pipe is frozen, don’t wait for nature to take its course:

• Thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a plumber for help.
• If you thaw it yourself, shut off the water or test the shut-off valve. You don’t want water suddenly gushing from the pipe when it thaws.
• When thawing, slower is better. Pipes warmed too fast may break. A hair dryer pointed at the frozen area of the pipe is appropriate. A blow torch is not.

The Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) invites Denver-based youth groups that conduct civic engagement projects to apply for a grant to help fund those efforts.  Three $500 and one $1000 award will be presented on March 11, 2024 for activities that will occur prior to June 30, 2024.

The intent of these awards is to help 14 to19 year-olds recognize the importance of citizen involvement in their own community and how neighborhoods can be improved through their efforts. In other words, INC is planting seeds for Denver’s future neighborhood leaders. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion focus: At least one grant will be reserved and awarded to a youth group in a city of Denver designated Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST) community.

To learn more about INC please see www.denverinc.org.  

To apply please provide:

1.  List the group’s name, a contact person, their title, email and phone.

2.  List the project’s name, budget and other funders’ contributions.

3.  What Denver neighborhoods will be impacted by these activities? 

4.  When will the activity or activities take place and how many teens will participate?

5.  Do you, or members of your group, reside in one of the following NEST neighborhoods: Athmar Park, Barnum, Barnum West, Clayton, College View, East Colfax, Elyria Swansea, Globeville, Kennedy, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Ruby Hill, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, Westwood, and Windsor

6.  If your grant application is approved how will the grant funds be used?

7.  If your grant application is approved you will be asked to submit a final project report and photos.

Submit to 2024YouthGrant@denverinc.org by February 21, 2024.

All applicants will be notified by email

Additional comments and questions are welcome at 2024youthgrant@denverinc.org.

DPD's Safety and Transparency Dashboard

We are thrilled to introduce DPD's new interactive dashboard, designed to provide you with a deeper insight into public safety in Denver. This is an extension of the Department of Public Safety's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. With this innovative tool, you'll have access to timely information regarding disciplinary actions and incidents throughout our city. It's the first step in our journey toward sharing more data and dashboards on various topics that matter to you.

DPD believes in building trust and fostering a better understanding between our department and the community we serve. We look forward to your engagement with this new resource and to sharing more valuable insights with you in the near future.

Stay tuned for additional dashboards covering a wide range of topics, all aimed at making Denver a safer and more informed place to live.

Apply to be a Snow Angel!

The Snow Angels program is an initiative of the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships that is aimed to assist residents in Denver in need of assistance shoveling their front sidewalks during the cold winter months. This is a volunteer service created to avoid fines for non-compliance of clearing pedestrian walkways in front of homes.

Eligible applicants include the following:

• Must be a Denver City & County resident
• Residents or older adults physically unable to shovel
• Neighbors living with a disability
• Financially unable to pay for a service

If you reside outside the City and County of Denver and need assistance, please call 211.

The Snow Angels program does not:

• Remove snow in driveways or front steps
• Remove down trees/branches on front walks



RNO Renewal Time is Here

Renewal time is here! The annual renewal period runs between December 1 and January 31, 2024. All RNOs are required to renew their registration with the city during this period to remain an RNO in good standing with the city. To submit your renewal, use the link below or visit www.DenverGov.org/RNO to find it. 

Renew your registration today!

On the form, RNOs will be asked to update their contact, leadership and election information. All groups also must affirm that they meet the city’s eligibility requirements, which include:

• Holding least one meeting per year at which members vote
• Having at least 12 members present at one meeting at which members vote
• Posting notice of meetings in advance via methods of communication that are available to the general public and keeping a record of how meetings were noticed

Holiday Lights Recycling and Tree Recycling

Don’t throw out those broken, burned-out or impossibly tangled holiday lights you stored away with last year’s holiday decorations. Recycle them instead, for free, through Denver’s holiday lights recycling program!



Accepted for drop-off:

• Strings of incandescent, LED and "icicle" lights.
• Attached bulbs okay.

Not accepted for drop-off:

• Bubble (liquid-filled) or neon lights.
• Please remove light strings from packaging material.

Return the joy your tree brings you over the holiday season by giving it a new lease on life. Recycle your holiday tree by dropping it off at one of our collection sites! We’ll turn it into mulch made available to residents in the spring!  

How to Recycle your Holiday Tree

Step 1: Remove all decorations, lights, and the tree stand from your tree. Only natural, real trees will be accepted. No artificial or flocked trees.

Step 2.Bring your tree to one of our drop-off locations listed below.

Weekday Treecycle drop sites open Jan 2 – 31, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)
• Havana Nursery – 10450 Smith Rd. (enter on Smith Road)
• Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to the Denver Animal Shelter)

*Note these locations will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Weekend Treecyle drop sites are Saturday, January 13, 20 and 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Sloan’s Lake Northwest Parking Lot – W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
• Bruce Randolph – E. 40^th Ave. and Steele St.
• Fred Thomas Park – 2400 Quebec St.
• Evie Dennis School Campus – 4800 Telluride St.
• Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
• Carson Elementary - 5420 E 1st Ave.
• Kennedy High School – Newland St. and Brown Pl.
• Slavens Elementary – 3000 S Clayton St.
• Congress Park – 850 N Josephine St.

If you don’t want to recycle your holiday tree (although we highly encourage it), we’ll collect it on your large item pickup day. Trees left out for large item pickup will not be turned into mulch.

Rent and Utility Assistance Available

Are you struggling to pay your rent or utilities? Are you worried about staying in your home? You’re not alone and it’s not your fault— one in three households in Denver is paying more than a third of their income toward housing. The Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program is reopening applications in a new online portal beginning Jan. 2, 2024. Visit denvergov.org/RentHelp to learn more.

We also provide FREE tenant/landlord counseling and eviction legal assistance. Visit denvergov.org/EvictionHelp for more information about eviction legal clinics

My Spark Denver

I'm delighted to be supporting My Spark Denver, which is giving 4,000 middle school students who go to DPS schools and qualify for free or reduced lunch $1000 to spend at afterschool and summer programs! There are remarkable opportunities for art, music, dance, sports, tutoring and more! We've got some great programs in our neighborhood - it is first come first serve, so go register at MySparkDenver.org and tell other kids who might benefit from it to register as well!

RTD's ZERO FARE for Youth

FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2024, YOUTH 19 AND UNDER CAN JUST HOP ON BOARD

RTD is excited to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits at no cost. Zero Fare for Youth is a one-year pilot program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. By inviting youth ages 19 and under to ride the bus and train at no cost, we also remove barriers to education and employment, while creating access to destinations across the metro Denver region. If you’re new to our system, check out RTD's How to Ride video.

What Do I Need to Show When I Ride?

To ride at no cost as part of this program, you must be prepared to show one of the following to the bus operator or fare inspector: current school ID, valid government-issued ID, alien registration/permanent resident card, Military ID/dependent card with DOB, RTD-issued youth special discount card.

The DA's January Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

QR Code Vigilance:

• What to Know: QR codes are handy but beware of scammers directing to phishing sites or malware.
• Quick Tips:Think before scanning; avoid links from unknown sources.
• Verify the code's legitimacy before scanning.
• Hover over the code to check the destination.
• Treat the link cautiously; verify the URL and avoid personal info sharing.

Charity Giving Caution:

• Key Tips: Avoid charity fraud by researching organizations before donating.
• Useful Resources:BBB Wise Giving Alliance
• Charity Navigator
• CharityWatch
• GuideStar
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search

App Money Transfers:

• Safe Sending Tips:Verify recipient details before transferring.
• Confirm requests directly; avoid sharing personal info.
• Stay cautious during urgent requests; it might be a scam.

Watch for Scams:

• Common Scams:Bank impersonators seeking personal info.
• Requests to send or transfer money as a solution to a fake issue.

Tax Scam Awareness:

• Warning Signs:IRS won't call or text about personal tax matters.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.

Community Events & Meetings

2024 Year of the Dragon at the Far East Center

Join the Far East Center this January-February for two months of immersive classes, workshops, and experiences. We are hosting classes to share the culture, traditions, and flavors of our Lunar New Year holiday. The entire month is dedicated to educating the community about the upcoming observed holiday of Lunar New Year in the State of Colorado. 

The Lowry Foundation Speaker Series

Interested in the history of symphonies? Come to our first guest speaker event at the Eisenhower Chapel in 2024 when The Lowry Foundation and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Denver present Catherine Beeson’s “500 Years and Counting.”  Join us on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Cherry Creek Wellness Collective

'Curating Calm' Expo Event

Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 10:00am - 3:00pm

Join us for the largest collection of health, wellness & beauty brands under one roof for one day only!



We are excited to announce that the Cherry Creek Wellness Collective is back just in time for your New Year Resolutions! The 'Curating Calm’ 2023 Wellness Expo and Info-Active Sessions take place Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Hotel Clio in Cherry Creek North.

LUN Town Hall on Public Safety

We are excited to announce this high profile panel of public safety experts, including Denver Chief of Police, Ron Thomas, and Denver District Attorney, Beth McCann; for the next LUN (Lowry United Neighborhoods) Town Hall on Crime and Safety, Tuesday, January 23, 7:00 to 8:30 (Doors open at 6:30). At the Eisenhower Chapel. This information concerns everyone who lives or works in Lowry.

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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