District 5 News

Fall Parks Clean Up Day a Success!

A big, heartfelt thank you goes out to all 89 amazing volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and joined us for the Fall Parks Clean-Up Day! Your dedication and hard work made a world of difference in sprucing up our community's green spaces, and we couldn't be more grateful. As we gear up for spring, we're excited to invite you to our upcoming Spring Parks Clean-Up Day on April 21st. Keep an eye out for more details coming your way soon. Let's keep the momentum going and make our parks even more vibrant together!

Bellevue-Hale & Mayfair ADU Rezoning Proposal

As you might have heard my office is considering putting forward legislation to allow the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the Bellevue-Hale neighborhood, including western Mayfair.  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, we will be moving forward 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.

Help with the War in Israel

District 5 is home to many residents of many faiths. I respect all of them. However, the atrocities we’ve seen in Israel these past few days are terrorist attacks, plain and simple. My heart is with the D5 Jewish community and my own friends in Israel. If you would like to help support, please visit JEWISHcolorado's website to learn more.

Report Problems with Xcel Streetlights

We've noticed a growing number of issues with the light poles provided by Xcel Energy in our area. These poles do more than just light up our streets – they also play a big role in keeping our neighborhood safe. We're counting on your help to spot and report any problems with these light poles to ensure our community stays secure.



If you come across any issues with Xcel's light poles, please don't hesitate to report them. It's easy – just head over to Xcel's reporting site to find a simple way to report any problems you spot. Your watchful eyes and quick reports will help us keep our neighborhood safe and sound. And please let us know about the pole at DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org. Together, we can keep our streets well-lit and trouble-free.

Take the 2023 Annual Survey



Each year our office creates and distributes a survey to help us understand how we can best represent you by identifying issues of concern in our community. The information gathered from the survey is invaluable as we plan and prioritize for the next year (and beyond) with your concerns in mind.

If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking the purple button below or following the QR Code below. You can also access it at https://bit.ly/D5AnnualSurvey23

The survey will close on December 31, 2023. If you have any questions or run into any trouble feel free to email us at DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org, or give us a call at 720.337.5555.

Jackson Street Storm Drain Project

The City & County of Denver, through its Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI), will soon begin work on a project that will include installing larger storm sewer pipe to better manage and improve flood mitigation during heavy rainstorms. This project is an open-cut storm sewer project with a twin tunnel underneath Colorado Blvd. 

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 is expected to start in November 2023 and last through January 2025. 

14th Ave will see a full closure for approximately 4 months. Colorado Blvd will incur intermittent single lane closures throughout the project, and 13th Ave will see a full closure for approximately 2 months.

Detour signs and message boards will be in place throughout the duration of the project to alert commuters about the work and to expect delays. Impact / detour maps will also be included in the project's weekly email construction updates. 

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING

Wednesday, November 8, at Noon --- http://bit.ly/JSSMeeting

If you cannot attend this virtual meeting, a recording will be available on the project’s webpage afterwards. Feel free to submit questions ahead of the meeting via info@jacksonstreetstorm.com

For more information visit the project website: jacksonstreetstorm.com or email:

info@jacksonstreetstorm.com or call or text the Hotline at (720) 306-9393 with questions or concerns.

Ellsworth Storm Drain Project

A few years ago, DOTI identified the Ellsworth Avenue System as a viable option to tackle drainage issues in Cherry Creek East. Construction on a new drainage system for Ellsworth Avenue began in the summer of 2021, starting from Steele Street and progressing eastward. The project was completed in mid-2022, concluding just east of Cook Street.

DOTI has plans for a future phase, called Ellsworth Ave Ph2 or General Storm-Torreys Peak, which aims to extend the system further east to Garfield Street. This project has been scheduled to receive a budget allocation in 2024. We anticipate the work will commence in the fall of 2024. Currently, city partners are working in the area to move infrastructure in anticipation of this project.

Leaf Drop and Pumpkin Recycling

This fall, give your leaves and pumpkins a second life by dropping them off at a DOTI Leafdrop location! Our composter, A1 Organics, will turn them into compost made available to Denver residents at a discounted price at participating Ace Hardware locations this spring.

Three weekday Leafdrop sites are now open! Weekend sites open Nov 4. See the full Leafdrop schedule at www.denvergov.org/Leafdrop.

• 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 near Building 2 (the Gary Price Building))

Residents utilizing Leafdrop sites are encouraged to bag their leaves in brown paper bags instead of in plastic and can download a coupon to receive a free five-pack of paper leave bags at participating Ace Hardware stores. Leaves dropped off in plastic bags must be emptied on site.

A quick reminder that it’s unlawful to rake your leaves into the street, so please collect and compost your leaves instead!

7th Avenue Bikeway Updates

In 2023, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure installed a new bikeway along 7th Avenue, which has had a number of issues. Three days after we took over the district we hosted a community meeting on July 20 and has been following up with DOTI regularly on this issue.

In response to community concerns, DOTI recently made changes to the design of the 7th & Williams intersection, as well as removing some bollards and replacing them with lower concrete barriers. Our office is unclear as to whether this is the full extent of the changes, and has been advocating for additional enhancements in this area. We are awaiting further response to our concerns from DOTI, including:

• Have the changes to 7th & Williams made the intersection safer?
• Will more bollards be replaced with the lower cement blocks throughout the bikeway?

Because of the situation with the roundabouts on 7th Ave the Denver Fire Department has placed a moratorium on all new roundabouts in the city until the Fire Department and DOTI can come up with a clear set of standards. The Fire Marshall investigated the roundabouts on 7th Ave and they meet the current standards and no changes there need to be made.

Most importantly, we ask residents to please report any crashes or incidents to the Denver Police Department so that data on the outcomes of this bikeway can be tracked. Without this information, DOTI does not have hard data to confirm community suspicions that this bikeway has had the opposite effect of creating more accidents than were previously seen along this corridor. Thank you for your help and partnership in advocating for our community by reporting any accidents you see.

Slow Down Signs Are Back.

You might have seen them around the neighborhood. By popular demand, our SLOW DOWN Signs are back! The purpose of these signs is to remind drivers that our roads are shared with families, residents with disabilities, and our pets, and drivers should slow down in our neighborhoods. If you would like a sign or signs email us at denvercouncil5@denvergov.org

311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday in 2023! 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

The Lowry Foundation Art Loop

In 2023, The Lowry Foundation is celebrating 25 years of serving the community as the non-profit arm of the Lowry Air Force Base redevelopment. We are marking this milestone by creating a special community art project -The Lowry Art + Architecture Loop. Combined with Lowry’s historic architecture, the loop will encourage and promote well-being and active mobility for residents and visitors, bringing people together.



Professional artists worked with the community to create temporary and interactive art experiences in four City and County of Denver parks. The artwork themes tie to the community’s heritage, environmental conservation, social engagement, and community building through play. The parks include Bayaud Park, Crescent Park, Great Lawn Park, and the Dog Park Open Space. Take some time this fall and check out the art and architecture in Lowry!

Small Business Spotlight

Cherry Cricket Cherry Creek

"No one really knows where the name Cherry Cricket came from, and we like it that way. We do know that the Duffy’s addition to our nostalgic sign came from Bernard Duffy when he owned the bar in the 1960’s. It was during that time that Cricket became one of Denver’s first sports bars and gained a reputation as the black sheep of Cherry Creek. Like your crazy aunt, we might have been a little rough around the edges back then, but we meant no harm. We just wanted to fill your belly with the city’s favorite burgers and Colorado craft beer.

Here at this modest brick and mortar building on 2nd Ave, we’ve been slinging burgers, brews and good times since 1945. Plenty has changed around the neighborhood, but very little has changed inside the neighborhood’s favorite bar, even after our 2016 fire. The Cricket is a place where a delicious burger, a cold beer, and good friends will always be waiting. No matter how much things change around us, that never will.



And soon there will be a new chapter in our story…but more to come on that later. For now, come say hi, grub on your favorite burger and don’t forget to bring a friend. Everyone is a friend of the Cricket!"

Cherry Cricket has quickly become a go restaurant to for us here at the D5 office. 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 five open re-zonings requests in District 5. 

• 1401 Fairfax St was filed on Feb 16, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 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
• Multiple properties along Colfax Ave receiving the DO-8 Overlay was filed on July 14, 2023. Planning Board informational update was held September 6th. Coming to LUTI October 31. Coming to Mayor-Council November 7. Coming to City Council (First Reading) November 13. Coming to City Council (Public Hearing) December 11.

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

October 16

• 1825 S Marion Street
• 1900 S Humboldt Street
• 1931 S Humboldt Street
• 1967 S Humboldt Street
• 1906 S Williams Street
• 2125 S Williams Street

October 23

• 2024 Budget
• 2801 W Archer Pl

October 30

• 3216 N High Street
• 200 W Warner Pl

November 6

• 4583 N Yates Street
• 1925 S Cook Street 

November 13

• 1227 & 1271 S Pearl Street
• 4001 & 4021 N Fillmore Street

Citywide News

DPD's Safety and Transparency Dashboard

We understand that concerns about crime in our city are of utmost importance to our community. In response to these concerns, the Denver Police Department (DPD) has been diligently working towards transparency and openness in its operations.

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.

Denver Launches Dashboard Tracker for Mayor’s Homelessness Housing and Shelter Initiative

The City and County of Denver announced the launch of a new housing and shelter progress dashboard designed to provide real-time insights to the public into our commitment to housing 1,000 individuals by the end of 2023. This interactive tool will be updated daily and offer a comprehensive overview of the City and County of Denver efforts and outcomes, making it easier for stakeholders and the community to track our progress toward this vital goal.

Key features of the dashboard include:

• Total Count of People Housed: The dashboard prominently displays the total count of individuals who have been housed or sheltered as part of our initiative to reach 1,000 people. This count will serve as a clear indicator of our progress.
• Breakdown by Housing Type: To offer a detailed view of our efforts, the dashboard provides a breakdown of counts by housing and shelter type. This includes the number of people in leased units, hotel conversions, micro-communities, non-congregate shelters and congregate shelters. This granular data helps us understand the effectiveness of each approach.
• Housing Pipeline Tracker: To offer visibility on various typologies of housing that are in the development process.
• Timeline of Daily Counts: A timeline feature will show the count of people housed or sheltered by day since July 18, 2023. This timeline will provide insights into trends, successes, and challenges over time, allowing for data-driven decision-making.

To access the dashboard, visit denvergov.org/house1000.

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.

Protect Your Car With DenverTrack

We know you're concerned about stolen cars, and our DPD Officers have implemented a solution to help stop car thefts in our city. The DenverTrack program works with the vehicles’ GPS systems to track stolen vehicles in real time. The program requires vehicle owners to preauthorize Denver Police access to the manufacturer's GPS service (e.g., OnStar, etc.) in the unfortunate event that their vehicle is stolen. If the vehicle is stolen, when the vehicle owner calls police to report the theft, DPD can then track the vehicle in real time with the goal of locating and returning the vehicle to the owner and arresting the suspect.

Participants will be able to receive a DenverTrack sticker for placement on their vehicle. The sticker is a visible deterrent that alerts potential thieves that the vehicle has GPS and will be tracked if stolen.

Protect Your Bike With DPD's 529 Garage

Great news for cyclists in Denver! The city has launched a new digital bicycle registration and tracking platform called 529 Garage. Developed by Project 529, this system replaces the outdated database previously used by the Denver Police Department (DPD).

By signing up on the DPD's website or downloading the 529 Garage app, you can register your bike for free. Simply enter your bike's details, including the serial number, make, model, and color. Already registered? Your information has been transferred to the new system.

As an added bonus, the 529 Garage program offers a tamper-resistant decal called the 529 Shield. It comes with a unique seven-character ID code, acting as a visible deterrent to thieves. Happy cycling and stay safe!

The DA's October Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

Lost Pet Scam 

Scammers are targeting owners of lost pets to extort cash or bitcoin. They get your phone number from lost dog posters or posts on Nextdoor. In one example the scammer called the owner claiming to be the animal shelter and said in order to retrieve the dog the owner would have to pay for a vaccine before the dog would be released. Animal shelters don’t operate that way.

DeepFakes: A New Wave of Scams 

We will continue to provide updates on ways that new technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), is being used by scammers. 

Now enter DeepFakes. A deepfake is an image, video, or audio recording that is used to misrepresent someone doing or saying something that was not actually done or said. These video and audio recordings look and sound completely authentic.

The video below provides a tip on how to keep from being a victim of a deepfake version of the grandparent scam. 

What’s the word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By-oPDvHrak

Community Events & Meetings

Ghosts in the Gardens - Open Air Scare

October 14, 2023 - October 22, 2023

Denver Botanic Gardens dares you to join us after dark for the haunting stories that lurk throughout the Gardens' 100 years of history. Stroll through the dark paths at your own pace as the storytellers share real staff encounters, security guard accounts and the intriguing history of the place that was formerly known as "The Boneyard." If you are feeling bold, we invite you inside the Waring House for an exclusive visit of the Beaux-Arts style mansion and the secrets it might hold.

Conjure your courage and capture your fear as you walk our dimly lit paths after hours and dare to have your own ghostly encounter, here at Denver Botanic Gardens.

This tour is self-guided, and you may visit the storytellers in any order you would like. The tour should take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Storytellers will begin new stories every quarter-hour.

Glow at the Gardens

October 17, 2023 - October 22, 2023

Glow at the Gardens™ is a luminous, nighttime celebration of America's favorite gourd.

Take a spine-tingling stroll through eerily illuminated gardens as our York Street location transforms for Halloween. Enjoy larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, spooky live entertainment and, of course, hoards of gourds with thousands of jack o’ lanterns made from real, locally grown pumpkins.

You must purchase a ticket online for a specific date and time to visit. Tickets will not be available onsite.

Last entry is 9 p.m. Glow at the Gardens events and our site close at 9:45 p.m.

Bones, Bats, Boo! Family Overnight - Denver Museum of Nature and Science

October 20, 2023

Spend an enchanting night experiencing the magic of the Museum with your whole family! Wear your costumes while participating in Halloween hands-on science, crafts and more. Snuggle up for Storytime and enjoy a show in the Gates Planetarium. After a night of fun, sleep among the animals in our world-famous diorama halls. Ticket includes a pizza and salad dinner, evening snack and hot breakfast the next morning. It will be a ghostly good time for little monsters and mummies!

Lowry Halloween Festival

This annual event is not to be missed! Come trick or treat in Lowry Town Center, enjoy spooky music, take a ride on the mini train, and more.

When: Saturday, October 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Where: Lowry Town Square, 200 Quebec St

Hilltop Halloween Parade

Join in the annual Hilltop Halloween Parade!

When: Sunday, October 29, 2019 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Where: Starts at Cranmer Park and ends in Robinson Park

DPD District 3 & Leetsdale Cop Shop Halloween Carnival

The 2nd annual DPD D3/Leetsdale Cop Shop Halloween Carnival will take place on Sunday 10/29 at Veteran’s Park (2100 E Iowa Ave-next door to the District 3 station), and we would love it if you and your crew could make it!

The event is 1 PM to 3 PM. There will be carnival themed (games and prizes) and other spooky events!

Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

10/27/2023, 10/28/2023

Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex

What’s this?! Back by popular demand, see one of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films like never before! The full-feature film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score played live by your Colorado Symphony. Families are welcome and costumes are encouraged. After all, this is Halloween! 

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
• 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

View as Webpage