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.

Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program in Hilltop

You've probably noticed the start of Denver Water's lead reduction work in Hilltop! Here's some additional information:



Project Overview:

• Start Date: Preliminary work scheduled to commence the week of Dec. 4.
• Scope: Initial investigations to confirm lead service lines and consent conversations with customers. Actual service line replacements will follow in the coming weeks.

Anticipated Impacts:

• Temporary Water Outages: Some temporary water outages may be necessary in the neighborhood.
• Scheduled Outages: Planned water outages over two consecutive days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with efforts to minimize downtime.
• "No Parking" Signs: Crews will place signs in the work area to facilitate the process.

Notification Details:

• Mailed Notice: Denver Water will send a notice two to three weeks before any planned outages.
• Door Hanger: Expect a door hanger one to two days before the outage, detailing the anticipated date and timeframe.

What's Next:

• Denver Water has initiated notifications via the Good Neighbor notice.
• Ongoing coordination with directly impacted customers as work progresses.

Stay Informed:

• Project Map: View the up-to-date project map here
• Additional Resources: We'll provide Lead Replacement Program updates for this neighborhood and share resources to help you inform your community.
• Community Engagement: Request community presentations for registered neighborhood organizations, business districts, or interested neighbors to learn more about the Lead Reduction Program.
• Newsletter Subscription: Subscribe to Denver Water's program-specific newsletter for tailored content to meet your informational needs.
• Nextdoor Updates: Stay connected through Nextdoor for timely updates.

Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we work towards a lead-free community. For further details and updates, visit Denver Water's website.



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

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.

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 this month and will last through January 2025. 

A full closure of E 14th Avenue—from just east of Jackson Street to Colorado Boulevard—will be in place starting December 4th and will last for approximately four months. In addition to the full closure along E 14th Avenue, there will be a local-traffic-only closure on E 14th Avenue—east of Josephine—in effect on December 4th. 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 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

Elle Stevens

My name is Elle Stevens and I am the Legislative Assistant for the Legislative Services team of Denver City Council. I have worked for the City and County of Denver for 10 years, initially as an Eligibility Specialist for Denver Human Services and for the last four years for the city council body. We have 13 council members (two at-large) and around 65 staff members that pass legislation, address constituent services and do a variety of things for the city of Denver. My role is to support them in whatever way I can. I live in District 3 with my dog and love being a Denver resident. I can be reached at Legislative Services through 720-337-2009 for questions regarding how Denver City Council operates. Thanks!

Small Business Spotlight

Inga's Alpine Tavern

"Tasty eats, delicious drinks and good friends equal your Happy Place. Inga*s Alpine Tavern is one of the best neighborhood pubs in Denver. Our kitchen is open late night, our staff is caring, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We love our guests from Hilltop, Glendale, Cherry Creek and beyond. You won't find a more eclectic bar that has something for everyone!"

Thank you being an amazing business and a neighborhood favorite 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. The Planing Board hearing is TBD
• 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 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

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

December 18

• Multiple properties owned by Denver Parks and Recreation (rezoning)
• 1227 & 1271 S Pearl Street
• 1021 S Hooker St

December 25

• No Meeting

January 2, 2024

• 4001 & 4021 N Fillmore Street
• 2040 N. Ash Street

January 8, 2024

• 1645 N Grape Street *
• 434 S High St*
• 61, 73, 75, 87, and 95 N Lincoln St.

Citywide News

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.

Denver Moves: Bikes Update - Today Is the Last Day to Take the Survey!

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has launched Denver Moves: Bikes Update, a citywide planning effort to update DOTI’s recommended bike network, which was last updated in 2015 (bit.ly/denverbikemap). This update will help DOTI build more comfortable and connected bikeways and develop an ongoing program to upgrade Denver’s existing bikeways over time. 

It’s important that DOTI hears from you about your experience biking and rolling in Denver so that they can craft an updated, visionary network together with the community. DOTI would like your help to answer the following questions:  

·       Where are there gaps in Denver’s existing and planned bike network?  

·       Where do our existing bikeways feel uncomfortable or unsafe?    

Your feedback will help DOTI develop recommendations for bicycle network improvements across the City and County of Denver. The survey and interactive map will be open until December 15, 2023. Visit bit.ly/denverbikesurvey to let us know what you would like Denver’s bike network to look like in the future!



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 December Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

Tis the season to shop, especially online. Scientists refer to this time of year as holiday euphoria, meaning, the closer consumers get to buying deadlines, the more distracted they get and the less likely they are to follow the necessary precautions to stay scam-free. During this time, consumers have a higher propensity to shop on websites that have no security, buy without doing research, make purchases on websites that have sprung up overnight, use weak passwords, and click on social media sights offering 'good deals'. 

The best defense against scammers is you. Staying web-safe means employing all the tips we've provided over the years. If you need a reminder of safe online buying click here for tips.



Don't let potential scammers take the fun out of the season. Have fun shopping for that perfect gift, but make sure you don't add a scammer to your gift-giving list.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Denver District Attorney's Office.

Community Events & Meetings

Cherry Creek Holiday Market

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023

The elves have nothing on Cherry Creek North. Holiday shopping should always be this fun! Join us for the 4th annual Holiday Market and spend the day wandering under the lights on Fillmore Plaza, listening to live music and getting into the seasonal spirit as you discover one-of-a-kind pieces from 40+ local makers, designers, and creators.

Saturday Night Lights at Cherry Creek

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season and enjoy complimentary treats as you wander beneath 600 illuminated and musically choreographed trees. Watch as stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers and performers add to the festive atmosphere.

Noon Years Eve Party with DPD

Friday, December 29th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Youth Event at McDonalds 6355 E Evans Ave. Have a blast ringing in the New Year with festive activities! Kids use your detective skills to complete and solve the Scavenger hunt and receive your free happy meal! Don’t miss the epic balloon drop at noon!  (more details coming soon) 

Denver's Mile High Tree - Mile High Holidays

Denver’s holiday season will once again be bigger and brighter with the spectacular Mile High Tree! Step inside this brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation. It will be open all season long.

Create a new family tradition and join in the free nightly festivities at Denver’s latest holiday attraction. The Mile High Tree puts on a dazzling music and lights show. It's the largest installation of its kind in North America. The tree was created by ILMEX Illumination, a globally renowned decorative lighting production company in Spain. Madrid-based Brut Deluxe handled the lighting design using pixel-mapping technology.



The tree will be lit throughout the season for the public’s enjoyment and will be open for program viewings from 5 -10 p.m. November 17 – December 31, 2023 (weather permitting). See the complete list of details on the website.

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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