The June municipal election runoff is over and the Denver voters in their inestimable wisdom have decided they want four more years of Mayor Michael Hancock and the crony capitalists that control him. Political newbie Jamie Giellis ran a spirited campaign and the mayor had to strongly rely on the race card to besmirch her for his victory. He was greatly aided in his race baiting by The Denver Post, Colorado Springs Gazette, Channel 9, Channel 7 and Channel 4. Giellis had no money to counter the endless ads and mainstream stories calling her a bigot.
Park Hill Golf Course
Somewhat contradictorily the voters threw out Hancock’s
closest allies on the City Council, Albus Brooks and Mary Beth Susman, along
with Wayne New. The mayor’s people also tried to save Brooks by sending out a
flyer with Candi CdeBaca’s logo on it urging Latinos to vote, and that it is
“Time for this monkey to go!” [African American]. The trouble with that tactic
was that CdeBaca is both Hispanic and African American and the racist flyer was
clearly the work of the Hancock/Brooks slander machine that worked so
successfully to smear Giellis. This time it didn’t work. CdeBaca, for that and
many other reasons, probably will not be a lackey for the Hancock
administration.
There will be five new faces on the 13-member City Council
and the question is whether the new council will have any more of a backbone
than the old one to stand up to the high-density developers that run the
mayor’s office. That question will be quickly answered as it has just been
announced that the 200-acre Park Hill Golf Course will be sold to the worst of
the worst high-density developers, Westside Investments LLC, a firm that is
also planning the destruction of the Loretta Heights campus.
The seller of the property is the Clayton Trust which runs
the Clayton Early Learning Center. The Clayton Trust was set up after the death
of real estate mogul George Washington Clayton in 1899. He left his entire
estate to help orphan boys between the ages of 6 and 10 but has been a tempting
target of municipal and corporate corruption ever since. The Clayton Trust was
originally administered by the City and County of Denver but was turned over to
an independent board after city officials were caught selling various parcels
of land to their friends at far below market value. No, Michael Hancock did not
invent municipal corruption in the City and County of Denver, but his
administration has only helped to bring it to new heights.
Candi CdeBaca
Of course, the trustees could not be trusted not to loot the
Trust so in 1997 the city gave the trust $2 million to mandate the remaining
land to be open space. The money and other funds of the Trust have been
utilized to run the Clayton Early Learning Center on the grounds. There appears
to be no reason to have the Center other than to enrich the rapacious women who
run the Center, exploiting poor minorities with very young children who are
grateful for whatever handouts and care the Early Learning Center can provide, and
who are in no position to protest their contemptible treatment.
The new City Council will have to approve the sale, negate
the open space constriction and approve high density development with a
fraudulent claim of improving “affordable housing.” It will be interesting to
watch how District 10’s newest councilman Chris Hinds responds. Hinds was able
to overthrow incumbent Wayne New by pointing out how New failed to criticize
the Hancock Administration and let development go on unabated in Cherry Creek North.
Hinds was greatly aided in his victory by various unions and the far-left
Working Families Party which got its start in New York City and was
instrumental in getting Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez elected to Congress. Hinds
pounded New for being the only city council person who was not a registered
Democrat (New is registered as an independent.)
Less emphasized by Hinds was a position that he was a great
proponent of high-density development with the standard caveat that he would be
for it as long as it would assist “affordable housing.” It is assumed he would
be the poster boy for the destruction of one of the largest open spaces in
Denver so long as he could fraudulently claim it assisted “affordable housing.”
Chris Hinds
Candi CdeBaca was also greatly assisted in her victory by
the Working Families Party and is a professed Marxist. It is a sign of the
times that we endorsed CdeBaca. As a practical matter we are willing to take an
honest Marxist like CdeBaca who actually cares about Denver over an absolute
crooked crony capitalist like Albus Brooks. Our fear is that Hinds will combine
his far-left politics with the sleazy, crooked, crony capitalism of Albus
Brooks to become just one more Hancock lackey. His actions regarding the sale
of the Park Hill Golf Course will indicate early on whether our fears are well
placed or not.
Sleek, Modern Townhomes Coming To Creek’s Newberry Brothers Greenhouse Plot At 2nd & Garfield
by Glen Richardson
Development activity is finally getting underway at the last
of the large assemblages of land in Cherry Creek North — a rare corner with six
contiguous lots at 2nd Ave and Garfield. It was January 2016 when Newberry
Brothers Greenhouse & Florist relocated to Leetsdale Drive from the six
large greenhouses they had operated on the site since just after World War II.
More than three years later not only has work started at the site but high-end
townhomes are being pre-sold along the street as “the ultimate oasis of luxury
living.”
Property owner Paula Newberry-Arnold and her son Kien Arnold
had initially planned to develop the site into “garden court” row homes titled
Garfield Row. However density of the proposed development raised objections
from Cherry Creek residents. Approximately 500 signed a petition against the
proposal — primarily because they felt the proposed 36 parking spaces would not
be sufficient and would clog the surrounding neighborhood with parked cars.
Those concerns ultimately scuttled the Arnold plan.
Not long thereafter
the Arnolds had the property under contract to a potential buyer but the deal
eventually fell through. Then at the beginning of last year Garfield
Development LLC formed by Michael Fancher of Denver-based Iconic Investments
purchased the 0.86-acre site. Greenhouses on the site had already been
demolished months earlier. He paid $7.65 million for the property located on
the northwest corner of Garfield and 2nd Ave.
Fabled Site
Just after World War II Weldon Newberry and two of his
brothers purchased a greenhouse located on Garfield St. at the time. They initially
devoted the business to the wholesale of “Colorado Carnations,” the first
trademarked flower in the United States. A few years later Weldon and his wife
Elizabeth purchased full ownership from the brothers.
Fabled Site: The 0.86-acre Cherry Creek North property was home for Newberry Brothers Greenhouses from shortly after World War II until recently.
However, as fuel prices skyrocketed, carnations were being
shipped into the U.S. for less than they could grow them in Denver. The
greenhouses were then used to grow a variety of plants and flowers and
Elizabeth Newberry focused on developing the floral and wedding party side of
the business. She continued to work in the business on Garfield until her death
in 2011, at the age of 89.
Weldon and Elizabeth’s daughter, Paula Newberry-Arnold then
became owner of the business along with her son. She developed the business
into one of Denver’s top floral and décor shops specializing in a variety of
large themed events and daily custom floral designs. The business remained on
Garfield St. until relocating to Leetsdale three years ago.
Slow Stride
Once Garfield Development LLC purchased the site — it went under
contract in April 2018 — the pulse of Cherry Creek North residents quickened.
They were thrilled that the former Newberry Nursery site “would soon have
high-end residential homes.” However the pace has been slow as Michael Fancher,
President of Iconic Investments, didn’t reveal details of the plan to the
Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Assn. until November 27 of last year.
Finally Fenced: First signs that construction is getting underway the property located on the northwest corner of Garfield and 2nd Ave. has finally been fenced.
It has been approximately another five months before the
property was fenced off and work seemingly was getting underway. Furthermore,
some observers are suggesting it could be as long as two more years before
homes in this planned oasis of luxury living will actually be occupied.
To address parking concerns during construction, the
developer will reportedly encourage workers to park onsite for the first phase
of construction. Phase two however is likely to require some neighborhood
parking. Fancher is aware of the resident concerns and hopes to minimize the
impact. It felt sincere. A phone and email hotline for area residents to call
in and log concerns is being planned.
Popular & Pricey
The luxury real estate market in Cherry Creek North is awash
with million and multimillion-dollar homes. Luxury, of course, is a relative
term when it comes to Cherry Creek, where the median sales price is $895,000.
Homes in the district have been priced above $13 million. There’ve been a few
incidents of townhomes priced in the $1-3 million range prompting a bidding
war.
Special Style: Designer Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio created this Denver Designer Show Home in the Hilltop Neighborhood.
Being launched as North Pointe Ten, the project will consist
of 10 attached homes, each measuring about 4,600-sq.-ft., standing three
stories tall with a rooftop deck of approximately 700-750-sq.-ft. Expected to
be priced at $3 million or more, they are currently being pre-sold by LIV
Sotheby’s International Realty at $2,695,000.
Condo Connection: This is what the condos directly across the street from the North Pointe Ten development on Garfield look like.
The Denver Business Journal reported that Ryan Tedder — the
lead vocalist in Colorado pop-rock band OneRepublic — is a main investor in the
townhouse project.
Super-Sized
Designed by Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio on S.
Broadway, each home includes a basement level with abundant storage, a media
room, plus a bedroom and a bathroom. Take the elevator to the first-floor
level, which includes an open layout living area, kitchen and dining, plus a
powder room, mudroom and patio.
Continuing through the home, the second floor features a
master suite, another bedroom suite and laundry. The third level includes a
flex space, another bedroom-bathroom, plus a rooftop patio with a fire pit.
“Never before has a project been introduced to Cherry Creek
that will combine this level of finish, size and aesthetic,” claims Josh Behr
of LIV Sotheby’s Cherry Creek office. “These truly will be 10 unique residences
that will evolve and propel forward the level of quality in Cherry Creek real
estate.”
Developer & Designer
Albeit developer Michael Fancher is somewhat new to the
Denver market, in the last eight years he has become one of the largest student
housing landlords at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He also assembled
the 4.4-acre site in the heart of Boulder that is being developed into Google’s
regional headquarters.
Garfield Grandeur: This former greenhouse site at 2nd Ave. and Garfield will become 10 attached homes being launched as North Pointe Ten.
In 2015 his company Iconic partnered with Craft Companies on
several large development projects, including the 1,000-acre master planned
Independence community in Elbert County.
Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio on S. Broadway excels in
creating inviting and innovative spaces around the world. The combined
experience of Carlos Alvarez and Carolyn Morris cultivates a comprehensive
knowledge and a unique perspective, placing AMA at the forefront of design
excellence.
Feline Fans Hit The Mat With Cats, Paws For Beer; Watch Acro-Cats Purrform, Then Hang At Cool Cat Café
Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah the city’s cool cats are hanging out in
straw hats and stealing the limelight this summer.
The cat’s out of the bag: Denver residents are starting
summer by getting their paws on beer at the Dumb Friends League Catwalk. Then
they’re headed to the fourth annual Cats on Mats yoga series pairing people
practicing yoga with homeless cats and kittens at the Denver Animal Shelter.
Ooh the cool cats continue coming on strong, tapping on the
toe with a new hat as Denver dances with the Amazing Acro-cats at the Bug
Theatre. It’s a two-hour long purrformance featuring domesticated house cats.
After speeding too fast having fun with cats they cool down at the Denver Cat
Company, one of the country’s first cat cafes. A feline lounge-about, this
cat-themed café serves coffee and pastries.
Paws For A Beer
Whether you’re a cat person or not it’s been proven that
there are numerous health benefits to owning or simply being around felines.
Cats are known to reduce a person’s stress and anxiety, can help lower blood
pressure, boost our immune systems and have an overall calming effect on humans.
So it just makes sense that this summer area non-profit organizations are
finding ways to bring more and more people together with adoptable cats while
raising money to support their causes.
Beer Here: Dumb Friends League’s Quebec Street Shelter becomes a taproom with beer, cats and music for a great causes July 13, 7-9 p.m.
Beer, cats and fun, all for a great cause — the Dumb Friends
League Catwalk returns Saturday, July 13. Pet-lovers are invited to celebrate
cats and kittens by sampling craft beer from 10 local breweries, while learning
about programs that benefit feline friends and viewing adorable adoptable cats.
General admission tickets include beer tastings from 10 local breweries from 7
to 9 p.m. Food from local food trucks and cat merchandise, including Catwalk
T-shirts, will be available for purchase. The Hill’s Science Diet booth is
offering a Tito’s vodka cocktail and free cat food samples.
The Catwalk takes place at the Dumb Friends League Quebec
Street Shelter at 2080 S. Quebec St. The event’s feline friends request that
you leave your canine companions at home for this event. Guests will receive a
“pawport,” which includes information about the locations of the various beer
samplings and cat information stations. Pawports stamped at every booth will be
entered to win a prize. Information: ddfl.org/catwalk.
Cats On Mats
If you love yoga and kittens, this event is for you! Denver
Animal Protection is hosting its fourth annual “Cats on Mats” yoga series at
the Denver Animal Shelter through August. The hour-long yoga classes are taught
by professional, certified yoga instructors and are “supervised” by a team of
adorable, adoptable, free-roaming cats and kittens.
Purrfect Pals: Felines are everywhere and may rub up against participants at the Cats on Mats yoga series at the Denver Animal Shelter Wednesdays through August.
Classes are offered every Wednesday in July and August from
5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave.
Space is limited, and many of the classes sold-out last year.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring
their own yoga mat as well as a $20 donation to support the shelter. Cats on
Mats helps to socialize cats that are ready for adoption, and participants who
connect with a special cat are encouraged to begin the adoption process.
Information: 720-337-1782.
Cat Band At Bug
Cat lovers are always suggesting that cats are entertaining
and this month Valley residents are getting their first opportunity to see for
themselves. A troupe of touring, performing house cats known as The Amazing
Acro-cats — the only all cat band in the world — is bringing its act to the Bug
Theatre on Navajo St., July 5-14.
Cat-titude Café: Denver Cat Company, the city’s first cat café and only the third in the country, serves snacks, Solar Roast coffee and a selection of teas and other beverages. Located on Tennyson St., the charming spot draws customers seeking to relax with cats.
This one-of-a-kind, two-hour long purrformance features
talented house cats that roll on balls, ride skateboards and jump through hoops.
The current band lineup features Nola on guitar, Asti on drums, Nue on
keyboard, plus some brand-new members. They are Ahi on woodblocks, Albacore on
cowbell, Buggles on trumpet and Oz on Saxophone. There is even a chicken —
Chuck Norris — rockin’ the tambourine!
Using the magic of clicker training, cat lover Samantha
Martin — and a few other humans — travel with more than 15 cats and kittens as
they educate and entertain audiences that cats can actually be trained.
Currently recovering from stage-three cancer, she tenaciously continues to save
the lives of cats and kittens through rescue, foster and adoption. The event is
suitable for cat lovers of all ages. Information: 303-477-9988.
Cool Cat Cafe
Denver’s first cat café and only the third in the country,
friends of felines flock to the Denver Cat Cafe year-round to sip on Solar
Roast coffee plus teas and an assortment of other beverages. Located on
Tennyson St. in the Berkeley neighborhood, the charming spot draws customers
seeking to relax with cats and get some work done.
Cat Band Blast: The Amazing Acro-cats, the only cat band in the world purrform at the Bug Theatre on Navajo St. July 5-14.
Due to the health code, the tabletop spot isn’t a
full-service café but offers an assortment of prepackaged snacks. At any given
time, patrons can expect to find around 15 cats at the café, all of whom are
fully vetted and ready to go home with you after completing the adoption
process. The café has facilitated the adoption of more than 700 cats since
opening in 2014.
The café was founded by Leila Qari — a former attorney — who
was captivated by the concept of cat cafés popular in Japan and Europe. She
used her own funds to open the café, painted every wall and hand-picked and
designed the furnishings and decor. Her book-hoarding tendencies resulted in a
small library in the back portion of the cafe, adding another dimension to the space
and providing patrons with reading material while customers relax with the
kitties. She also hires and trains the staff and still picks up shifts every
week in order to stay connected with the business and the community. Hours are
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thur., Fri.-Sun. until 8 p.m. Information: 303-433-3422.
As Licensing Disappears For Property Managers, HOA Issues Rise To The Fore
by Ruthy Wexler
Everyone thought HB 1212 would pass.
What House Bill 19-1212 did was reinstate the licensing
program for Community Association Managers (CAMs), which was set to expire July
1, 2019. The bill extended CAM licensing for just one year, during which time
stakeholders were charged with exploring the issue.
Surprising Veto: Governor Jared Polis’s (pictured with Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera) veto of HB 1212 surprised legislators, management companies, homeowners and HOA activists, leaving them all to wonder whether this Governor will be approaching the HOA situation as fearlessly and creatively as he has approached education, health care and health costs. The upcoming stakeholder meetings regarding CAM licensing and HOA issues, in August, September and October, will reveal how deep the conversation about HOAs will go.
As legislators put HB 1212 together, the usual suspects
tried to shape it. Homeowner advocate Stan Hrincevich, pleaded for the
inclusion of additional homeowner protections; e.g., ensuring managers document
and disclose fees; while the Colorado Legislative Action Committee — legal arm
of CAI (Community Association Institute), an international lobby representing
management companies, property managers, HOA attorneys and other benefiting
vendors — fought to keep such regulatory measures out.
The bill’s sponsors — Representatives Monica Duran and
Brianna Titone, Senators Nancy Todd and Rhonda Fields — ended up incorporating
most of CAI’s requests, but none from Hrincevich, who voiced disappointment but
also relief that “CAM licensing would be kept alive.” The bill passed the
Assembly and Senate.
Then on May 31, Governor Jared Polis vetoed HB 1212. Ever
since, the Colorado HOA world has been trying to understand what lies ahead.
What’s The Big Deal?
In his two-page veto letter, Polis expressed concerns over
“occupational licensing” — the subject of three of the five bills he’d vetoed
(out of 460 passed). Such licensing, he said, might “… prevent minorities and
the economically disadvantaged from … access[ing] occupations.”
Polis’s concerns, many feel, had little to do with CAM
licensing, an issue one homeowner described as the “tip of an iceberg with huge
dangerous issues below everyone is afraid to fight.”
“Here’s the essence,” says Hrincevich. “The HOA Property
Manager Licensing law was the only path homeowners had to address wrongdoing on
the part of a manager.”
Colorado homeowners had no recourse at all — short of going
to court, which was too costly and intimidating to be a real option — until
2015, when Colorado passed a law that regulated HOA property managers.
Individuals had to pass background checks, get certified, pay a fee and pass an
exam, in order to earn a CAM license.
At that point, if a homeowner believed their property
manager was behaving illegally, they could file a complaint, citing their CAM’s
license number, with the Real Estate Division inside DORA, which had awarded
that CAM license — and could take it away.
The process was slow, the results not always to the
homeowner’s liking, but, says homeowner and retired financial analyst Barb
DeHart, “It allowed homeowners not to feel entirely helpless.”
All Counties Heard From
Post Polis’s veto, reactions varied widely. Legislators,
believing they’d done what was necessary to pass the bill, felt betrayed. “I
was completely shocked,” said Duran. “Greatly disappointed. The work we’d done
to protect homeowners … has been undone.”
HOA homeowners who had been following this issue felt
betrayed also, and afraid. “It’s bad enough with [CAM] licensing,” wrote P., a
Denver homeowner fearing reprisal from her property manager. “What will [name
of manager] do with no oversight at all??”
“As of July 1,” said
HOA activist Andrea Antico. “management companies … can do anything they want.”
Realtors were appalled. Live Urban Real Estate listed
possible “outcomes of this loss of consumer protection.” Linda Chapman, realtor
for over 35 years, called the veto “unconscionable.” She explained, “Management
companies and property managers handle millions and millions of dollars of
other people’s money. All other industries performing fiduciary duties are
required to be licensed and regulated. Except CAMs.”
HOA attorneys appeared lighthearted. “Community association
manager licensing is no more!” wrote Elina Gilbert of Altitude Law, in a blog
titled, Why Oh Why Did Manager Licensing Die? One HOA attorney described
colleagues as “… happily anticipating lots of business …”
One community manager, Sue McClure, said the veto felt like a “slap in the face to those of us that have made the effort to … be professional,” while another, Joe Felice, said he agreed with the Governor. “I don’t believe licensing helped homeowners or associations in any substantive way. … “
Property manager Alec Hrynevich, of Accord Management, said, “I’m not opposed to licensing. But it doesn’t do in this case what it’s supposed to do.”
More than a few managers and homeowners agreed that abuses
within HOAs would not necessarily have been prevented if CAM licensing was in
effect.
Change The Conversation
The HOA Office releases a report each year that summarizes
the complaints they’ve received from homeowners. In 2018, high on the list was
management companies and property managers not following their HOA’s governing
documents; close behind were poor manager communication, selective enforcement
of covenants and failure to produce records, required under Colorado HOA law.
Testify: CAI member Brandon Helm testifies in front of the Colorado House Finance Committee in support of HB1212, the “pre-amended” form of the bill that CAI called, “the version we support.” For many years, the CAI Colorado Legislative Action Committee told legislators they represented the entire HOA community. Homeowners comprise only 2% of CAI membership.
Accompanying Polis’s veto was an Executive Order, number D
2019 006, directing DORA to “lead a … comprehensive review of CAMs and HOAs.”
Many homeowners felt excited at the prospect of an open conversation about
HOAs.
Since Polis took office, he’s made it clear how hard he will
push for issues he is passionate about, like education and health care. He has
not made it clear if HOA reform is one of those issues, although Hrincevich
noted, “Leaving out further consumer protections [in HB 1212] is what Polis
seemed mostly to object to.”
What CAI appears to
mostly object to is regulation within HOAs. A map on their website resembles a
campaign war room, blue outlining the few states with CAM licensing; click on
each state and see what stage the legal battle around that issue has reached.
“Stay up to date on CAM licensing and its impact on associations,” encourages
CAI Senior Vice President Dawn Bauman.
“With the veto of HB 19-1212,” states Polis in his Executive
Order, “the State has an opportunity to change the conversation about … CAMs
and HOAs.” As per that order, stakeholder meetings will be held on August 14
and 29, September 12 and October 8 at the DORA offices. Registration is open.
Residents, Cyclists Warn Plan Would Harm Picturesque
Stretch, Best Bike Ride In Denver
by Glen Richardson
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986,
South Marion Street Parkway is designed with a wide expanse of turf, flowering
shrubs, and a natural coniferous forest of pine, spruce and fir. Many longtime
local cyclists claim it is, “the best bike ride in Denver.” Residents have
chosen to live here because of the serene beauty it affords as Denver continues
to grow and expand.
Historic Parkway: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, South Marion Street Parkway is a wide expanse of turf, flowering shrubs, and a naturalist forest of pine, spruce and fire.
Stretching four blocks, this linear parkway passes through a
residential neighborhood before it terminates at the north edge of Wash Park.
Appearing in a component of George Kessler’s 1907 plan for the Denver Park
& Parkway System, the land was acquired in 1909 and the parkway was largely
completed four years later. Landscape architect S.R. DeBoer bordered the
parkway with an allee of deciduous trees: Elms line the parkway at its
northernmost end as it connects with Speer Blvd., red oak and honey locust
parallel the central segment, and sycamore trees were planted to create a
dramatic formal entrance to Wash Park.
More than 105 years later, the bicycle bullies at Denver
Public Works want to deface the historic parkway with curbs and plastic posts
to physically buffer bike riders from cars. Led by bike activist Samuel Piper,
the department is eager to spend the $18 million bundle it is getting. The
money is the department’s share of cash from a 2017 voter approved billion buck
loan to build stuff around the city.
Scenic Ride: Bike path already exists along the historic parkway and proposed changes would be a marginal enhancement for a few to the detriment of the many local residents.
Bike Lane Blasphemy
“Protecting these parkways with their tree-lined sidewalks
creates the green oasis, visual beauty and character that defines Denver,” say
about 180 neighborhood residents who signed a petition against the plan. They
recently dropped the petition off at the Mayor’s office.
Maintaining the city should “leave the bike lane as is,”
these residents believe the plan is “four blocks of unnecessary aggravation.”
Noting that the bike path already exists, they suggest the proposed changes
would be a marginal enhancement for a few to the detriment of the many local
residents. Moreover, they submit it is dishonest and illegal. “The city’s
proposal is a solution in search of a problem, they argue. “There are less
intrusive ways to accomplish these goals,” they conclude.
Patsy Brown who attended a city hosted public meeting on the
plan says, “I asked if they were aware the parkway is part of the Denver
Landmark of Historic Places. They seemed unaware nor did they care,” she says
in frustration and anger. Brown lives in one of several high-rises along S.
Marion Parkway. In viewing the rather strict guidelines for single family homes
that front to a designated parkway, it seems only logical that the parkways themselves
should adhere to the same level of protection.
Biker Opposition
Despite backing for the city plan by former BikeDenver
members — BikeDenver and Bicycle Colorado recently merged — many avid area
cyclists oppose high-comfort lanes along the parkway. They say bike traffic is
so light here changes simply aren’t needed. “Instead someone needs to monitor
how fast the bicycles along here are traveling,” they submit.
Biking Utopia: Local bikers says the four-block stretch of bike lanes here were designed to be enjoyed for its tranquil, peaceful splendor and shouldn’t be defaced by Denver.
Their point: “This is a special four-block stretch of bike
lanes designed to be enjoyed for its tranquil, peaceful splendor. The lanes
here were never designed to be used as a racetrack for bikers going to Wash
Park.”
Citizens living in and around Marion Parkway are, of course,
pleased local bikers within the area appreciate the parkway. Resident Patsy
Brown say, “My concern, and that of most of the residents along the parkway, is
that the proposed High Comfort bike lanes do not take into account the
protected status of our parkway and would in fact, desecrate it.”
Residents Ignored
“There has been no transparency and our input has not been
welcomed,” adds Ruth Ann Zisser displaying her annoyance and irritation. She
lives in the parkway’s Marionpark Condominiums.
Beautiful Blocks: Stretching four blocks, this linear parkway passes through a residential neighborhood before it terminates at the north edge of Wash Park.
“Many of us believe the government of Denver and its
departments involved with this project have been very careful to make sure none
of us knew about their plans until the last minute,” Zisser tells the
Chronicle.
“That,” she continues, “is after the city had input and
planning from the bicycle transportation groups but not from the citizens who
live in this neighborhood.”
School Concerns
Steele Street Elementary takes up a full block along the
east side of the parkway and area parents worry that adding protected bike
lanes will only add to the congestion and increase danger to both school
children, parents and bikers.
Despite assurances to the contrary by the city, residents
also express alarm that fire trucks answering calls to one of four condos on
the east side of the parkway will not have enough room to navigate their
trucks.
They point out that fire trucks are called to the parkway at
least once a week “Any lessening of space would greatly impede their ability to
answer calls in a timely fashion,” they fear.
A Higher Standard
“We just want to get the word out to our neighbors in Wash Park
and elsewhere because there has been virtually no notice given, and our fear is
that it will be another fait accompli as the city decides to move ahead with
the design,” those living on Marion Parkway say.
High Standard: Denver’s own guidelines say the street should be held to even higher standards. Both a street and parkland it is the ribbon that ties parks and neighborhoods together.
Protected bike lanes are not new to Denver, but they are
sparse compared to the traditional lanes painted on the periphery of roads.
They exist mostly on downtown streets and along South Broadway, but never along
a protected parkway registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
The significance of keeping these four blocks from being
defaced by Denver Public Works is clarified faultlessly by the city’s own
Designated Parkways & Boulevards Guidelines: “Denver’s designated parkways
and boulevards elevate The Street to an even higher standard of urban design.
They are both street and parkland and are the ribbon that ties our historic
parks and neighborhoods together.”
