by Mark Smiley | Aug 24, 2018 | Editorials
In 2002 Denver went to great lengths and time to compile Blueprint Denver to guide future growth in Denver. It envisioned “areas of change” and “areas of stability.” In areas of change rezoning for more density and height would be envisioned while in areas of stability, like many of the city’s highly prized neighborhoods, rezoning would not be permitted for other than single family homes. It also envisioned high-density around the many new light rail stations where, because of that public transportation, residents would not need a car, at least in theory.
The problem was Denver’s crooked high-density developers had not yet bought their very own mayor in 2002. Developers do not want to put high-density upscale apartments and condominiums in lousy neighborhoods that were considered areas of change. Nor did they want the expensive units they were building by the light rail stations which were not the fav of people who could afford to buy the upscale units … The developers could make a great deal more money by exploiting and raping the traditional highly prized areas including Country Club, Crestmoor, Virginia Vale, Cherry Creek North, etc.
In 2011 the high-density developers like Pat Hamill found the extraordinarily horny and intellectually vapid Michael Hancock and installed him in City Hall as the 45th Mayor of the City and County of Denver.
But when developers got rezoning they wanted in violation of Blueprint Denver through the Orwellian named Denver Community Planning and Development headed by the clinically obese rancher Brad Buchanan as Executive Director and the obsequious City Council they were subject to lawsuits. And sued they were over Crestmoor Park, Cherry Creek North, Hentzell Park, Denver Highlands, etc. etc. None of the lawsuits were successful because you can’t as a practical matter sue City Hall on development matters even if you have a valid claim for some unwritten rule of Denver municipal politics.
The problem was the well-grounded suits took time and money out of the developers’ pockets and who knows, one of these days the citizens might find an honest District Court judge in the City and County who would rule in their favor.
What to do? Well, change Blueprint Denver to squash any legal basis stopping high-density developers from doing whatever they want to do in wide-open Denver.
Well, of course, you can’t tell the sucker citizens that is what you are doing so you pretend you went out and sought public input from thousands of citizens or as Sarah Showalter, Citywide Planning Supervisor noted, numerous think tank meetings, 
21 task force meetings, 25 street team events, eight community workshops, and over 8,500 contacted.
What did all these people indicate they wanted? Well, of course, their neighborhoods destroyed with high-density development while making driving in Denver the equivalent to transporting down the rings of Hell in Dante’s Inferno.
When politicians and city bureaucrats in Denver say they consulted thousands and thousands of people, they mean they are going to do whatever developers like Pat Hamill and his cronies at Colorado Concern tell them to do.
On August 28 at City Park Pavilion at 5:30 p.m. your betters will share with you the details of what they are going to do to you, your family and your city. The slogan for Denveright is “Your Voice. Our Future.” Rest assured your voice is irrelevant to the politicians and planners in Denver.
We could tell you all the awful things they are planning to do to you under the wonderful sounding rubrics like “affordable housing” and “pedestrian friendly transportation,” but why bother? You won’t be able to do anything about it anyway.
As the early Greek historian Thucydides stated: “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”
The high-density developers and the politicians they own are the “strong” in the City and County of Denver while the citizens of the city like you are the “weak.” We have watched the suffering of our neighborhoods ever since Hancock became mayor and the suffering will continue for the foreseeable future and get much, much worse under Denveright.
As you can’t do anything about it, just sit back and accept it. Be as happy as you can and pretend “your voice” in fact matters at all in determining “our future.” As it turns out ignorance is in fact bliss in today’s City and County of Denver.
Pat Hamill
Mayor Michael Hancock
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | General Featured
New Condominium Development Enjoying Strong Interest, Scheduled For November/December Completion
by Julie Hayden
Monaco 155 At Crestmoor Heights: Forty-one low maintenance condominiums include great views of Crestmoor Park, upgraded interior finishes, expansive floor to ceiling windows and underground parking.
Monaco 155 at Crestmoor Heights is one of the newest additions to Denver’s Crestmoor neighborhood and is announcing pre-sales of 41 low maintenance condominiums with starting prices as low as $340,000. The development is located at 155 South Monaco Parkway near Crestmoor Park. The new condominiums are the latest addition to the Crestmoor Heights development, which Community Manager Christine Sheldon says has enjoyed “tremendous success.” The project includes the construction of Cedar Avenue, 25 townhomes. These townhomes were priced from $600,000 t0 $750,000 and sold out within 11 months of their launch.
“There are many people who want to own a condominium in Denver, but prices in the new developments are skyrocketing and not attainable for most,” says Peter Kudla of Monaco 155. “Our condominiums are more reasonably priced and provide a boutique style of living in a great location.” He adds, “Monaco 155 is the perfect option for people who want a comfortable place to live in a community setting, without a lot of unnecessary added amenities and expenses.”
The condos at Monaco 155 are priced from $340,000 to $550,000 and include one- and two-bedroom residences. They range in size from 700 square feet to 1334 square feet. Some of the design features include great views of Crestmoor Park; expansive floor to ceiling windows, underground parking, elevator access, Kitchen Aid appliances and upgraded interior finishes.
“These are the perfect condominium homes for people who want to be connected to family, friends and traditions while living in a quiet, established Denver neighborhood, with easy access to life’s conveniences,” says Sheldon.
New Condos: Monaco 155 at Crestmoor Heights delivers comfortably priced condominiums alongside Crestmoor Park.
The project, which is in the former Mount Gilead Church parcel, was challenged by neighborhood groups objecting to the City’s zoning change that allowed the development. Neighbors were concerned about density and traffic issues, but the City Council voted to allow the development and a follow up lawsuit was unsuccessful. [See Chronicle p. 1, March, July and August 2015.] Crestmoor residents now say they want the project to be the best it can be.
Delivery at Monaco 155 is expected in November and December and Sheldon says, “We’re actively selling residences right now and this is the perfect time to purchase as we are offering pre-sale pricing and up to $8,000 in builder incentives.” She encourages people, “Call us to schedule your personal hard hat tour today!”
The Crestmoor Heights sales center is located at 185 South Monaco Parkway. You can get more information by calling 720- 840-0484 or www.crestmoorheights.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Eat. Drink. Think. Win.
Photo by Justin Purdy Local youth enjoy a rugby day with Glendale Rugby at Infinity Park during their summer YMCA camp.
Glendale will once again host its annual Trivia Night on Friday, July 27, at Infinity Park Event Center benefiting scores of local youth and providing an evening of enjoyment for participants in the process. Featuring a silent auction, trivia, prizes, food, and drink, the event will help a good cause through good fun. Glendale’s YMCA and Glendale Youth Rugby Foundation are partnering to benefit the young people of the community, raising money to support sport and fitness programming, and to promote youth rugby in the Front Range and greater Colorado.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver manages the Glendale Sports Center facilities, housed at Infinity Park, but day-to-day operations are overseen by Executive Director Nicole Limoges. With over a decade of experience with the YMCA, and four years at Glendale Sports Center, Limoges knows the ins and outs of putting on a meaningful, memorable event well. With the help of city staff and volunteers, this year’s Trivia Night promises not only to be an amusing, entertaining evening, but also one that once again benefits Colorado’s kids.
Glendale’s annual Trivia Night was born from a Missouri tradition. Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce member Mike Boese brought the idea with him from St. Louis — a metropolis that hosts scores of charity trivia events every year. Boese quickly became a Glendale stalwart after relocating to Colorado years ago, not only joining the Chamber of Commerce but also finding himself on the YMCA Board of Directors. In a unique position to help, the financial advisor turned to his Midwestern background and Trivia Night was born.
Partnering with Glendale Youth Rugby and the City of Glendale, YMCA Director Limoges notes that the event continues to expand: “We partnered to benefit both non-profits, and we’ve grown in size, sponsors, and proceeds each year.”
Glendale’s own Barret O’Brien, who owns and operates O’Brien Rugby, is the Executive Director of the Glendale Youth Rugby Foundation. Aside from providing professional custom printing services for Glendale’s numerous professional, club, and youth-level rugby clubs, O’Brien is also a vocal advocate for growing the sport across the nation.
Asked about the YMCA Trivia Night at Infinity Park Event Center, he’s understandably complimentary: “The support we receive from both the city and the YMCA is immeasurable. With the proceeds from last year’s Trivia Night, we were able to sponsor multiple young rugby applicants for summer rugby camps and tournaments. We couldn’t be more grateful to all the participants and staff.” As a side note, O’Brien is also quick to point out that he and his teammates are the reigning champions of Glendale’s Trivia Night, a distinction he no doubt hopes to carry on after this year’s event. Exceptional facilities, participants, and organizers will ensure that regardless who is crowned, the real winners will be the YMCA and Glendale Youth Rugby.
All proceeds generated from Glendale’s Trivia Night are split between the YMCA and Glendale’s Youth Rugby Foundation. Sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and the silent auction all contribute to the overall contributions to both organizations — a boon not just for the enjoyment of event participants but for the beneficiaries as well. For 2018, premier sponsors include insurance and financial services group Country Financial, Credit Union of Colorado, and standout Colorado caterer Biscuits and Berries. A ticket to Trivia Night includes dinner, drinks, 10 rounds of trivia, and the silent auction. With Infinity Park Event Center’s 8,600 square foot International Ballroom as the backdrop, attendees can dine, drink, and bid — not to mention the main event: trivia. The incredible atmosphere generated by the Infinity Park space adds nicely to the event, showcasing the venue’s second-to-none audio-visual production capabilities.
More information, tickets and sponsorships can be found online at infinityparkat glendale.com/trivianight.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | Travel
Cherry Creek’s Inclusive, Socializing Anniversary Tournament Offers Unadulterated Joy To Play Or Watch
by Glen Richardson
Lure Of The Mallet: Players can’t resist joining in the croquet battles. Friends and liquidcourage make smacking the balls around all the more fun.
Mallets rise, mallets fall. Moreover, it’s fun, offbeat and downright zany! The weird, wonderful and absolutely entertaining-exciting annual summer Wicket & Stick It games are returning to Cherry Creek North this month.
If you live in the Cherry Creek Valley and enjoy playing or watching competitive croquet, chances are you’ve marked your calendar for the annual Cherry Creek competition, Colorado’s largest croquet tournament. Widely considered one of the top croquet tournaments in the Rocky Mountain West, it’s being played for the 10th year Aug. 3, 2:30-7 p.m.
The Outdoor Plaza behind The Container Store at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is again where the games will be played. The inclusive and unique fundraiser for the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce gives attendees the chance to win amazing prizes while enjoying fabulous food and refreshing beverages. Players and spectators receive drink tickets to enjoy a variety of premium beverages including Stella Artois and wine as well as tantalizing morsels from Cherry Creek area restaurants including the California Pizza Kitchen, Sol Mexican Cocina, Brightmarten and others. Moreover, a variety of ticket packages are available.
Round Robin Format
Silver Cup Winners: Celebrating winning last year’s tournament are Karrie Fletcher and Charlie Kercheval with Alpine Bank.
A new Round Robin format for the 10th Anniversary edition guarantees players three games. A total of 64 teams, each with two people, will vie for the Wicket & Stick It Silver Cup. Prizes are also awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place croquet teams. In addition there are a variety of individual player honors including Best Wicket Shot. Start times for players are 3 p.m. or 4:15 p.m.
Sports fans that only want to watch the action have a choice of being either a general admission spectator or live it up as VIP spectator. General admission spectators receive unlimited food and one drink ticket. Or for an extremely enjoyable day where you can participate in Wicket & Stick It’s exciting social life, choose to be a VIP spectator. As a VIP you receive unlimited food and drinks plus a goody bag. Moreover you also get exclusive seating.
General Admission players also receive unlimited food; two drink tickets and the opportunity to play in three guaranteed games. Players choosing the VIP option receive unlimited drinks with personal beverage service plus unlimited food and a goody bag. In addition they receive exclusive seating.
Instructions Offered
VIP Mallet Mavens: For a fun, enjoyable day at the Wicket & Stick It games join in the exciting social life by becoming a VIP spectator or player.
Not sure that you have the skill to become a croquet legend? Not to worry, the Cherry Creek Chamber will have croquet referees on hand to provide instruction for the game’s newbies.
To get ready for the infamous Wicket & Stick It competition, many who take croquet seriously and are planning to play, seized the opportunity to take free lessons along with Chamber members. The Cherry Creek Chamber provided lessons and treats on Monday nights last month (July) at the Denver Croquet Club in Wash Park to prepare for the big tournament.
Each of the game’s 64 teams will have two players. Don’t have a team, but still want to chase croquet glory? Don’t worry, the Wicket & Stick It staff will find you a partner. Collaboration, capitulation and conflict are all dynamics of playing croquet with another person, and sound communication can lay the path to victory and the treasured Silver Cup.
Fun Set And Match
For many the game of croquet may conjure up visions of a well-mannered and civilized sport — stoic players in prim and proper dress. Not these days and certainly not at the Wicket & Stick It games. Instead it’s a fun, festive, offbeat, social event that’s just a lot of enjoyment.
Remember Lewis Carroll featured a surreal version of the game in Alice in Wonderland. A hedgehog was used as the ball and a flamingo as the mallet, while soldiers doubled over to make the hoops.
Whether you’re a spectator or a player that doesn’t rack up wicket points (the scoring moniker) you can still be a winner. Thus whether you join a team or attend as a spectator plan to dress for the occasion. Reason: Awards are also being given out for the Best Dressed attendee and the one with the Best Hat.
Unique, Historic Game
Racking Up Wicket Points: The joy of making a crazy, complicated shot is thrilling and joyous.3
The sport can best be described as a combination of golf (putting skills), chess (strategy) and billiards (angle play). While croquet requires a great amount of skill, few games provide more unadulterated joy to play or watch. Moreover, croquet was the first outdoor sport to embrace equality, allowing both sexes to play the game on an equal footing.
Croquet is believed to have started in Ireland in the 1830s. The game was introduced to England from Ireland in 1852. In the late 1970s, croquet began to be played as a competitive sport in the U.S. and Canada.
The front lawn of Donald Trump’s “winter white house” accommodates several reduced-size courses. Members of the National Croquet Center once played there as “limited reciprocal members.”
In 1985, croquet came to Denver with the vision of Sparky O’Dea who formed the Park Hill Croquet Club. Playing first in Denver’s City Park the club later moved to the big flower garden in Washington Park. They soon discovered the fenced Lawn Bowling Green and today share the space with the Lawn Bowling Club. Information: 303-388-6022.
No Rest For The Wicket: Using a mallet to hit a ball through a hoop may not sound exciting, but once players pick up a mallet it’s hard to put down.
Croquet Attire: Prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat help but it’s your craziest friends that bring out the laughter and smiles and make the games enjoyable.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | Feature Story Bottom Left
JCC Campus Renewed: An alliance of donors is infusing millions of dollars into the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center by purchasing the recently renovated JCC campus located at Leetsdale and South Dahlia St.
Rose Foundation Subsidiary Will Hold Property; Leaseback Deal Eradicating JCC’s Long-Term Debt
An alliance of donors is infusing millions of dollars into the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center by purchasing the JCC campus located at Leetsdale and South Dahlia St. The coalition — including the Rose Community Foundation, Mizel Family Foundation, Michael Staenberg and the Sturm Family — is purchasing the campus and leasing it back for $1 per year, eradicating its long-term debt.
Purchase of the campus will enable the Denver JCC to repay its $14.3 million in debt accumulated since the 1990s, plus put aside reserves for deferred maintenance needs, and provide for a financially sustainable future. As part of the deal, the current JCC Denver board has agreed to step down and a new board will be installed, chaired by Don Kortz, founder of the Rose Community Foundation and its first president and CEO.
The property will be held in a nonprofit subsidiary of Rose Community Foundation solely for the exclusive and perpetual benefit of the JCC Denver. The Foundation’s nonprofit subsidiary, will be chaired by Foundation Trustee Jerry Glick and comprised of volunteer real estate experts from the Rose Community Foundation Board. The deal is a 100-year lease agreement with the JCC Denver.
Best-Laid Plans: This schematic drawing shows the $50 million construction project planned at the JCC campus in January 2016. The plan fizzled when contractor bids came in above expectations and a campus renewal plan was launched in its place.
Programming Unleashed
“On behalf of our staff, outgoing board and membership, we are grateful for this unprecedented generosity and lifeline,” says Lara Knuettel, CEO of the JCC Denver. She has been leading the organization’s turnaround since August 2017. “This financial stabilization combined with new staff, a new board and renewed community engagement will propel the JCC Denver forward into a new era.”
New Board Chair Kortz adds, “I look forward to working with Lara and the highly qualified management team she has been building to ensure the JCC Denver continues to grow, thrive and serve even more community members with excellent programming for people of all ages.” The two agree the JCC Denver’s programs in early childhood education, family engagement, Jewish arts and culture; fitness and wellness, service to older adults and multi-generational community building is essential to the community.
“While the JCC Denver serves the broader community as a whole, it has long been a vital heart of — and portal into — the Jewish community,” adds Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, Rose Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “It is because of the JCC’s unique nature as a critical Jewish community asset that the Foundation is playing a role unlike any we have taken on before or will take on again. This new era of financial stabilization and leadership will unleash additional philanthropy from the community and allow the JCC Denver to continue expanding its diverse programming for the benefit of the community — from babies to older adults — for generations to come.”
Cool, Colorful Interiors: New paint, fixtures and lighting have given interiors of buildings at the JCC a cheerful, colorful look. Interior design of spaces provides an aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the J’s facilities for educational, cultural and recreational programs.
Renovated Campus
Readers will recall that as 2016 got underway the JCC announced plans to launch a $50 million three-to-five year construction program with plans to build a half-dozen new facilities on the campus (Chronicle, Jan. 2016). The massive plan included a new indoor tennis facility at the foot of the Greek Orthodox Church. Contractor bids for that project, however, came back significantly higher than expected and the Board decided on a campus restoration-renovation undertaking instead. Renewal and repair work in a variety of different areas throughout the interior and exterior of campus buildings were completed in 2017. Improvement to the campus grounds included redoing the parking lots. Parking spaces were made larger plus additional spaces added.
Renovation included creating an entirely new Early Childhood Center wing, which added five new classrooms. The existing wing was updated with new paint, fixtures, and lighting. One of the existing playgrounds also received new landscaping. Update to the exterior of campus buildings including painting, adding new signage and new landscaping. Sliding doors were added to the campus main entrance and pillars removed to open up the lobby-reception area. Improvement also included enhanced security, an updated heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plus energy efficient lighting and new artwork.
Remodeling also took place in several areas of the Fitness & Wellness Center including renovating the men’s and women’s locker rooms, creating a new childcare drop-off center with access to an outdoor space, adding massage rooms to enhance wellness offerings, purchasing new state-of-the-art-cardio equipment plus creating a new group cycling room and updating the HVAC system. New backdrops, ceiling and LED lighting were added at the Tennis Center. The Center offers top-of-the-line tennis lessons, classes and leagues to every level of tennis lover. The spanking-new Aquatics Center has both inside and outdoor pools that are heated to keep swimmers cozy no matter what the weather.
Building Support
A grant provided by the Rose Community Foundation to the JCC Denver enabled the organization to complete a market study and business plan to support its ongoing sustainability. The market study revealed that the JCC’s eight program areas are competitive and have the potential to grow and enhance viability.
While this is a historic milestone for the JCC, both Lara Knuettel and new Board Chair Don Kortz, say they recognize they still have work ahead to build the confidence, trust, and support of members, friends, and partners. They believe, however, that this transaction is one step in the right direction.
“Our mission continues to be to create a vibrant, inclusive family and social gathering place that provides educational, cultural, and recreational programs that serve and strengthen the community, guided by timeless Jewish values,” the pair concludes.
