by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Kurt Woock
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Name the only two days each year when no teams from any of the four major sporting leagues play.
Who was Tom Cruise’s first wife?
If you know the answer to either of those questions, consider attending Trivia Night, a fundraiser for the YMCA of Glendale and for the Glendale Youth Rugby programs, which will be held on July 22 in the International Ballroom of the Infinity Park Event Center.
Trivia Night began 851 miles away in St. Louis. Mike Boese grew up there. As he puts it, “On any given weekend, there’s probably 20 different nonprofit trivia events going on.” There’s a website dedicated to keeping track of them. The events are a true community effort. “Most of these events are in a Catholic school gymnasium,” he said. “It’s a potluck evening.”
Boese and his family moved to Denver about five years ago. He works as a financial advisor with Country Financial. He joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to meet people, and soon found himself on the local Y’s board of directors. Last year, he pitched the idea of hosting a trivia event for a fundraiser to Nicole Limoges, executive director for the YMCA Sports Branch & the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park. She told him to run with it. “From my point of view, I owe so much of this to Mike. He really threw his expertise into this. This was all his idea.”
Following the St. Louis template, last year’s Trivia Night was a potluck event, with Boese as MC, and was held in the Denver Jewish Day School gym. Boese even recruited his Aunt Colleen to travel from St. Louis to help keep score. It was a success, as 65 people brought dishes to share and took their shot at trivia glory. “Not only are you able to give back, but you have a pretty good time doing it.”
Giving back is at the core of the event. Limoges said the goal is to raise $20,000, which will be split between the YMCA and the Glendale Youth Rugby programs. “The YMCA serves the Glendale community, and there are families in need,” Boese said. “They need scholarships, otherwise they couldn’t take advantage of these programs.”
A few changes are in store for this year’s event. First, the event won’t be in a school or church basement or gym: The City of Glendale has donated use of the International Ballroom at Infinity Park Event Center. “This year, a lot of credit goes to Linda Cassaday (Glendale’s Deputy City Manager) for getting on board and saying ‘we’re going to step up and make a difference.’” Also, the potluck has been replaced by a catered dinner from one of the night’s sponsors, Biscuits & Berries. Guests will also receive two drink tickets, and a cash bar will be available all night. Tickets for the night costs $40 for an individual, $75 for couple, and $300 for a team of 8. People or companies can sponsor the entire night, or even just a round of questions.
After an hour of food, drink, and socializing, the trivia begins. If all goes well, Aunt Colleen will again be on hand. “She and I have been working on putting together questions,” Boese said. Boese will lead the crowd of up to 300 in 10 rounds of 10 questions each. He said for each round, he tries to include two questions that nearly everyone can answer and two questions that are unquestionably difficult. The rest of the questions are where the night is won or lost.
Traditionally, each round has a theme. For some rounds, each clue involves a video, photo, or audio clip; a good pairing given the International Ballroom’s A/V capabilities. Short breaks between rounds are an opportunity for other entertainment. This year, there will be a silent auction, with opportunities to bid between rounds. Last year, guests had the option to participate in a “last person standing” type game in which Boese reads the name of a public figure, and participants guessed whether that person was currently living. After each name, those who guessed incorrectly sat down. Those who guessed correctly played another round. The last person standing won half of the total one-dollar entry fees collected (which that person ended up donating to the night’s total proceeds).
In the end, though, the main competition is for the trivia crown. Each table of 8 works together. Last year’s winning score was in the low 80s out of a possible 100 (though tables are able to purchase one mulligan per round).
In just its second year, Trivia Night has the markings of an annual tradition.
Two more important pieces of information: The day before the MLB All Star Game and the day after are bad days to watch sports: Nobody is playing. And on May 9, 1987, Tom Cruise married Mimi Rogers.
by Mark Smiley | May 3, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Signing 5-year Extension with Shopping Center
By Charles C. Bonniwell
Tim Schmidt the managing partner of Elway’s Restaurant has indicated to the Chronicle that the restaurant has decided to sign a five-year extension for its space on the western portion of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on top of the two years left on its present lease. Elway’s has been in the Shopping Center for 13 years.
Schmidt stated that: “In our opinion the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is the best shopping center in Colorado if not the entire rocky Mountain region. We like to associate ourselves with the best brands as we believe we also have one of the best brands in Colorado.” In addition to the Cherry Creek location there are Elway’s Restaurants in downtown Denver, Vail and at Denver International Airport.
Schmidt acknowledged that the restaurant had previously been exploring whether to expand to the empty Cool River Café location in Greenwood Village as reported in the April issue of the Chronicle, but not in lieu of the Cherry Creek space.
Schmidt acknowledged that the Shopping Center is going through a period of transition and the Shopping Center may redevelopment the western portion of the project with Bed Bath & Beyond leaving this fall. Elway’s would adjust it space to fit any redevelopment. The parking fees charged at the mall are less of a concern to Elway’s as it validates for parking.
Schmidt has had extensive discussions with his partner football great John Elway and the Shopping Center’s manager Nick LeMasters about the real estate risk concerning the Cherry Creek area with all the recent and expected development. He however, remains extremely optimistic about the Cherry Creek and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. He notes that the thousands of expected new apartment dwellers, condominium owners and hotel patrons will be wanting to dine somewhere and he expects Elway’s will garner its share of that new market demographic.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 28, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Array Of Choices Include Tea, ToursAnd A 5K Run; Make ReservationsFor Busiest Dining Day Of The Year
Momma Mia, lest you forget May 14 is Mother’s Day! Want to pamper and delight mom? Are you “At Wit’s End?”
That’s what Erma Bombeck — her column titled At Wit’s End ran in 900 newspapers for years — would write. She was the patron saint of motherhood comedy. Her material was carpooling, drive-through-everything, lost clarinet reeds, dirty ovens, and bumbling husbands who drift through the house opening cabinets and never closing them.
Thinking about Mother’s Day always reminds us of Bombeck’s columns and all the mothers juggling between family, career and kids. Mum’s the word, but here are our suggestions of what to do, where to go so mom will have a relaxing time on her special day with the kids and grandkids:
Baseball
Coors Field
Looking to make this Mother’s Day extra special? How about a fun-filled day of baseball and celebrating mom at Coors Field May 14, 1:10 p.m. Bring mom to Coors Field on Sunday, May 14 and have your family picture taken on the field by the team photographer. It includes a ticket to watch the Rockies take on the Dodgers. More: Exclusive post-game field access for your family photo plus digital rights to the photo sent vie email. Information: 303-292-0200.
Comedy
Comedy Works South
Comedy Works South at the Landmark is hosting a Mother’s Day Family Show with John Heffron on May 14, 3 p.m. Heffron won the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Information: 720-274-6800.
Paramount Theatre
Attend matinee Mother’s Day show, Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m. With sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take the live stage for a hilarious, original show. Information: 303-623-0106.
Dining
Ambli
Serving dinner menu for Mother’s Day from 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Enjoy tapas, salads, flatbreads plus entrees. Information: 303-355-9463.
Barn At Raccoon Creek
Enjoy brunch with mom at this Littleton event venue on West Bowles Ave., 9 a.m-3 p.m. Information: 720-287-8193.
Four Winds
Treat mom to native cuisine at the American Indian
Council — 205 W. 5th Ave. — May 14, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy three sisters finger foods, puddings, fruit and berries, hot and iced teas. Information: 720-456-8251.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Mother’s Day always brings families out to enjoy time together at this popular eatery. This year’s specials are Lamb Shank, Lamb Chop & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp or Grilled Trout. The regular menu is also available plus brunch will be served from 10:30-2 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Shells & Sauce
Treat your mom on her special day to brunch or dinner at this favorite Valley neighborhood Italian Bistro. Features creative fare plus house-made desserts mom will love: Information: 303-377-2091.
The Weber
Lavish time with mom and the family in the intimate, inviting yet calm and relaxing atmosphere of The Weber. Located inside the Inn at Cherry Creek, the food and friendly service here offer the comfort and familiarity of home. Information: 303-377-8577.
Entertainment
Stories On Stage
For a humorous and heartfelt celebration of Mother’s Day, take mom to see Motherhood Out Loud playing May 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr. Information: 303-494-0523.
Gifts
Paulino Gardens
One of Colorado’s largest garden centers, you’ll find a huge selection of houseplants, flowers and vegetable plants for mom. There’s also a variety of pottery, specialty food items, wicker baskets plus decorated gift plants and wind chimes that make great gifts. Information: 303-429-8062,
Trinity United Methodist Church
Looking for something special for mom? Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway is holding a Mother’s Day Alternative Gift Sale May 7, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jewelry, food and craft items are offered from nonprofit groups. Information: 303-839-1493.
Running
Mother’s Day MD5K
Join the 8th annual Mother’s Day 5K May 14. The starter’s gun goes off at 9:30 a.m. at Denver’s City Park. The race will be followed by a brunch in the park. Information: Info@Mothersday5k.com
Tea
Brown Palace
With the sounds of a harpist or pianist floating in the air, afternoon tea at the Brown Palace Hotel is an experience your mom won’t soon forget. The longstanding tradition comes with tea pastries, scones and tea sandwiches. Information: 303-323-3111.
Molly Brown House
Tea honoring Margaret Brown and all the great moms, including yours is May 13, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Mom will love the savory sandwiches, sweet treats and specially blended tea, plus a chance to stop in the museum store. Information: 303-832-4092.
Tours
Fairmount
On May 13 — the day before Mother’s Day — take mom on the special two-hour tour Famous Women of Colorado, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mothers and grandmothers are free when with a paying adult or child. Expectant mothers are also free when accompanied by a paying spouse or a significant other. Information: 303-399-0692.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 24, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
The 11th Commandment: ‘Thou Shall Turn Off Thy Cell Phone’
by Danny Foster, Esq.
One of the rites of passage for most Jewish teenagers is when they become Bar Mitzvah (boy) or Bat Mitzvah (girl). It’s a formal entry into adulthood in the Jewish community, even if the teenager is only 13-years-old. I guess way back in the old days 13-years-old was already a proper age to get married and start a family, so adulthood made sense. In Colorado, and the rest of the United States, you are not considered adult until age 18; that’s when the stupid actions of youth become adult criminal behavior with life-long repercussions. In some circumstances a teenager under the age of 18 can actually be prosecuted as an adult if the crime is particularly violent. But this isn’t an article about the juvenile criminal justice system, it’s about my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah which occurred in February right here in Denver at Temple Emanuel.
Along with the teenager’s studying, stressing and celebration (can you say Lox, bagels and a great DJ?), the parents also undergo their own rite of passage, which is giving a small talk to their child in front of the congregation. I usually do not relish the spotlight (yeah right!) but I was particularly excited to talk to my daughter and let her know that I was proud of her, that I loved her very much, and as my parental piece of advice I urged her and her friends, siblings and cousins to do us all a favor and power off their iPhones once in a while. Yes, my Bat Mitzvah talk was about re-connecting with the real world and to stop being a robot to the iPhone. No meaningful connections happen on Snapchat, Facebook or Twitter. Face-to-face communication is a lost art form and it is dooming their generation to becoming senseless drones. I challenged Lucy and her friends/siblings/cousins to make a meaningful attempt to pick one day a week where they simply unplug. It is, after all, possible to do that. In my house we have a rule, whoever rides shotgun in the car may not be on their phone at all. It’s a small step, but I honestly fear my children won’t be able to navigate their way around Denver because they haven’t been watching the scenery while we drive. Insanity!
Another more important issue about this generation and technology is the real legal trouble they are getting into, often unwittingly, due to their over active iPhone addiction. Our law firm has represented too many adolescents and teenagers who have faced significant legal problems as a result of things they posted or looked at. Criminal behavior that was unthinkable 10 years ago. Did you know that if a minor sends your child a picture of them naked, then YOUR child can be guilty of possessing child pornography? Even if they didn’t request the pictures. And guess who else could be in trouble? How about the person who owns the phone (yes, YOU parents!).
It’s a brave new world. Due to these issues and many other land mines associated with modern-day adolescence and teenage life our law firm has for several years conducted seminars at high schools to discuss these issues face to face with the students. A few years ago we expanded our seminar program and created “Get Ready for High School Boot Camp” for all students grade 8-11 AND their parents. We try to give some useful advice about drugs/ alcohol, sext-ing, Internet bullying and other crimes, and hopefully enable parents and children to begin the difficult dialogue on very tricky, complicated issues that are incredibly important.
Our law firm invites you to attend on April 25 or April 26 from 6-8 p.m. Or April 27 from 6-8 for high school seniors heading into college. There is no charge, the only requirement is that the child must attend with at least one parent/guardian. The seminar is capped at 100 total people per night, so if interested book ASAP. The link to register is www.FosterGraham.com /bootcamp. (In the event this fills up and you are unable to get into the seminar, make sure to go to FosterGraham.com and sign up for our quarterly newsletter and you will be the first to learn about upcoming seminars and other legal hot topics.)
While I cannot promise Lox and bagels at this seminar we can promise you will walk away with something much more valuable. And while my daughter was embarrassed that I called her technology use out at her Bat Mitzvah, I saw a whole lot of parents nodding their heads in agreement. Many of them came up to me afterwards and thanked me for saying exactly what needed to be said. It’s time that we as parents took back control and had our kids tune into the greatest reality show on the planet…. it’s called LIFE and the wi-fi is always free and there’s no chance of running over on your data plan!
Danny is a managing partner of Foster, Graham, Milstein & Calisher (FGMC). His practice focuses on personal injury. The law firm of FGMC, located in Cherry Creek, is a full service law firm focusing on: criminal defense, personal injury, real estate, litigation, liquor licensing, construction law, tax/estate planning, bankruptcy and zoning. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship and is for informational use only (what do you expect from an attorney!)
by Mark Smiley | Mar 1, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
There is a spirit to Saint Patrick’s Day in Denver that is unlike any other time. Regardless of your actual heritage, everyone’s a little bit Irish during the weekend. You might think it’s simply a time to wear green, drink at an Irish pub and follow a leprechaun to the pot of gold. But it is also about good spirits and friendship and faith in the future — just as prayed for by St. Patrick.
This year the Luck O’ the Irish will be manifest in the form of everything from mass services indicating the religious adoration of St. Patrick — patron saint and national apostle of Ireland — to musical concerts. The holiday, nevertheless, will be most noticeable by wearing green, eating traditional Irish dishes, and drinking green beer and cocktails.
The annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade that steps off on March 11 is one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades west of the Mississippi, and the biggest annual parade in Denver. In recognition of its 55th year, this year’s parade theme is The Emerald Celebration. More than 250,000 people are expected to line the streets of LoDo to see horses and stagecoaches, marching bands, dancers, quirky floats and Irish-themed characters.
Emerald Parade
At 9:30 a.m. the parade exits onto Wynkoop from the Coors Field parking lot onto 19th St. (behind Denver Chophouse). The parade proceeds on Wynkoop to 17th St. and takes a left on 17th to Blake, and finally ends at 27th St. and Blake. The best place for families to watch the parade is on Blake St. between 23rd to 27th Avenues. If you plan on staying for the entire parade, remember that the weather changes quickly so it is a good idea to dress in layers. In over 50 years of parade history it has only snowed twice. The temperature average is in the 60s on parade day.
To avoid traffic and parking issues it is also a good idea to arrive early. Close-in parking often fills up an hour or more before the parade starts. To make parking easy and stress-free, the parade committee has partnered with Parking Panda, allowing parade goers to purchase guaranteed parking passes at several lots and garages near the parade.
Adrian Farrell is again the Grand Marshal of the parade. He is Ireland’s first Consul General to the U.S. Southwest. The Consulate’s priorities are to advance Irish economic initiatives and partnerships between Ireland and states of the Southwest U.S. Also in the parade is Laura Farley, this year’s Queen Colleen. She will serve as spokesperson for the parade committee and attends a variety of events during her yearlong reign. A Denver native, she earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Metro State U. She attended St. Brendan’s School of Irish Dance beginning at age 10, continuing until she reached the rank of champion.
Let The Green Begin
The City and County of Denver will kick off St. Paddy’s activities on March 6 with a Proclamation Ceremony at the City & County Bldg. The proclamation is signed during a regular City Council session. The lighting of the Denver City & County Building to green will also take place. The session is scheduled to begin at noon.
A Changing of the Sign Ceremony at the corner of 20th and Blake follows on March 9. Each year the City renames Blake Street “Tooley Street,” in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The change is in honor of the late Dale Tooley — longtime Denver District Attorney, one-time mayoral candidate and full-time Irishman. This usually takes place between noon and 3 p.m.
Then Lassies and Laddies get their Luck on March 12 for the Runnin’ Of The Green benefiting Volunteers of America, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Considered the kickoff to the Denver running season, it is one of the largest 7K races in the nation. In addition to the 7K run/walk there is a 7K challenged-athlete race and a 2.2-mile untimed run/walk. Voted the best post race party, this year’s Festival-Expo following the races features live Irish music, Irish dancers and the Colorado Youth Pipe Band.
Concerts
Gobs O’ Phun
The annual Gobs O’ Phun St. Patrick’s Day Concert is in the Tuft Theatre at Swallow Hill March 10, 8 p.m. Gobs O’Phun is an Irish/ Scottish acoustic folk duet featuring Denis Sullivan and Martin Lambuth, brothers-in-law who play guitar, bodhran and harmonica. Much of their repertoire is robust, fast-paced and humorous, yet sprinkled with a variety of love songs, historic accounts and beautiful ballads. Presented with ad-libbed humor and audience participation attendees feel like part of the clan. Information: 303-777-1003.
Solas
The quintessential Irish-American band Solas is currently on a world tour and plays Daniels Hall at Swallow Hill March 12, 7 p.m. It is a celebration of a band that has become one of the most influential groups in the history of Irish music. The group is anchored by founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred Horan (violins, vocals). They form the backbone of the uniquely definable Solas sound. Longtime members Eamon McElholm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and Mick McAuley (button accordion, vocals) and newest member, the dynamic Moira Smiley (vocals, banjo), are musically at the top of their game. Solas is the standard bearer not only for great Irish music, but music in any genre and is a concert not to miss. Information: 303-777-1003.
Céad Mile Fáilte
Augustana Arts welcomes céad mile fáilte (pronounced k¯ed m¯el˘a fawlta), to a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17, 7:30 p.m. Singing traditional Irish folk songs and pub tunes it features the Saint Mary’s College Women’s Choir who are making Denver the last stop of their biennial national tour. They will be performing with the Colorado Women’s Chorale led by conductor Nancy Menk. The laddies, Colorado Men’s Chorale, will also be on hand for a round of traditional Irish folk songs and pub tunes. Last, but not least, organist extraordinaire David Eicher will perform Poulenc’s Litanies a la Vierge Noire de Rocamadouri. Information: 303-388-4962.
Entertainment
Celtic Yarn
The BiTSY Stage presents The Lass Who Went Out With The Cry Of Dawn, March 8-April 2. It is a lively Celtic yarn that weaves attendees through a landscape filled with magic, mystery, and the reminder that as we thread our way through life, things are not always as they appear to be. Performances are Saturdays at 1 and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Fridays March 10 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. There is a special fundraiser performance on Saturday, March 18 at 8 p.m. Performances are free with donations accepted at the theatre 1137 S. Huron St. Information: 720-328-5294.
St. Paddy’s Day Festival
The Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Festival is March 11 at the Knights of Columbus home located at 1555 
Grant St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout the day with Bagpipers and Step Dancers. Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fellow Knights, especially those 4th degree, are encouraged to march in the parade with full honor guard regalia. Information: 303-880-9820.
Irish Grub
Casey’s
Located in the Stapleton Town Center, Casey’s — named after the famous Irish Writer Sean O’ Casey — is one of the few Irish restaurants remaining in Denver. The menu includes Irish-American fare like shepherd’s pie plus corned beef and cabbage. Information: 720-974-7350.
Green Russell
Frank Bonanno’s signature barbecue eatery and drinking establishment on Larimer Square often features Irish-inspired menu items. St. Patrick’s Day offerings usually include Irish nachos with smoked corned beef, swiss fondue, bacon, shredded cabbage and scallions. Information: 303-893-6505.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Nothing’s better on St. Patrick’s Day than a traditional plate of corned beef, cabbage and roasted new potatoes. Always a popular holiday eatery, this South Monaco Parkway restaurant has for the last several years offered Corned Beef & Cabbage as a St. Patrick’s Day Special. They will be doing the same again this year for lunch and dinner on March 17. This pink corned beef and cabbage dish is slow roasted, and quickly gobbled up. Mmmm, it’s good to be Irish for a day. Information: 303-320-1104.
Tilted Kilt Smokes Out
Tilted Ki
lt, the popular Irish restaurant at 16th St. and Lawrence downtown, closed in early February. The eatery is being “un-chained” and will become Burnt Barrel, a Colorado Spirits & Sports Space. It is expected to reopen sometime this month but apparently won’t offer Irish dishes.
Pub Place To Play
Fadó
This Irish pub (pronounced f’doe) is hosting St. Paddy’s celebrations on March 11 and 17 with food trucks, live music and Irish dancers. With hospitable surroundings, you’ll enjoy good food and drink plus friendly conversation. It’s what the Irish call “craic.” Information: 303-297-0066.
Keggs & Eggs
An annual radio station hosted music event, it is at the Blake Street Tavern on March 17. It kicks off at 7 a.m. with green beer, whiskey and rock performances. The lineup for 2017 includes American Authors, Bishop Briggs and Bryce Fox. Information: 303-675-0505.
Scruffy Murphy’s
This is one of the most authentic slices of the Emerald Isle you’ll find in Denver. Just minutes away from Coors Field, Scruffy’s is the perfect place to grab a pint or enjoy some traditional Irish pub fare such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash. They host musical acts from DJs to rock bands Thursday through Saturday. Information: 303-291-6992.
Irish Rover
Amidst the dive-y rock clubs and indie boutiques along South Broadway you’ll encounter this relaxed and friendly pub. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint or two, chat with the locals by the fireplace or sit on a high stool at the bar. Moreover, their huge rooftop patio is a great place to get above it all in Denver. Information: 303-282-4643.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 30, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Ruthy Wexler
Early in the morning of October 19, Hilltop resident Denise Gibbons observed city workers removing the 2-hour parking limit signs from her street. Alerted, neighbor Joanne Davidson dashed out to inspect the 500 blocks of Albion, Ash, Bellaire and Birch, only to discover that every single 2-hour parking limit sign was gone.
Two months before, residents had received a letter, dated August 8, 2016: “Parking Operations has determined that it is appropriate to remove existing 2-hour restrictions [in Hilltop neighborhood] ….”
But since the letter concluded, “We encourage all households to provide feedback in support of or in opposition of [sic] the proposed time changes,” residents thought they could make their case.
“I don’t know for sure how many people communicated their displeasure but every last one … on my street did,” Davidson said. Lee Johnson drafted a petition to keep the signs in place; everyone on his block signed it. “It strikes me,” Johnson wrote, “that unanimous opposition … should be given significant weight.”
Residents believed the city was open to their input and might be willing to reverse their decision to remove the signs. However, they soon learned that the city was unwilling
The 2-hour parking limit signs were installed in the Hilltop area in the early 1990s, when inadequate parking at the University of Colorado Health Sciences campus at 9th and Colorado, plus their policy of charging employees to park, caused increasing numbers to seek out residential streets.
“We were a parking lot for the hospital,” recalled Joan French, who has lived in Hilltop for 44 years. “It was a nightmare.” One resident recalled asking a driver to park closer to the curb; the young man yelled, “I’m late to class!” A doctor, answering an emergency call, had to drive over her own lawn when a strange car blocked her driveway. Residents routinely called police to tow cars.
Renderings of the 9th and Colorado property. Photos provided by Continuum Partners, LLC
For almost 25 years, Hilltop felt protected by the signs. Now, they asked Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman to convene a meeting. On Nov. 29, three representatives from Parking Operations, Alyssa Alt, Sean Mackin and Cynthia Patton met with approximately 20 residents (many still away for Thanksgiving) and explained that according to their studies, the neighborhood did not exhibit 75% occupancy of parking spaces, the criterion for adding parking restrictions. (“The study was done when the signs were still in place!” French exclaimed.) And since CU Hospital complex had moved to Aurora, there were no longer “parking impacts” from the 9th and Colorado site.
But something new was being built on that 26-acre site, residents pointed out — a development containing shops, apartments, parks and restaurants. Until the effects of the complex were seen, couldn’t the signs stay in place? The cost of enforcing them is too expensive, said the parking people. Residents suggested just keeping the signs, not monitoring them. No, Patton said, but assured residents that the signs, if needed, could be easily reinstalled since workers removed only the center posts.
Susman, who lives in Hilltop, believes that Parking Operations would reinstall the signs if warranted. “Neighbors panicked when the signs went down,” she said. “I understand the fear, we lived with Colorado University Health Sciences Campus … but I don’t think it’s necessary now.”
“At that meeting, we were basically told our feelings didn’t count,” said Davidson, who felt, with others, that communication had broken down. The August 8 letter stated that residents had requested the signs’ removal, which many found hard to believe. Davidson surveyed numerous neighbors “and not one said they wanted the signs gone.” Joan French heard that Parking Operations claimed the principals of the area’s two schools, Streck Elementary and Hill Junior High, had requested the signs’ removal; Parking Operations denied they ever said that. Nancy Kuhn, Communications Director for Denver Public Works, explained that the office had been in touch with the schools only to help manage traffic overflow. Hearing a rumor that paid parking would be installed in the new development, unsettled residents wondered: is the developer involved?
“I’m very surprised at that question,” said Frank Cannon, of Continuum LLC, the firm in charge of the 9th and Colorado project. “Of course not. … The idea that any discussion about parking is going on behind closed doors to remove signs I didn’t even know about is disheartening to me as a developer. I’ve made extensive efforts to reach out to the community.
“Do we have adequate parking? Absolutely, for every square foot,” Cannon stated. “We’ll have metered parking along the streets inside our development. We’ll have more than 2,500 off-street spaces all in garages.”
Asked whether customers or workers will pay to park in the garages, Cannon said, “At this point, we are not assuming paid parking.”
The new development is not the only reason residents want the signs back. The quiet streets of Hilltop are surrounded by urban growth. Lee Johnson explained, “The 2-hour restrictions [in Hilltop] provided ample parking for people coming and going to the nearby schools … an appropriate balance of the needs of individuals to park [with] the desire to reduce long-term parking, with its attendant concerns about traffic and safety, in a residential neighborhood.”
Kuhn pointed out that Parking Operations has a wide range of responsibilities. “We work to adjust or remove restrictions so that on-street parking, a valuable public asset, is available for users.” She added, “Once redevelopment has occurred at [9th and Colorado], we’ll have a better sense … what management strategies are needed.”
In this tug of war between rigid formulas and subjective experience, Hilltop residents offer what they feel is common sense. “They said it was a big cost to enforce the restrictions,” French said, “but when one considers how much money has been spent on meetings, postage, crews to remove the signs …”
Protecting the neighborhood is a win/ win, residents feel. “If cars start parking every which way like they used to, property values go down and the City stands to lose,” said French. “The City should be leading the charge for historical preservation and maintaining our neighborhood’s integrity.
“I believe it is very short-sighted of the City to take those 2-hour signs down,” French said. “It would cost nothing to keep them in place.”
