by Mark Smiley | Feb 29, 2016 | General Featured
Could Crash Home Values, Create Safety Concern
by Glen Richardson
Homeowners in Denver’s Cory Merrill neighborhood are all charged up about Verizon Wireless putting up a 50-foot cell phone tower on the Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church property at 1201 S. Steele St. Verizon and the church are in negotiations to put the tower above a preschool and less than 20 feet from residences.
United in numbers, fuming homeowners in this neighborhood of winding streets and mature trees say it would lower property values and decrease school funding. Even more worrisome they say is that the church does not have a large enough property site to ensure a properly engineered “fall zone” for the tower. A fall zone is the necessary distance a tower needs to be from residences, schools and other structures should the tower collapse. Minimally the distance is considered to be 110% of the height of the tower, or in the case of Kirk of Bonnie Brae a setback of 55 feet.
Area residences point out that if constructed the tower’s setback at Kirk wouldn’t be close. “It would sit within 10 feet of existing power lines and an alley, 20 feet from adjacent homes, the day care center and church. Everything and everyone living and working within a 55 foot distance from the tower will be at risk,” they warn. Furthermore, they articulate that in the event of an accident Steele St. and Arizona would be blocked, inhibiting first responders and impacting evacuation routes.
What’s At Stake?
Developed in the 1940s and ’50s, homes in Cory Merrill range from small but unique original houses, to multi-million dollar custom built dwellings. The neighborhood is east of University, North of I-25, West of Colorado Blvd. and South of Mississippi. Kirk of Bonnie Brae was founded
as a Congregational Church in 1947 and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, a mainline Protestant denomination. The name Kirk is the Scottish word for Church, fitting for the neighborhood whose name also has Scottish origin (Bonnie Brae means beautiful hill).
Current real estate studies show that proximity to cell towers reduces the value of a home by 20.7% to 21%. Approximately 130 homes were sold in the Cory Merrill neighborhood within the last 12 months. Furthermore, real estate values have appreciated 4.1% since Feb. 2015. Prices for homes ranged from $286,900 (least expensive) to $1,633,000 (most expensive). Neighborhood leaders say they are concerned that, “The ability to build any real increase in value within the neighborhood would be irreparably harmed.”
Verizon says the area is in need of a new wireless tower site, “based on zoning areas and how it will affect the area network, and would enhance coverage in the neighborhood.” The tower would be a 50-foot canister pole that would look like a flagpole and house all wiring and antennas inside a 4 ft. x 4 ft. footprint. Verizon also admits it could do a “monopine” design (that would make it look like a tree) but suggests, “The light pole design would work better and better integrate into the neighborhood and environment.” Verizon also has an option to add other carriers to the tower if they are approached. Construction could start as early as March-April and would take approximately 90 days.
Residents Speak Up
Once again it’s business as usual in Denver, suggests resident George Mayl who lives on South Garfield St. “Tear down this to build bigger and bigger. Let’s place a 50 ft. monolith smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” he fumes. He notes the church site is right across the street from the John Paul II Center. Many — he thinks maybe all of the 2,250 residents in Cory Merrill — believe this is a bad idea and will be unsightly too boot. “I would tell Chronicle readers where Verizon can ‘stick’ their tower but then you couldn’t print it,” Mayl says of the plan. “Want reception? Place it in Mayor Hancock’s backyard and see the reception it
will receive,” he urges.
Marti Freeman, President of the Cory Merrill Neighborhood Association notes, “What is most interesting about this situation is that the Denver zoning code does not entirely protect residential areas, such as a neighborhood like Cory Merrill, from a 50 foot Tower Structure being placed less than 35 feet from residents property lines.” She wants residents to know that the Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church is zoned residential. Thus Freeman strongly suggests, “Engaging in this negotiation with Verizon is irresponsible and inconsiderate on behalf of the church.” Furthermore she believe the tower on their property in such proximity to neighbors’ homes and backyards, a preschool with a playground plus a major throughway “will create a nuisance for our neighborhood, potential danger, and be aesthetically unappealing potentially diminishing property values in this highly desirable and rapidly developing neighborhood.”
As a final point she tells the Chronicle, “Denver zoning laws should be updated to reflect and meet the needs for great telecommunications services in our residential areas, but not at the expense of our neighborhoods and citizens.” The City of Denver, of course, will review the Verizon request internally and administratively albeit that seldom means a good deal. Approval by the neighborhood association is not required.
Deaf Ear?
Resident Trish Kinkel is even more resolute and adamant: “I do not believe anyone should have the right to construct anything on their property that detrimentally affects the safety, quality of life, and property values of their neighbors.”
She believes the Kirk of Bonnie Brae has turned a deaf ear to their neighbors concerns and continues to negotiate with Verizon. “Come on, a 50 ft tower without an adequate engineered fall zone next to a day care center and existing homes and their own church? It’s all about the money for the church. They don’t care about us,” she concludes.
Area residents haven’t been told and the church isn’t saying what Verizon is offering the Kirk to lease the space. Speculation is that the figure is around $1,500 per month. A report by AirWave Cell Tower Consultants reveals that in 2015, “we saw cell sites paying between $100 per year to over $156,000 yearly.” According to the consulting firm, all lease rates regardless of carrier or cell tower developer are site specific and vary from location to location and are based on the demand for coverage and the availability of potential locations to lease ground space, tower space or rooftop space. What is the risk to property owners such as Kirk of Bonnie Brae? “With the possibility of cell phone technology changing (to satellite or other technology), the cell tower company could simply stops paying, they suggest.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 29, 2016 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
The Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle welcomed its newest member of their team of reporters, 22-year-old Glendale resident Megan Carthel. Carthel moved to Glendale last August from Texas, and has been reporting on local stories for the Chronicle since October. Her stories, including “Hal Weber Makes Kids’ Birthdays Special” and “Tiny Houses Pull Into The Valley,” have sparked a positive response from the community.
Carthel decided to move to Colorado because she needed a change. “I moved to the state after skiing in Colorado and I enjoyed my experience immensely,” said Carthel. “Denver reminded me of Austin, Texas.” She chose Glendale because it had affordable apartments to rent, was centrally located, and filled with younger people.
Carthel graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos with a B.A. in Electronic Media and a Political Science minor. As far as politics goes, she is more interested in the theory of politics. She believes that modern day politics is a PR stunt and theatrical.
Carthel has enjoyed numerous internships and other experience throughout her young career. Most of her experience was in Texas working as a sports marketing intern, news reporter, and even as a member of the Wings Team for Red Bull promotions.
Carthel was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and has many friends and family back home. Her passion for writing sparked early. She always wrote stories as a young girl. “I used to write these horrible stories as a child, but that’s where my passion for writing started,” said Carthel. “In college it developed into journalistic writing as I became more aware of the world around me.”
Now, she gets to write for a living. Carthel loves to work with and meet new people and never wants to stop learning. “Writing has always been a passion of mine,” said Carthel. “Doing this, I get to meet so many different kinds of people and see different parts of the community through their eyes. With journalism, and with writing, there’s always something new. A new story; a new angle; a new person to meet. It’s like a non-stop adventure, and I thin
k that’s very exciting.”
In addition to her duties as a reporter, Carthel has taken on full responsibility for the Chronicle’s social media sites including a brand new Facebook page. Visit the Chronicle’s new Facebook page at www.facebook.com /GCCChronicle.
In her spare time, Carthel enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, whom she met within two weeks of moving to Colorado, staying active, riding, running, reading, and sky diving. Carthel realizes she has an incredible opportunity working for the Chronicle. “I feel lucky that I get to do what I love and hopefully make a difference in the community.”
by Mark Smiley | Dec 17, 2015 | General Featured
by Phil Kummer
2015 has been called the year of the “unmanned aerial vehicle” better known as “drones.” One of President Obama’s primary weapons in the Middle East to fight jihadists is a veritable army of military drones. Delivery firms and retailers like Federal Express and Amazon are going through final tests to use commercial drones to make deliveries. Moreover, this Christmas and holiday season drones are one of the most sought after toys/recreation devices on the market.
A top FAA official said as many as one million small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could be sold during the upcoming U.S. holiday season. “The talking point is that there will be a million drones under people’s Christmas trees this year,” FAA assistant administrator-policy, international affairs and 
environment Rich Swayze said, adding that he has heard the one-million figure “from several sources.”
The range of cost and sophistication of drones is amazing. For as little as $30 you can get a low-end drone, but don’t ask it to do much, or you can spend up to $3,000 or more for a top of the line recreational drone which will have an impressive array of capabilities.
One of the leading stores for recreational drones in metropolitan Denver is Colpar’s HobbyTown USA located at 1915 S. Havana St., Aurora, CO 80014, as well as 3355 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227. The owner of Colpar’s, Fred Beardslee, recommends among the best of th
e beginner level drones is the Eothos QX130 which goes for about $100. It is fun to fly around and is a sturdy unit.
On the more sophisticated end Beardslee likes, among other units, the Blade Chroma which sells fully loaded for about $1,300. It will provide an HD quality camera platform and will even return to home base once it detects that its battery is low.
Accessories, which are purchased separately, include a winch, camera — both video and still, squirt gun, rocket and bubble machine — obviously an assortment that would keep both youngsters and oldsters busy for a long time.
Although drones have become more sophisticated and have much more capabilities than previously they are not just for the technoids or geeks any more. The vast majority of drones have very efficient electric motors and lightweight batteries, which make them very flight worthy.
They go further, higher, have more stability, use more technology such as GPS systems and can carry larger payloads than ever before. They have become much more durable than earlier versions but due to crashes and wear and tear chances are your drone will need either some parts replaced or be repaired over time. Having a store like Colpar’s HobbyTown to help out will be critical in keeping your drone flying.
Although drones can be flown both indoors and out, you might want to consider who is the pilot when indoors. They are restricted from some areas such as airports and high security areas. Just recently the FAA announced they now consider operators of drones weighing between .55 lbs and 55lbs to be aviators and therefore all drones that meet those specs need to be registered with the FAA starting December 21, 2015. Registration is mandatory for all aircraft. More information: www.faa.gov/uas.
As drones become more popular, both commercially and recreationally, it is inevitable that new regulations will play an important role in drone use. Colorado recently defeated a bill that would have restricted police use of drones because of privacy concerns. Privately owned drones equipped with advanced cameras could be a threat to everyone’s privacy if used by unscrupulous individuals or businesses. Privacy concerns will definitely be considered as drones are used more.
Safety is another concern that will cause regulations to proliferate as more drones take to the sky. Between June and November of 2015 air-traffic controllers and pilots reported at least 25 episodes in which drones interfered or came close to interfering with larger aircraft during takeoff and landings. If there is ever a major incident between a drone and a plane we can expect to have a thorough r
eview of drone use. If a drone were ever used in a terrorist attack and especially if that attack were successful, we could expect a lot more government rules and regulations as to how one can use a drone.
In the meantime, here are a few safety tips to follow: fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles like telephone lines and poles; keep your drone in sight at all times; stay well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations; don’t fly near people or stadiums and don’t be careless or reckless. Remember you can be fined for endangering people or other aircraft. By following some basic common sense rules of the road, as it were, you and your family can have hours of fun and entertainment.
Colpar’s HobbyTown USA is located at 1915 S. Havana St., 303-341-0414, and 3355 S. Wadsworth Blvd., 303-988-5157.
If you have any interesting, creepy, scary, exciting drone stories you can email the Chronicle website at newspaper@glendale cherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 23, 2015 | General Featured
So You Think You Can Dance is on the road for the Season 12 tour
December 8 | 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre | 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
The Season 12 tour lineup includes the show’s following Top 10 finalists: Team Street’s Megan “Megz” Alfonso, Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge, Virgil Gadson, Jessica “JJ” Rabone and Jana “Jaja” Vankova; and Team Stage’s Gaby Diaz (Season 12 winner), Edson Juarez, Jim Nowakowski, Hailee Payne and Derek Piquette.
The tour features some of this season’s most popular routines from both Team Stage and Team Street, along with original pieces created specifically for the tour.
Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by clicking below:
http://www.altitudetickets.com/event/so-you-think-you-can-dance-4096/
For more information on the tour, click here
Gaby Diaz is America’s Favorite Dancer on the Season Finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
by Mark Smiley | Nov 22, 2015 | General Featured
Youth in Government is a longstanding, successful YMCA program and the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park is sending two Glendale teens enrolled in the program to this statewide YMCA program during the week of Thanksgiving. Siblings Kelly and Kevin Hernandez will represent the Glendale YMCA.
For three months every year, students learn about the state’s democratic system, and how laws and government shape people’s lives. They explore all major aspects of state government, filling roles as politicians, lobbyists, attorneys, and journalists.
Then they convene for a mock General Session at the State Capitol where they write bills, lobby, debate, and vote, all using the House floor, Senate chambers, and offices of the state capitol. This is the only program of its kind that offers this type of experience and access to Colorado’s legislative offices.
“I am so excited to participate this year in the Youth in Government program because it will help me see how our government system works firsthand, said Kelly Hernandez. “Since I want to be a lawyer when I grow up [focused on translating for Spanish speakers], this will give me a chance to see how the government workings and decisions apply to the field I want to go into.”
“I feel privileged to be inside the State Capitol building during Youth in Government,” said Kevin Hernandez. I have never been there, and am grateful for the chance to see how and where government officials work on a daily basis.”
For more information about the program, visit www.denverymca.org. For more information about the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park, visit www.sportscenterglendale.com or call 303-639-4711.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 2, 2015 | General Featured
If Santa Were An Urbanite This Is Where He’d Shop
For most of us, holiday shopping translates into snaking checkout lines, crowded clothing racks, scented candles and parking hassles. Not this year! We’ve found 10 of the best gift-gathering neighborhoods, streets and alleys in the Valley that make shopping a stress-free stroll down the street.
Bonnie Brae
With a flavor of its 1920s heritage, the Bonnie Brae shopping district features delightful retail shops along South University Blvd., many run by the same family for generations. It’s a nice change from the chain stores going in down the road in Cherry Creek. Adding to the neighborhood’s shopping charm the street has welcomed several new boutiques. The latest is Wish, a gift shop in the former Bank of the West space that’s bigger and delightfully decorated with easy parking. Another neighborhood favorite is Pink, offering cutting edge LA fashion for a casual Colorado lifestyle at affordable prices.
Broadway
Cruising South Broadway is one of the most stimulating ways to shop in the Valley. Along this 16-block strip — south of I-25 and north of DU at Evans — you’ll discover hundreds of eccentric stores, and one of the biggest areas in Colorado for antiques. Independent, quirky, vintage and trendy shops are sprouting up here each year. Antique Row — some 50 stores that line the 400-2000 blocks — sell everything imaginable including furnishings, collectibles, clothing and jewelry. Denver’s most magical toy store The Wizard’s Chest is expected to open this month at 451 Broadway albeit the Cherry Creek North store will remain open through the holidays. On North Broadway, make Paulino Gardens your holiday headquarters featuring unique holiday décor, poinsettias, evergreen wreaths, garland and boughs.
Cherry Creek
Once boasting boutiques and galleries, Cherry Creek North now offers 16 blocks with more construction cranes than s
hopping contentment. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center’s new section, however, is creating holiday excitement. The mall’s transformation has been worth the wait, featuring RH Denver, the region’s first four-level Restoration Hardware store. Newly opened luxury brand stores include Tory Burch, David Yardman and NightRider Jewelry. Several stores including Free People are relocating into the redeveloped space. It will be the second largest store of its kind in the country. Do consider shopping Cherry Creek North’s tree-lined streets at tranquil Ten Thousand Villages, Robert Anderson Gallery and Oster Jewelers. The stretch along 3rd Ave. is still the Holy Grail for women’s designer clothing with shops such as Adornments, Mariel and Harriet’s.
Colorado Boulevard
Discover well-kept shopping secrets by driving along South Colorado Boulevard’s inconspicuous strip malls. Tucked along this strip is Dardano’s shoe store located at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd. Having tripled in size
in the last year, it offers the largest and finest selections of footwear for men and women in the Valley. Socks, gloves, wallets, totes, plus travel and laptop bags make great gift and stocking stuffers. Other stores along here with great gift ideas include Guiry’s, Nordstrom Rack and Michaels.
Downtown Streets
Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an abundance of retail experiences. For dedicated shoppers the sprawling 16th Street Mall is a cornucopia of shopping options, including Denver Pavilions (500 16th St.) expansive brand name stores and quaint gift shops. Top of the list for a trip downtown is William Crow Jewelers in the University Building (910 16th St. #320). With more than 90 years of continuous operation, it carries a large selection of loose diamonds, gemstones, gold jewelry pearls and watches. If you’re in the mood for a weekend-long spending spree add Molly’s of Denver and Rosey’s in the Pavilions to your shopping list.
Glendale
This Arapahoe County enclave surrounded by the City and County of Denver is a shopping extravaganza featuring major retailers such as Super Target, Sports Authority and PetSmart. Located less tha
n one mile from the Cherry Creek Shopping District, Glendale also has several strip malls with popular shops. Moreover, Glendale was named the seventh cheapest overall small city for millennials in the U.S. by Digital Brands, Inc. The Bookies located off Colorado Blvd. and Mississippi is a fairy tale place with gifts for all ages. Price conscious shoppers can also veer into World Market for furniture, home décor and unique gifts.
Golden Triangle
This quirky, artsy, eclectic neighborhood is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Speer Blvd., Colfax Ave. and Lincoln St. and home to eight of Denver’s museums, including the Denver Art Museum. With more than 50 galleries, fine-art studios and specialty stores, the neighborhood is a great place to find art and unusual gifts. Fend off a shopping slump in the Denver Art Museum Stores offering art-inspired fashions, jewelry and accessories.
Havana Street
Check out the 4.3-mile stretch 
of Havana Street that goes from Dartmouth to 6th Ave. in Aurora. You will discover many specialty shops plus the Gardens on Havana, a thriving new shopping area located at the old Buckingham Mall site on Mississippi and Havana. Havana Street is also the place to go for all things automotive, with 25 dealerships as well as auto parts stores and service centers.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square was America’s first revitalization of a historic neighborhood, opening in 1969. Complete with glittering lights strung over the entire block, it is at once charming and elegant. The 18 shops and boutiques carry more than 200 fashion lines. Two of those fashionable shops are contemporary furniture store Element and Moda selling styled attire for men.
Old South Gaylord
One of Denver’s oldest shopping districts, the awning-covered storefronts here capture the feeling of a time when life was simpler. There are 60 shops and eateries to tempt your taste buds and sense of style in turn-of-the-century houses that have been converted into shops selling contemporary fashions, sporting goods, bicycles, and art. If “Fashionista” is your middle name shop Barbara & Company and W for feminine clothing. Other all the rage stores include The Tended Thicket, Hanna by Design and Arts at Denver.
