by Jessica Hughes | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
The High Line Canal Trail crosses five different major counties in the Denver Metro Area.
The High Line Canal is a man-made waterway begun in 1881 for the purpose of irrigating land in Denver and eastward. Beginning at a diversion dam off the South Platte 1.8 miles above the mouth of Watterton Canyon it runs a meandering 71 miles through Douglas, Arapahoe, Denver, and Adams Counties and ending near Green Valley Ranch. It is based on the “high line principal” of following the contours of the land to allow the water to flow by gravity with a minimal drop in elevation per mile. As a result, the Canal has many twists and turns.
The Canal was never a very efficient vehicle for providing water for irrigation and it no longer does so. But over the years it has become a major source of recreation. A maintenance road ran aside the High Line Canal to assist in making repairs to the Canal and is now called the High Line Canal Trail. It is now open to all non-motorized traffic. Parts of the trail are dirt while others are concreted.
The High Line Canal I-70 construction project, which began one year ago, is slated to be finished in early 2024. The City of Aurora in collaboration with American Civil Constructors, will close the longest gap (three miles) of the 71-mile High Line Canal Trail from Colfax Ave. to the trail north of I-70 when the project is complete.
This new section of the trail will connect Northeast Denver to the rest of the Canal with a continuous eight-foot-wide concrete trail, two pedestrian bridges, including the I-70 overpass, another to cross the Canal at Smith Rd., upgraded railroad crossing for pedestrians and cyclist safety, and more.
The new three-mile section of the High Line Canal Trail bridges the gap between Colfax Ave. to the north of I-70 with an eight-foot-wide concrete trail.
“When complete this project will provide close-to-home, accessible recreation opportunities to the diverse population that use this section,” says Harriett Crittenden LaMair, the High Line Conservancy Executive Director.
The High Line Canal Conservancy was founded in 2014 to permanently protect the 71-mile High Line Canal and unify all partners to implement The Plan for the High Line Canal. Partners include Denver Water, along with support of 11 jurisdictions where the Canal is located, including the City of Aurora — the lead partner for the I-70 project.
The High Line Canal Trail twists and turns through the most populated areas of Colorado, crossing multiple and varied communities in the Metro area. With over 350,000 residents living within one mile of the Canal and approximately one million people using the trail annually, efforts to improve the trail system are more important than ever.
Since the 1920s, the Canal has been owned by Denver Water as a part of Denver’s water delivery system since the 1880s. Over the last 100+ years, the Canal’s evolution has gone from utilitarian efforts of conveying water, to a community-wide recreational and environmental hub for locals and visitors alike.
There will also be a major focus on improvements to the northern 28 miles of the Canal due to historic underinvestment. “This area is also some of the most diverse communities in the state,” says Crittenden LaMair. “With some of these improvements we strive to bring more equity to outdoor access.”
To ensure adjacent communities were aligned, the conservancy led with a community-first mindset, working with anyone who wanted to be involved in the planning and development of future projects. “We worked with over 10,000 people who wanted to get involved with the design improvements of the Canal’s northern sections,” says Crittenden LaMair.
The new I-70 overpass of the High Line Canal Trail is expected to be complete in early 2024.
She also explains an important part of the project is to create trail improvements through a community-centered design process. “There are 28 schools within a quarter of a mile from the High Line Canal,” says Crittenden LaMair. “The Canal is an important community resource for moving and we want to encourage kids to use it for walking to and from the elementary schools.” But for the Conservancy, it isn’t only about walkability scores, it’s also about creating community activation zones where the community can come together.
“For example, there are proposed improvements for an outdoor classroom along the Canal by Green Valley Ranch’s Marrama Elementary school,” says Crittenden LaMair. “Another example includes Aurora’s Laredo Highline neighborhood, the Grandy Ditch Open Space, where there are proposed plans to include bike racks, a shade structure, and natural elements for neighbors to enjoy.”
Federal funds were granted to the City of Aurora for the I-70 project through the Denver Regional Council of Governments, with the city using capital improvement funding as a match. Additional funding came from the Conservation Trust Fund, Adams County Open Space Grant, and Adams County Open Space Tax Shareback with a total of $9.4 million invested in the project.
Overall, funding for the conservancy includes both public and private outlets — including all the conservancy’s jurisdictional partners, regional and national foundations, corporate partners, and over 2,500 annual private donors.
New trail signage anchors the newest section of the High Line Canal Trail.
“We raise over 60% of our annual operating budget in November and December, in particular on Colorado Gives Day,” says Crittenden LaMair. “These are critical funds that keep our organization afloat and help to support all of the work that we do.” There are several ways in which individuals can help support the conservancy through bench and tree adoptions as gifts to commemorate someone special, monthly donations, corporate sponsorships, and volunteering opportunities.
Beyond the I-70 project, what does the future hold for the High Line Canal Trail? Crittenden LaMair says there are plans for enhancements to make the trail safer and more enjoyable for everyone, plus, ongoing ecological restoration and maintenance for recreational uses across all 71 miles.
“This year we will have more exciting updates about next steps in protecting the Canal for future generations,” says Crittenden LaMair. “It’s important to continue improvement along the Canal because it’s a recreation hub with easy access to the outdoors in the middle of the city, a place where youth can connect with nature, free outdoor recreation for local communities, build biodiversity and ecological health in urban areas, and more. It really is a staple for those living in the metro area.”
Learn more about the High Line Canal Conservancy at highlinecanal.org.
Photos by Jessica Hughes
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles
Here’s Your Leap Year Formula For Finding Fun, Friendship, And Love In Unexpected Places
by Glen Richardson
Canine Companion: Snoopy, the pet dog of the hapless Peanuts character in the Charlie Brown comic-strip, is the most beloved character in the history of comics.
Valentine’s Day is the holiday to express your love, whether with your significant other, best friend, your kids, or anyone else. Begin the month preparing to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, February 14th — Valentine’s Day!
In case you hadn’t noticed, 2024 is a leap year. Oh yeah, baby, one extra day on February 29th! Leap Year has a rich history with romance.
Folklore suggests the tradition began in Ireland in the 5th century, with a deal brokered between St. Brigid of Kildare and St. Patrick. Or maybe it was in 13th Century Scotland, when Queen Mary established a law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if the man was already engaged.
Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal in Denver nowadays. To fan the feelings of your buddy, beau, sidekick, or soulmate here’s the Chronicle’s V-Day guide to loving things to do:
Love Menagerie
This February the Denver Zoo is going wild, celebrating Valentine’s from February 3 to 14, by offering a limited number of half-off daytime admission tickets and showering the Zoo with love …including exclusive Animal Experiences plus themed Valentine’s Day treats.
Long Lasting Love: Take your love to this year’s Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase. A symbol of love, luxury, and beauty, it’s perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Singles’ Safari — the first ever — with yard games and tons of swipe-right snacks. Animal Experiences, a photo station, seasonal craft cocktails, and à la carte eats are featured.
Also offered on the 14th is a four-course dinner in the Komodo Room of Tropical Discovery, the Zoo’s indoor rainforest. Attendees will enjoy a prix fixe meal of four chef-crafted courses, including exclusive Wild at Heart Animal Encounters. Information: 720-337-1400.
Grow Your Love
Worth more than a carnation, more elegant than a rose, and symbolic of life, love, and happiness, treat your love to the Denver Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Showcase now through Feb. 19. Symbolizing romantic feelings and passionate relationships, it is the picture-perfect way to express your love. You’ll see hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids. Open in the Orangery from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Showcase is included with admission. More: Supplies of Fantasy O
Perfect Pairing: A little red wine makes the ultimate Valentine’s Day beverage. Try a rose sparkler for added panache, the acidity keeps the mood uplifting and flirty.
rchids will be on sale Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also celebrate the month of love by joining the Botanic Garden’s captivating Love Potions from the Vine Tour, Feb. 11-14. Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn the secret romantic lives of tropical plants.
Finally, flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Children and families can decorate a Valentine display to share with loved ones this month during the Garden’s Make & Take Garden Valentines. You’ll learn how using a variety of dried natural plant parts and crafting items. Space for children and grownups to create together is provided along with supplies. You and your family provide the ideas and creativity. Information: 720-865-3500.
Lyrics Of Love
Music Magic: Music is an ideal Valentine’s Day option this year. Among the toe-tapping options is Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show, Feb. 10. Photo by Sandy Reay
Music doesn’t stimulate lovey-dovey feelings in everyone, but it can sure make you swoon. Every couple has a song. Love and music are two lights of one candle. Music portrays feeling through melodies, rhythms, tunes, and lyrics. Here’s the Chronicle’s playlist of Valentine concerts, shows, singing, comedy, and dances:
For an upbeat, rhythms & blues start to the month, swing to the beat of the Motown Valentine’s Day Concert with the three MoMezzos at Dazzle Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The powerhouse trio feature music from Motown and beyond and take guests on a musical journey through favorite love songs. Information: 303-839-5100.
For toe-tapping, up-tempo entertainment, don’t miss Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show in Daniels Hall Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Part bluegrass, part acoustic rock, their musical sound, humor, and stage presence will have you falling in love. Information: 303-777-1003.
Piano-Violin duo perform a Romeo & Juliet candlelight concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway Feb. 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-1493.
Head Over Heels: A love affair between taste and tradition, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is offering three specials with dessert or glass of Prosecco on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m.
Chicago jazz singer Elaine Dame entertains on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dazzle with the Annie Booth Trio, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
To see an unforgettable comedy sing-along, take your love to dinner during the V-Day Dueling Piano Show at Fortissimo Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 720-789-5280.
For a romantic musical show, attend the Feb. 14 Candlelight Concert at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.
To spice up your life, see the burlesque, aerial acts, singing, and comedy at Clocktower Cabaret’s Feb. 14 Cupid’s Delight, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Dance the night away to live music during the Shroomski Valentine’s event at Ironworks on Larimer St. Feb. 15, 7-11:30 p.m. Information:720-946-7721.
Or, consider sending a singing telegram to your love at home or a Valentine’s dinner. Orange Peel Moses delivers awesome performances. Information: 303-931-8466.
Love Of Food
Flaming Foster: Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, a cozy Mayfair gem, is an ideal V-Day dining spot. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side.
To wine and dine your darling this Valentine’s Day, the Mile High City’s best choices remain resolutely local at heart. Slick chain eateries in new developments may bring crowds, but neighborhood restaurants foster a sense of togetherness featuring incredible cuisine in unique and distinctive spaces with cozy character. Tuck into one of the Chronicle’s three top choices:
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café — a quaint neighborhood eatery in the Mayfair neighborhood at 932 Jersey St., eatery serves tasty Italian fare and seasonal entrees. A little gem of a restaurant with an exceptional menu and beautifully presented food. If you like Italian food, great service, and being treated like you are appreciated, go to Jimmy’s
for Valentine’s Day. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed tableside. Information: 720-328-9481.
Monaco Inn Restaurant has been serving in the Monaco Square at 862 S. Monaco St. Parkway in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood for more than 30 years. Owned and run by Emmanuel Tsikoudakis and Chef Terry Vaidis, the restaurant of-
fers both Greek & American cuisine. Long known for its holiday service, Valentine Specials are offered Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Choices include New York Steak with Deep Fried Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon. Choice of Dessert or Glass of Prosecco included. Regular menu is also available. Information: 303-321-1104.
Shells & Sauce is a jazzy little trattoria serving classic-creative Italian-American fare in the heart of Congress Park. The cozy neighborhood restaurant at 2600 E. 12th Ave. serves a variety of home-made lasagna, meat, and fish, plus other entrees. Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with anything you and your Valentine choose, there are delicious dessert options to top off your special evening. Whether you sit on the rooftop or in the main dining room. the service is great. Information: 303-377-2091.
Runaway-Love
If running is your love language, race to this year’s Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Washington Park Feb. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Information: 720-838-6185.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles
New Audit Reveals Denver Is Delivering Fewer Units Than Required, Costs Climb For Taxpayer-Funded Affordable Housing
by Glen Richardson
As 2024 begins, residents want to know if Mayor Mike Johnston met his $50 million promise to move 1,000 of Denver’s homeless off the streets by year’s end. Many others — like Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, who resigned as homeless committee chair — have concluded the administration’s homeless pledge is nothing more than “a dog and pony show.”
Facing the facts: Denver has the nation’s 10th-most homeless people. At year’s end there were 802 homeless people getting monthly payments of from $50 to $1,000. One group receives $1,000 a month for 12 months; another received a $6,500 lump payment and then $500 a month for 11 months; and the final group receives $50 a month for a year. For this year (2024), Mayor Johnston proposes to spend $242 million on homeless-affordable housing.
Street Sweep Scene: Denver continues to perform “sweeps” of homeless encampments under new Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
A new financial examination by Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, however, reveals that finding housing or giving out money — without managing inherent and built-in factors — may b
Street Squalor Struggle: Despite providing money, plus developing and prioritizing affordable housing projects, Denver’s homeless crisis continues to surge as 2024 begins. Photo (left): Hart Van Denburg/CPR
e an emotional feat, but won’t accomplish the city’s objectives.
Unit Count Con
The audit’s most glaring discovery: Denver’s Department of Housing Stability is not delivering the required number of units. Fact: Denver developed 32 fewer units for very-low income and 301 fewer for moderate-income households than required by the city agreement.
Equally disturbing: The agency reported 203 units for rent at “market rates,” claiming they count as part of the agreement to develop affordable housing.
Lack of oversight is to blame, according to Auditor O’Brien. “If affordable housing is a priority, leaders need to effectively use resources, show accountability for housing goals, and commitment to helping those in Denver who need it m
ost,” he asserts.
Shoddy Upkeep
Auditors also found a lack of oversight to maintain safe-habitable housing units for people in the lowest income ranges. Not only are these people subject to health-safety risks, but the city could lose part of its affordable housing inventory due to damage and disrepair.
A random check of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability — plus an affordable housing project used as permanent housing and funded with program funds — examiners found building doors unlocked or propped open; doors missing handles; water damage; pet or human waste in public areas; plus, trash and debris.
More: Broken windows; dirty or damaged carpets; potential fire code violations, which were reported to the fire department; large cracks and other damage to exterior brick or foundations; evidence of pest infestations; exposed electrical wires or damaged electrical features; window and screens missing or damaged; inoperable or malfunctioning elevators; standing water in public areas; and damaged interior and exterior lighting.
Fewer New Units
Even more troubling, auditors found plans for new units are falling below requirements in the city’s taxpayer-funded agreement with the Denver Housing Authority. Denver partners with the Denver Housing Authority on their “DHA Delivers for Denver Program” — commonly called “D3.”
Broadway’s Best: Purchased by the Denver Housing Authority and completed in 2022, this 655 Broadway Bldg. rents to income limited elderly and disabled.
The audit discovered the housing authority reported some units were being rented at market rate, instead of at affordable rates for people with low-income levels.
Moreover, the housing authority also developed fewer units for low-and moderate-income individuals than required. Bottom line: Investments may and many times exceed what was agreed upon. There is no clarity on how many housing units will be delivered or if the units will be affordable for people who need it most. “The city needs stronger oversight to confirm the affordable housing results it promises,” says Auditor O’Brien. “It’s clear the city is too trusting in third-party partners and as a result the people who need the most help could be left out.”
Half Have High Rent
Just as shocking and upsetting, the audit reveals that half of the units in the city’s D3 agreement exceed the rents allowed by that agreement.
The housing authority reported 203 market-rate units paid for by the city’s D3 agreement were rented for between 60% and 90% of area median income. The housing authority claims this counts toward contract requirements because they are lower than the average rental prices in Denver, which are about 120% of the area median income.
While about half of these ar
Loose Connections: Audits of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability found shoddy upkeep, including exposed-damaged electrical wires.
e rented at rates for people in the target income, the lower-than-average prices are not guaranteed if market conditions change — resulting in potential rent increases and loss of affordability.
District Deals
Additionally, some City Council districts are receiving more affordable housing resources than allowed. Specifically, districts 1, 3, 8, and 9 all received more affordable housing funds than allowed.
Further, district 3 was restricted to receiving fewer funds than other districts because of existing affordable housing investments. While the agreement allows the department to grant a waiver to any one district, except district 3, discussions about waivers are ongoing.
The housing authority is also counting units developed with “different city funding sources” as part of the D3 project, further inflating the results.
Clinch & Confirm
Finally, the audit found several other areas in which the city can make improvements to maintain and improve the city’s affordable housing struggle.
First, the city is not ensuring contractors are complying with wage laws on affordable housing projects. These projects may be subject to federal wage requirements or the city’s prevailing wage ordinance.
The Department of Housing Stability also needs to verify income annually for residents. The department also needs adequate
controls over its data, including what is used to populate public dashboards.
Agree To Improve
The Department of Housing Stability has agreed to implement nearly 90% (17 of the 19) of the audit recommendations.
It is disappointing, however, that the department chose to disagree with two of the audit recommendations. Those proposals would significantly improve the city’s inspection and maintenance of homeless units. Furthermore, it would ensure affordable housing is sanitary and safe.
The audit found issues at 14 of 21 homeless properties, despite inspection forms from the city showing no issues at the same properties.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles
Dodging Wrecking Ball, Building Will Be Enlarged And Reshaped; Will The Remodel Preserve A Picture Of Denver’s Movie Theatre Past?
by Glen Richardson
The Last Picture Show: As times changed, along with tastes in entertainment, theatre building will be turned into restaurant, retail, and office space.
Swapping Size, Shape: The Esquire Theatre building will be enlarged and reconfigured. Landmark Preservation Commission must approve building’s reconstruction.
Are you ready to feel a little down, despondent, and dejected? Flicks are being flicked off at Cap Hill’s historic Esquire Theatre. Lessee Landmark Theatres reopened the site last June following water damage declaring, “We’re back… and better than ever!” The lease expires in July of this year (2024), evidently without a renewal option.
The building was purchased by Sam Leger and Tim Finholm of South Broadway-based Unique Properties for $2.1 million in 2021. At the time of purchase, Finholm implied that “what happens with the property will depend on whether Landmark wants to stay.” It’s unclear, however, if shuttering the theatre was Landmark’s choice or a joint decision. Regardless, Unique Properties CEO Leger and Executive VP Finholm are listed on the building’s application for conversion.
Nestled on the corner of 6th Ave. and Downing St., the cinema has long been a neighborhood and Capitol Hill staple. Since opening in the fall of 1927 as the single-screen Hiawatha Theatre, the Esquire expanded and withstood the test of time. It has been leased to Landmark since 1980. Landmark also operates Denver’s Mayan, Chez Artiste, and Landmark Greenwood Village theatres. Once controlled by billionaire Mark Cuban, the theater chain sold to Cohen Media Group in 2018.
Shock, Sadness
The tucked-away Downing St location made the Esquire uniquely popular and a Mile High City cultural icon. In a city that once boasted as many as 66 movie theaters, it has long been known as one of Denver’s historic movie palaces.
Within hours followin
Sign Signals Switch: Plans suggest the Esquire Theatre marquee sign will remain on the remodeled structure as homage to the theatre and building’s history.
g the closure announcement Cap Hill residents and Esquire admirers took to social media to express their shock, sadness, and dismay: “I will be so heartbroken if we lose this. The Esquire is such an important part of Denver, of the film culture here.” Further, added another: “I know change is inevitable, but I wonder what will fill the void of these type of micro-communities that existed in the real, non-internet, world.”
Others summed up loss of the irreplaceable experience thusly: “It’s so sad watching so much of Denver die one piece at a time. Let’s just murder everything about Denver that was cool and make us a cookie cutter, mixed-use city.”
Building To Stay
The two-story building that housed the Esquire, however, will endure. The site will be enlarged and reshaped into a mix of restaurant, retail, and office space. Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission must approve reconstruction of the building. If it is approved, the project is expected to start this June and be completed by January 2025.
The public became aware of the theatre closing at the end of last October when Denver’s Department of Community Planning & Development received redevelopment plans for the theater property.
Those plans, submitted by Michael Noda — a partner at architectural firm Neo Studio located on Walnut St. in Denver — call for increasing the two-story, 9,175-sq.-ft. theater building by more than a 6,000-sq.-ft. An addition on the south end of the building would stretch the structure into the parking lot.
Change, Sign Stays
If approved, the building is expected to total 15,800-sq.-ft. on the property’s 0.39-acre lot. Documents indicate the first floor will be divided into two 3,675-sq.-ft. units, one for retail, the other a restaurant space. The upstairs would be turned into office suites.
Plans for the building’s renewal include the addition of several small structure components. Site plans indicate new entrances will be constructed on the no
Historic Hiawatha: Photograph of the Esquire building at the 1927 grand opening as the Hiawatha Theatre. Winners of the Wilderness was showing on the single-screen.
rth and south sides of the building. More: Skylights will be installed on the roof, plus awnings added on the north side of the building.
One thing, however, will apparently remain the same. Plans indicate the current Esquire signage will remain as homage to the theatre and building’s history.
Poignant Predictions
Can the Esquire building recover from a remodel? Repurposing of existing buildings is a newsworthy issue, particularly with Denver’s rich architectural heritage.
“Architecture is not really about buildings, any more than poetry is about vowels,” is how award-winning architect Sam Rodell explains the emotions associated with buildings.
Denver’s Esquire enthusiasts relate to Rodell’s emotional building claim, and share their thoughts about the proposed remake of the movie palace building: “It
Going, Going, Gone: Movies at the Esquire Theatre have been good to the end, but functional and technical obsolescence will turn the building dark this year.
would have been good to end up with a theater use and the parking lot redeveloped with a new restaurant and housing. But two-screen theaters are clearly not profitable, especially with the Mayan so close showing the same kind of program. Admits another, “Having an active street front rather than a blank wall on 6th Ave. will help the area feel more like a neighborhood.”
Conversion Countdown
The Esquire building is a connection between the past and present, and a way to preserve local memory and culture. It was a space where we created memories of time spent with family and friends in the dark watching films that are no longer with us. The structure was a witness to another age and hopefully will become a living example of Denver’s movie theatre past.
So as not to lose the memory of what came before, Neo Studio — the architectural firm remodeling the Esquire building — is being called upon to adapt the existing building to meet new needs. It will require a great deal of creative effort, and local feedback since the project involves changing the entire function of the building.
As with any renovation, uncertainty, surprises, and last-minute changes are possible if not probable. Capitol Hill and Denver residents, plus Esquire fans and movie buffs are holding their breath, waiting anxiously and excitedly to see what materializes.
Esquire Draws Signatures; Owners Reapply For Remodel
An online petition had collected more than 2,500 signatures to save the Esquire Theatre by early December @savethe esquire. Seeking to stop site redevelopment, the group hopes the theatre will be designated a historic landmark.
Denver’s Community Planning & Development disclosed in December that they were awaiting resubmittal of the plans due “to issues” with the original proposal. When questioned about plans to stretch construction into the parking lot, owners retorted: “We don’t have plans to do anything to anything at the moment. We just made a submittal.”
Should the theatre get a landmark designation, the Landmark Preservation staff opinion is that, “the theatre could still be developed for uses other than a theater.”
by Heather Brecl | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles
by Heather Brecl
Homeowners on corner lots in Denver will pay up to $350 per year more than most.
In case 2023 didn’t have enough in store for everyone, 2024 is on the path to deliver more. In November 2022 Denver voters narrowly passed a new citizen-led ballot initiative called Ordinance 307 resulting in an annual fee for sidewalk construction that is coming due in the new year. Homeowners in the city of Denver will have to get ready to add one more bill to the list of things to deal with as a homeowner. On top of the tripled property tax and now the bill for trash removal, residents of Denver will be assessed a new fee that was designed to fund a complete overhaul of the sidewalk system throughout the city. This initiative was spearheaded by the nonprofit organization called Denver Streets Partnership.
Whether or not homeowners actually have a sidewalk, they will be paying a fee to the City for the project for at least the next 10 years.
How much is the fee and how can residents figure out what it will be? The city of Denver created a tool that provided an estimate for homeowners. On average the fee will be around $108/year per household, however if a home is positioned on a street corner, the fee will in some cases be as high as $450 per year. Since the fee is assessed according to the linear footage that a property has along a city street, the longer the property boundary, the higher the fee will be. Unfortunately for residents trying to forecast expenses for the upcoming year, the pricing tool has been taken down from the Denver County website and the following notice is in place: “The city’s sidewalk task force is reviewing the sidewalk ordinance and may refine the current fee structure to ensure it is applied in a way that is as fair and reasonable as possible. DOTI (Department of Transportation and Infrastructure) has removed the sidewalk fee lookup tool it previously offered on this webpage while that assessment is underway.” The task force is scheduled to complete their evaluation by
July and levy the fees.
Denver resident Erin F. (last name withheld at her request) is outraged by the new sidewalk fee which for her will be over $450 per year since her home has what is now seen by her as the misfortune of being on a corner lot. Prior to the sidewalk tax, Erin appreciated her large lot that she and her son have enjoyed for years. She also takes on the responsibility of making sure that the sidewalk is always shoveled, even shoveling her elderly neighbor’s sidewalk during snowstorms. Even though Denver residents do not own actually own the sidewalk, it has been their responsibility to make sure it is cleared of snow in the required amount of time and that repairs done as needed.
With the new fee structure, the responsibility for sidewalk repairs and improvements shifts to the City of Denver. While this seems to lessen the burden of homeowners having to do expensive repairs themselves, many homeowners will in effect just be paying a sometimes exorbitant fee for sidewalks that may not ever need any repairs in their lifetime. It also leaves to question what the actual process will be to have any needed repairs done with no reasonable sense for a timeline as the process will be new from start to finish and will encompass the entire sidewalk network.
To Erin F. and many other homeowners, the new sidewalk fee seems anything but fair. “The new fee is a huge burden to people, on top of everything else that we have on our plates with a big increase in property taxes and now having to pay for trash too,” said Erin F. “People are going to lose their homes over this. I have no control over who uses my sidewalk but now suddenly I’m responsible for paying more than any of my neighbors to maintain it even though it was recently repaired and is in perfect condition. I don’t understand how anything about this fee is fair and equitable as the Denver Streets Partnership claims it is.”
Erin wants to know how the city plans on dealing with situations in which the homeowner is unable to afford the fee and if there will be any relief. She said that she has issued multiple complaints with the Partnership but has not gotten specific answers to her questions, and that the current policy only offers relief to certain neighborhoods.
Executive Director Jill Locantore of the organization that spearheaded the sidewalk effort responded to questions and concerns about the inequities of the assessed fee stating that “fair is a matter of opinion and perspective.” She explained that Denver has had an ongoing conversation for the past 20 years since the Webb administration about improving the sidewalk situation and the residents of Denver have spoken by voting for the ordinance. Locantore emphasized that the majority of Denver’s citizens voted to have safe sidewalks and it is her organization’s commitment to fulfill that mission, making sure that people have a safe way to walk through their neighborhoods and move about their communities. The City’s stakeholder committee is currently reviewing ways to tighten up the differences between the average fees assessed and the “outliers” such as those who own properties on long sidewalks and corners. She stated that they cannot make everyone happy but are making concerted efforts to make as many people happy as possible.
Overall, the Partnership, in conjunction with the City of Denver, estimates that a complete overhaul of the sidewalk system will cost upwards of $1 billion and will take up to 10 years to complete. Annually the fees will total approximately $40 million which is how much DOTI believes to be the cost of yearly maintenance. The additional funds will be raised from bonds.
Erin F. remarked that she will most likely never see any immediate benefit to the thousands of dollars in sidewalk fees that she will pay over the coming years as her sidewalk was just recently redone. On average, homeowners sell their homes after seven years which means that most will be in the same situation as Erin and will contribute to the sidewalk fund without ever directly reaping the benefits.
Homeowners may think that they will avoid being assessed the fee if there is no sidewalk but they are mistaken. The fee applies to all properties bordering a city street — whether or not a sidewalk actually exists. As is stated on the denvergov.org website, “(T)he requirement to pay the sidewalk fee is not dependent upon having a sidewalk or whether or not a property owner has recently completed installation or repairs. The fee is a revenue source to fund maintenance and repair projects and new sidewalk installations to connect people to places and services citywide.”
Furthermore, homeowners who think they refuse to pay the fee or cannot pay, will have a lien placed on their properties and the city will not be issuing any refunds or exemptions. Locantore did point out that certain discounts will be offered in the amount of 20% for real estate property located in neighborhoods which have been historically underfunded and are considered area of risk under the city’s NEST (Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization) program.
As a single mom who struggles to make ends meet, Erin F. hopes that the efforts of the City’s stakeholder committee gives earnest consideration to the concerns she has and others in the same boat.
For more information on the impending sidewalk fees, go to denversidewalks.com and devergov.org and look for Sidewalk Construction, Reconstruction and Repair.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 16, 2023 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
From left to right: Storm Gloor, Glendale Mayor Pro-Tem; Mike Dunafon, Glendale Mayor; Joe Haskins, Glendale Chief of Police; and Josh Bertrand, Glendale Deputy City Manager.
Barret O’Brien, Chamber Board Member, left, and Joe Haskins, Glendale Chief of Police.
From left to right: Mayor Pro-Tem Storm Gloor; Mayor Mike Dunafon; Chuck Line, Glendale City Manager; Josh Bertrand, Glendale Deputy City Manager; and Jeff Allen, Glendale Chamber COO, cut the pickle to officially open the new outdoor pickleball courts in Glendale.
The new pickleball courts are now available to play on in Glendale Park.
On October 24, 2023, the City of Glendale unveiled its new pickleball courts at the new Glendale Park, formerly known as Mir Park. With the recent closing of the outdoor courts at Eisenhower Park and Congress Park in Denver, the metro area was in need of another option for outdoor pickleball.
Under the Leadership of Mayor Mike Dunafon and the Glendale City Council, the City of Glendale has partnered with Arapahoe County Open Space Grant Program in 2023 to create the Glendale Park Phase One park improvements and usher in a new era of recreation in Glendale.
While the newly dedicated pickleball courts may be the main attraction, there are several important additional improve
ments which park patrons will appreciate. Working with Chief Joe Haskins and City of Glendale Police Department, the City applied principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design to make improvements in the park. These park safety improvements include new site lighting and new “Portlandloo’s” stand-alone toilets which address common public bathroom concerns.
Also, a new picnic pavilion will be available to grab a bite to eat while watching the light-hearted activities on either the pickleball court or on the playground. Going forward, Ken LeCrone, Finance Director for the City of Glendale, has secured an open space grant from Arapahoe County for Phase Two improvements in 2024.
The Phase Two improvements will include improvements to stormwater drainage and the addition of a new dog run to the north side of the park,” said Josh Bertrand, Deputy City Manager, City of Glendale. “Patrick Carroll, Chris Roozing, and the Public Works team will continue working with our valuable partners, Matt Wilgenbusch with EmDub Designs, and ECI Site Construction Management, to complete phase two of the project.”
The work is expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2024. Glendale Park is located at 560 S. Elm Street in Glendale. Visit www.glendale.co.us for more information.
