Lowe's Closure: Bad News but Silver Lining on Lowe's and Alameda Square
It came as a shock to all of us: Lowe's corporate headquarters decision to close 20 stores across the country, including our brand new Lowe's at Alameda Square. Councilman Nevitt and Councilman Lopez, after working so hard to make the redevelopment possible in the first place, have done everything they can to get Lowe's to reconsider the decision. Mayor Michael Hancock also did everything he could to lend his voice to the effort, including calling Lowe's CEO in North Carolina. Unfortunately, our efforts had little or no impact on a corporation based two thousand miles away with no connection to Denver. While this is a major setback, it's important to recognize that up to now we have made enormous progress on Alameda Square. The loss of an anchor is a major step backward but we can still be proud of the many steps forward we have taken. Progress remains even if Lowe's goes away - an obsolete abandoned building, which once hosted gang fights on its roof, has been replaced by a modern 100,000 sq. ft. retail space; a brand new retaining wall has been installed to protect the site as well as neighbors to the south; an ugly potholed parking lot has been landscaped and equipped with a modern storm-water run-off system; and a decrepit row of aging store fronts has been refurbished and reinvigorated. Apart from the inherent value from all of these enhancements, the improvements also make the site more attractive to a future anchor tenant than the site ever was to Lowe's. This is a setback but we have much to be proud of and will redouble our efforts to bring a quality long-term anchor tenant to Alameda Square. |
Important Election Information for this Year and Next
Make sure to turn in your ballot for the Denver Coordinated Election (Ballot Initiatives & School Board Races) before Tuesday, November 1. Click here for a complete list of Voter Service Centers, Ballot TRACE activation, and other elections information.
Love all-mail ballot elections? Hate them? Let your opinion be heard. The Denver Clerk and Recorder's office is considering an all-mail ballot election for the June 2012 primary and is seeking public input through a hearing and survey. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 pm at the Denver Elections Division, 200 W. 14th Avenue. You can also give your feedback the following ways:
A polling place election offers three options for Denver voters: early voting; mail-in ballots; and voting on Election Day at polling place; and costs approximately $1.5 million. A mail ballot election offers voters multiple voter service centers across the city for ballot drop-off and voter assistance, and costs approximately $1.1 million; a $400,000 savings. This decision will only affect the 2012 Primary Election. The November 2012 General Election, by law, must be conducted as a poling place election. |
DSST-to-Byers Tour & Thank You Breakfast - Thursday, November 3
DSST Public Schools and District 7 want to thank all the dedicated parents and neighbors who worked hard to bring DSST to the vacant Byers Jr. High. Their steadfast advocacy moved the DPS Board to unanimously approve Denver's fifth DSST campus to be located at Byers JR. High, to be open in 2013.
Want to get a firsthand look at what will be coming to Byers? Join Bill Kurtz, CEO of DSST Public Schools, and Councilman Nevitt for breakfast and a tour of DSST's Stapleton campus. This is your chance to see a nationally acclaimed scholastic program in action and ask questions about what it will look like at Byers.
When: Thursday, November 3, 8:00 a.m.
Where: DSST Stapleton Middle School, 2000 Valentia Street (east side of bldg.)
RSVP: BringDSSTtoByers@gmail.com. RSVP by 11/1 so we know how much food to order - but last minute attendees are welcome too. |
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DSST IV College View Campus to Open July 2012
If you simply can't wait until DSST at Byers opens in 2013, check out the College View Campus at Colorado Heights University. It will open in July 2012 starting with 6th grade and growing through 12th grade with the first graduating class in 2019. DSST's College View campus is proud to offer:
- Values-driven culture and strong sense of community amongst all students.
- Rigorous academics to ensure that 100% of our students go to college
- Commitment to every student
- STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) program with a focus on liberal arts
- Mandatory summer school for all incoming students
To find out more, visit www.DSSTPublicSchools.org |
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LeafDrop 2011: Help Denver Recycle More Leaves Than Ever!
Bag them up and go! You can hardly walk out of your front door without stepping in a swirl of leaves. If you can't use them in your own garden, rake them up, and take them to the closest Denver LeafDrop site to be recycled into mulch for others. Save your plastic trash bags and our time by bringing your leaves in paper yard debris bags which, unlike plastic bags, can be composted with your leaves. Better still, bring your leaves in reusable containers or tarps that we can empty and give back. Click here to find out when and where.
IMPORTANT: Leaves can only be dropped off at LeafDrop sites during the designated times. We are trying to keep leaves off the street and out of the landfill. Many people are unaware that depositing a big bag of leaves at an unmanned LeafDrop spot is basically the equivalent of illegal dumping and completely defeats the purpose. |
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Denver B-Cycle Prepares for Winter: Get Your Last Ride in and Raise a Glass
You know what they say about Denver weather: snowing one day sunny the next. Take advantage of the last warm days before B-Cycle closes for the winter on Friday, December 9. Even though B-Cycle did not get the grant they needed to stay open for the winter, there is still a lot to celebrate. Join us for a happy hour on Friday, December 9, and learn more about B-Cycle's 2012 expansion plans. 29 new B-stations, and over 160 new B-cycles -- now, there's something to raise a glass to. Support B-Cycle by buying an annual membership or donating at http://DenverBikeSharing.org/donations.php.
A few "good news" statistics from the recently released 2010 American Commuter Survey:
- 2.2% of Denver commuters bicycle to work, an increase from 1.8% in 2009. The National percentage of bicycle commuting is .5%.
- Bicycle commuting in Denver has increased by 57.1% since 2005, and 132% since 2000.
- Denver ranks 6th in bicycle commuting out of 43 cities with a census population of over 400,000. Who is ahead of us?: Portland, OR (6%), Seattle; WA (3.6%); San Francisco, CA (3.5%); Washington, DC (3.1%); and Tucson, AZ (3%).
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Veterans Day Parade & 9/11 Tribute - Saturday, November 5 at 10 a.m.
This year's parade will honor veterans, active military service men and women, first responders and the fallen, paying special tribute to 9/11. The parade starts at 10am on Bannock and Colfax and continues on the following route: 14th St. to Court Pl., Court Pl. to 15th St.; 15th St. to Welton St., Welton St. to 17th St.; 17th St. to Broadway; and south on Broadway to 14th Ave. and Civic Center Park. The "Fallen Heroes Honor Roll Reading" starts at 11:30 a.m. The parade and roll reading can also be viewed from grandstands on Broadway between Colfax and 14th Ave. To learn more visit
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Denver Public Works Phase III of South Broadway Rehabilitation Project Underway
Do you love traveling down the new and improved south Broadway? Great. There's more on the way. Denver Public Works has started Phase III of South Broadway, between Iowa and Wesley Avenues. Once again, this project is funded with a complex combination of federal, state, and local financing. This phase will complete the middle section of the South Broadway corridor as well as reconstruct Evans Avenue from Bannock Street to South Broadway. Improvements will mirror those completed on Broadway between Iowa and Arizona Avenues and now under construction from Wesley to the City limits at Yale. Look for:
- widening of the roadway up to six feet on both sides
- installation of a raised median
- replacement of asphalt roadway with concrete
- storm sewer and drainage improvements
- installation of new street lights
- new sidewalks with streetscape and landscape improvements
- new traffic signals at Iliff, Colorado, and Evans Avenues.
Two lanes in the northbound lane and one lane in the southbound lane will be available during morning and evening rush hours. One lane in each direction will be available during non-peak rush hour throughout the duration of the project. For more information, visit: www.DenverGov.org/BetterBroadway. |
Denver Moving to Mail-in LEAP Application
Crisp fall days will soon turn to chilly winter nights prompting us to crank up our thermostats, wear warmer clothes, and winterize our homes. The Denver Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps people keep warm by paying a portion of home heating bills and offering free weatherization programs.
To qualify for LEAP, you must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, pay your own heating costs, and meet income eligibility guidelines. Call 1-866-432-8435 for an application, download one at www.denvergov.org/leap, or visit the Denver Human Services office located at 2855 Tremont Place.
Mail your application or drop it in a designated LEAP drop boxes stationed at every Denver Human Services Office. The offices will no longer take the applications inside. This change in procedure will help the program process applications more efficiently. |
Denver Arts Week - November 4 - 12th
"Denver Arts Week" will celebrate the Mile High City's vibrant arts and cultural scene with more than 200 events and a kickoff weekend featuring "First Friday" art walks in eight neighborhoods; free admission and extended Saturday hours at over a dozen museums; and deep discounts at "Denver's on Stage" performances. Click here to view all "Denver Arts Week" deals and events. For real time updates on "Denver Arts Week," follow @DenverKnowsArts on Twitter. |
Snow & Ice Removal - A Team Effort!
It's that time again to get out your snow shovel, pull on your boots, and take the annual Denver snow storm challenge! Because Denver is notorious for unpredictable weather, our Public Works Street Maintenance Department is ready to go with a range of active plans to make the city safe and passable for everyone. Check out their website for information on snow removal routes, timelines, de-icing strategies, winter trash removal, and more.
But Public Works can't do it alone. Residents are required to clear their walkways within 24 hours. Businesses/apartment building owners are required to clear walkways within four hours after snow stops falling. If you notice that ice is building up in your street gutter and preventing proper drainage, call 3-1-1 to report it. Lastly, check in on elderly and/or disabled neighbors and lend a hand, or refer them to one of the following agencies:
Catholic Charities, 303-742-0823 x 2046
DRCOG Area Agency on Aging, 303-480-6787
Senior Resource Center, 303-235-6973
VOA Handy Man Program, 720-264-3331 or 303-297-0408 |
Denver's Idling Restriction Ordinance
No one likes to get in a freezing cold car in the winter but remember that Denver's idling restriction ordinance makes it illegal to leave your car running for longer than five minutes at a time, even if you are sitting in it. Idling cars create unnecessary air pollution and contribute to a large number of auto thefts. Click here for a list of exceptions and more information. |
Protect Your Pets From Coyotes
Did you know that coyote breeding season has arrived and will last through mid March? As the weather gets colder, food gets scarcer, and coyotes become more territorial in anticipation of breeding and protecting their pups. Coyotes are ambush predators who typically hunt by themselves, putting small outdoor pets at risk. Coyotes avoid contact with people so the best way to protect your pet is to keep them close to you, preferably inside, especially after dark. If you see a coyote don't run away. Make eye contact and act like the biggest, meanest person ever seen before aggressively chasing the coyote away. The more people harass or "haze" a coyote the more it will avoid people. Visit www.DenverGov.org/Wildlife or call a wildlife ecologist at 303-455-0785 for additional information. |
Gas Line Replacement Work in Your Neighborhood
Over the next several years, Xcel Energy is slated to replace 600 linear miles of gas pipeline throughout Colorado. Nearly 100 linear miles are in the Denver metro area, including the areas listed below in District 7. Q3, contracted by Xcel, will replace natural gas pipeline:
- South Zuni Street from West Jewell Street to West Mexico Avenue
- West Mexico Avenue from South Zuni to South Vallejo Streets
This replacement will result in continued reliable gas service for current and new customers. Construction may include work along side and adjacent streets. The project started in mid-October and should be completed by late November, weather permitting. Construction typically occurs from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Parking along these streets and on side streets may be limited and driveways may need to be blocked for short periods of time. If you have questions or concerns contact Q3 at 303-996-3544 or contact Xcel at 1-800-895-4999. |
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Head Start Policy Council Vacancies
City Council is seeking three qualified individuals to represent Council on the City's Head Start Policy Council. The appointments are two and three-year terms.
Purpose: To oversee all aspects of Denver's Head Start program including community education and involvement, program promotion, and conflict resolution.
Qualifications: Candidates must have experience in one of the following occupational categories: fundraising for nonprofits, certified public accountant, finance, business, early childhood education, or non-profit leadership.
Meetings: Currently, meetings are held the fourth Tuesday each month and generally run for an hour.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Debra Bartleson, Legislative Services, Denver City Council, 1437 Bannock St., #451, Denver, CO 80202 by November 18th 2011. You can also email
. For more information contact Ms. Bartleson at 720-865-9315 or by email.
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Audit Committee Vacancy
Denver City Council is looking for a qualified individual to represent Council on the Audit Committee for a four year term beginning in 2012.
Purpose: To assist City officials in oversight of the City's financial and operational results, including the integrity of the City's financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, risk management, and the performance of internal and external auditors.
Qualifications:Candidates must have education or experience in accounting, auditing, financial management, or related fields of expertise. Interested individuals cannot hold any other office or employment with the City and County of Denver while serving on the Audit Committee.
Meetings: Are held on the third Thursday of the month and typically run for 2 hours.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Shelley Smith, Legislative Services, 1437 Bannock Street, City & County Building, # 451, Denver, CO 80202 or by email at Shelley.Smith@DenverGov.org. For more information please contact Ms. Smith at 720-865-9316 or by email. Resumes must be received by November 14, 2011. |
New Leadership at Parks and Recreation - Good News, Bad News
Good news! Mayor Hancock has appointed Lauri Dannemiller as the manager of Parks and Recreation. Bad news! Lauri Danemiller worked with Denver City Council for 6 years as our stellar Chief of Staff. Keeping the work of 13 council members on track is no easy task and she did a tremendous job. We will be sad to see her go but are excited to work with her in her new capacity as the head of Parks and Rec. Dannemiller holds a masters degree in Recreation Administration and brings over 20 years of municipal management experience, and 10 years of parks and recreation experience to the job. |
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West Side Transit Enhancement Study - We Need Your Feedback!
Do you wish it was easier to use public transportation on the West Side? You are not alone. In partnership with RTD, the City and County of Denver is working on an effort to improve transit service and multi-modal connections on Denver's West Side. This "West Side Transit Enhancement Study" is a part of a larger program, the Denver Livability Partnership, which is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the US Department of Transportation. Study boundaries stretch from 17th Avenue to the north, Mississippi Avenue to the south, Sheridan Boulevard to the west, and Speer/Broadway/Lincoln to the east.
The study, targeted for completion by summer 2012, has two phases:
1) Assess current RTD facilities and services, and concentrate on how those services could be adjusted to better connect the west side to light rail transit.
2) Identify priority infrastructure improvements that are needed around transit stops to better connect pedestrian and other modes of transportation to RTD facilities and services.
The study team needs to hear from you! Please take this 5 minute survey online or at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WSTES. Forward it to your friends and neighbors electronically, as a printed PDF, or as a link on your newsletter or list serve. The materials are available in several languages. All surveys should be completed and returned no later than November 21, 2011.
If you have any questions or if you would like to request an in-person visit please contact Kyle.Dalton@DenverGov.org or visit www.DenverGov.org/WestSideTransit. |
Homemade for the Holidays Craft Fair & Bake Sale
Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Washington Street Community Center
809 S. Washington St. (at Ohio Avenue)
Get your holiday shopping done early with unique handmade gifts from local artisans! 20 local vendors will fill the Community Center with handmade hats, jewelry, knitted and crocheted items, tote bags, quilts, Christmas tree ornaments, home accessories, and much more. Munch on homemade goodies while you shop. Proceeds from the bake sale directly benefit Senior Programs at WSCC. |
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Attention Seniors: Need Help with Leaf Raking? Snow Shoveling? Small Home Repairs?
The "Safety of Seniors Handy Man Program" at Volunteers of America helps limited income seniors age 60 and older. The cost of materials depends on client eligibility but the cost of labor is always free. Call 303-297-0408 to learn more. |
Fall Back - Sunday, November 6
Daylight savings time comes to an end Sunday morning, November 6, at 2 a.m. Don't forget to set back your clocks! |
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