Brookdale University Park

The June meeting of the Denver Inter Neighborhood Cooperation was called to order at: 9:04am

by President George Mayl.

Lisa Weber, Sales Counselor with Brookdale University Park, welcomed the members of INC. She said that INC is always welcome to hold meetings at their location.

May Delegate Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Bridget Walsh, seconded by Katie Fisher to approve the May 12, 2018 Delegate Meeting minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.

District 6 Update – Councilman Paul Kashmann spoke about the major development proposal at the former CDOT property along Colorado Blvd at Arkansas, the planned expansion of the University of Denver to include a hotel, and the several residential scraps now happening in Virginia Village. He emphasized how important neighborhood activists like INC help keep Denver residents aware of city issues.

Denver Mayor’s Office – Jill Thiare, the new Special Events manager for the City will strive to better notify neighborhoods of upcoming events that will impact the community.

Reminder to Vote
President George Mayl reminded the group that voting in the primaries, the general election and for City officials next spring is the best way to ensure support for issues important to neighborhoods.

COMMITTEE Reports

Parks and Recreation Committee: Maggie Price, Co-Chair
– Monthly meeting on June 19 at 6pm (Brookdale). Previous month hosted representative from proposed Highline Canal renovation which runs for 70 miles through the center of Denver. Dan Goldhamer of CSU Extension Office will give a presentation on drought at upcoming meeting..

OLD Business

City Boards

Several Denver Boards and Commissions are seeking volunteers members. President Mayl encouraged attendees to apply and take a seat at the table of these important decision making bodies. Information at Denvergov.org/boardsandcommissions.

INC Bylaws – a specially appointed committee has updated the Bylaws. They will be presented for Board approval this week. If approved by the board a copy will be sent to all delegates in preparation for a delegate approval vote at the July Delegate Meeting.

Topic: Around the City

Inspiration Point – looking forward to the $2.2M improvements to the Inspiration Point Park

Highlands – Ernie Dietrich introduced himself as their new delegate. Many restaurants are getting green certification to reduce food waste.

Alamo Placita – No neighborhood news. Reminded all that INC is part of the Denver Decides broadcast for the general election on October 6^th and that many voter initiatives on the ballot.

Uptown – Judy Trompeter introduced herself as a new delegate invited all to the August 25 Uptown Sampler.

Capitol Hill – City testing a method to slow traffic on 13^th Ave using the traffic calming plan that inserts small happenings along the street. This will be a test of how to deal with the proposed increased traffic on 13^th and 14^th once Colfax has a permanent trolley lane.

University Park – DU continuing to grow along Asbury and High Streets

Green Valley Ranch – and Montbello developing a neighborhood plan to compliment the expansion of DIA that will include build out of all DIA property none of which will be residential.

Baker – (Adrian) Baker Blooms event is today, an example how the neighborhood, city and Denver Health worked together to install a flower garden and welcome entry way as a Good Neighbor Project.

(Loretta) Alley clean-up project. City provided trash containers. K-Mart building gone, projected build out will increase neighborhood by 40%. Loss of the bank at Archer/Broadway will eliminate 80 parking places currently used by local restaurants and other businesses. City installed rainbow crosswalk.

West Washington Park – Mark Kelley introduced himself as a new delegate.

Lower Downtown – also Lauren Mattingly’s first meeting. Concerned with future of Larimer Square, purchased by Urban Village who want to repurpose/upgrade several buildings. The Historical Society set guiding principals.

Congress Park – the active green team will give a bike clinic. Working to preserve historic landmarks as they are seeing more scrapes.

Virginia Village – Kate introduced herself as a new attendee from the neighborhood. The former CDOT property on Colorado and Arkansas to be redeveloped by KENTRO does not have much neighborhood support.

Winston Downs – Fairmont’s liquor license had 55% opposition so the recommendation was to deny. Summer Friday Out Front weekly social gatherings at various locations builds community involvement.

Curtis Park – will celebrate 100 years of Mephisto Park, Denver’s oldest on August 11^th. Also had alley clean-up project. Joshua had two ballot initiatives to improve local food health that delegates could sign

West Washington Park – very concerned about possible expansion of alcohol in parks. Annual Home & Garden tour is September 8^th.

Washington Park – adopt a tree project to reduce decay of trees. Also clearing Eugene Field Library patio.

Harkness Heights – Big drop in property crimes with Neighborhood Watch – “nosey neighbors looking out for each other”. With HUNI doing design overlay to preserve the design of the neighborhoods.

University Park – Two walking trails. Food Truck Party on second Thursday’s at Fitzroy Building. Come to our July 4^th parade.

Rosedale Harvard Gulch – hosted a pot-luck last Friday that had several young families attending.

Globeville – conducting air quality monitoring along Vasquez and traffic calming bulb-out at 26^th and Emerson.

Golden Triangle – success with Good Neighboring plan. Tony’s empty location could get cabaret license.

College View – Catalyst Group dropped plan for Loretto Heights property. Will have a joint meeting with Ruby Hill to discuss Levitt Pavilion events that could help neighborhoods.

New Business

Grace Lopez with Mayor’s Office reminds neighborhoods that during Denver Days August 4-12 fees are waived to host a block party. Keep Denver Beautiful will provide trash collection too.

Electric scooters are available to rent but are not allowed on sidewalks or paved walkways in parks. The City was not notified that they would be coming to Denver.

2019 INC Awards Banquet will be January 30 at the Holiday Inn, Colo Blvd and Cherry Creek Drive. The Theme will be Neighborhoods. Jane Potts said Silent Auction items will represent Denver neighborhoods.

Ernie Diedrich( Highland United Neighbors, HUNI) stepped up to assume the duties of INC Secretary. Executive committee had a quorum that voted unanimously and was approved by the Delegates

Presentation: Park Alcohol Proposed Changes

Fred Weiss and Laura Morales with Denver Parks & Rec –

Their office conducted an online voluntary survey regarding the proposed alcohol policy changes that would go into effect for the year 2019 as a trial period. The report will be presented to the public on June 10.

The policy and FAQ are on denvergov.org/alcoholpolicy.

The new policy would allow special event permits at all parks for consumption of beer, wine and alcohol.

Concerns were: the survey may not have included a true representation of residents; the shortage of police and park rangers needed for this new policy; greater need for bathrooms now would be expanded with this new policy.

When people are being unlawful residents should call 311 or 911 so the issue is logged. This information will be used to review the result of these proposed changes.

Meeting adjourned at 11:20am

Submitted by: Jane Potts