INC PARC met Feb. 16 2016 at 6 p.m. at Brookdale, 2020 S. Monroe St.  Present were:  co-chairs Maggie Price and Cindy Johnstone; Diana Helper, Kathleen and Jay Rust, Ronnie Crawford, Ray Ehrenstein, James Sample, Marlene Johnson, Katie and Steve Fisher, Greg Sorenson, Kathleen Wells, Sonia John, Brad Cameron, Louis Plachowski, George Mayl, John Joseph Niemann, Kim Morse, Jim Considine,  Paul Brown, Mary Sharp, Darcy Wilson, Nancy Francis, guest speaker Happy Haynes, DPR Executive Director

Cindy explained the primary reasons for Ms. Haynes’ visit: to tell of DPR plans for the year, her priorities and the rework of DPR Game Plan 2003.  Katie reported PRAB issues: there may be a PRAB public meeting on storm water drainage plans in regards to the I-70 construction, Colorado Blvd to York ; they will study DPR budget items and express their own priorities for particular allocations.  Jay, a PRAB member, said more budget review is needed.  Nancy reported on a Red Rocks meeting regarding Landmarking and boundaries.  Currently the meetings are not open but are being discussed with many City employees and two Councilwomen.  We believe there is a need to follow an open process in the discussion of the boundaries and designation of landmark status by the City.  Nancy with the support of the co chairs wrote a  response asking for open meetings in discussing Red Rocks.   The co chairs invited the  Greenway Foundation to speak to PARC about the Platte River plan and it was declined.  Brad said that the Park Designation committee is hopeful of moving along with more designations, round seven.  Ronnie reported on access areas which were flooded along the S. Platte River.

Discussion of the “two basin” issue regarding drainage plans for City Park Golf Course or the Cole neighborhood:  Cindy and Maggie sent a letter to the Mayor requesting a “pause and invite representatives of Denver’s RNOs and INC to the planning table to ensure that all possible facts and solutions are presented and explored and that the decisions are in the best interest of Denver’s neighborhood.”   An email was sent by Jennifer Hillhouse, project manager that there had been a stakeholder group formed with a third meeting scheduled Feb. 17.  Louis said a comparison of costs indicated the City Park Golf site would be much less costly.  The topic of I-70 project, “the ditch,” Stock Show area, and other needed drainage sites was discussed.  Kim said neighborhoods are working together, and she will go to the Feb. 17 meeting.  Mary said the public needs much more education on what this entire issue is all about.  Many questions remain.  The decision is up to the Mayor alone.

Ms. Haynes arrived at 7:15 p.m. She began with  the major DPR projects : the Carla Madison Rec Center and the Two Basins.  After delays for lack of funding, the Rec.Center is now underway, only $1 million over budget, so several original amenities have been deleted (the track) or put on hold (climbing wall, roof terrace, which have the structure in place to be added later—a fund drive is in place with possible naming rights ).  Due to open in spring 2017.  Two Basins storm detention and flood protection project must take care of the “Outfall” from all East Denver.  It is part of the Citywide Storm Drainage Master Plan.  This discussion began last July, with goal of narrowing options by January, a decision is now changed to “at least the end of March.”  In-depth neighborhood meetings, tours of similar facilities, posting meetings and info on a website will help citizens’ understanding.  PARC asked questions of budget, technical effort to reserve water on site, Public Works project backlog, which could not be answered at this time.

Ms. Haynes said she agrees that residents, neighborhoods, need to be included in decision making of city matters, but we will still be brought in after preliminary planning has been made because “you have to start somewhere,”  PARC reiterated its belief that the public needs to be included in earliest stages.  Regarding the re-doing of city master plans and the DPR Game Plan 2003, Ms Haynes said the city needs to decide on its “standard for coordination with the community.”  There are teams, advisory groups, all need to be inter-related.  Cindy expressed INC’s position that Neighborhoods need to be “at the table” for city plans early on. Jim Considine shared his support and belief that residents need to be included early in the planning.

PARC extended its thanks to Ms. Haynes, and the meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.  Next meeting: March 15.
–Diana Helper, PARC member