INC PARC met March 17 at 6 p.m. at 2020 S. Monroe, Brookdale UPark.  This was a combined meeting with members of INC ZAP (Zoning And Planning).  Present were co-chairs Maggie Price and Katie Fisher, Steve Fisher, Kathleen Wells, Brad Cameron, Don Tressler, Cindy Johnstone, Sonia John, Linda Dowlen, Nancy Francis, Bart Berger, Greg Kerwin, Katie McCrimmon, Myles Tangalin, Ann Elizabeth Auscolo, and Diana Helper.

Katie reported on the recent PRAB meeting, where the Zoo Master Plan was shown, citizens thanked for advising that Park perimeters are important to consider, INC reps on Designation committee thanked for assistance (designation work continues), concern about zoned city land long thought to be DPR’s, changes coming in DPR rules/regulations.   Agreement that PRAB does not represent citizens as was its original intent, suggestion PARC study the matter and write a letter to City Council.

Katie McCrimmon presented update on Crestmoor Park, where neighbors wish to stop the development of a 120-unit apartment complex on the edge of the park.  Concerns: traffic, parking, and lack of open space for the apartment residents, as the park is already “activated.”   The RNO is ineligible for a Small Area Plan because it is “stable,” yet a SAP is needed to show such a development is not wanted.  Coucilwoman Susman is supporting neighbors.  PARC received info on how to help protect Crestmoor Park.

Ann Elizabeth spoke about Globeville-Elyria-Swansea wishing to keep neighborhood fabric intact with  local amenities for recreation, shopping, parks, etc. rather than have to go to “regional centers” outside the near neighborhoods.   A map of city owned properties is needed.   These factors apply to most neighborhoods, where a balance of building and open space is needed to preserve good quality of life for citizens.   Suggest residents near parks should have a voice in up-zoning on (or in) park.

Myles spoke about Mountain Parks as regional assets to our neighborhoods, yet separate from the Parks Dept.   They do not have City Council representatives.   (PARC’s platform is only for urban parks.)

PARC and ZAP concluded a slate of issues needs to be developed and a study of specific current problem sites described related to these issues.   Places mentioned included City Park, Washington Park, Ruby Hill, Crestmoor, Sloan’s Lake, the neighborhoods surrounding the Stock Show redevelopment.

Kathleen moved that “The Parks and Zoning committees, in collaboration with the INC Executive Committee, appoint a committee to examine the problems associated with parks and zoning with the city, propose solutions, and suggest political actions for consideration by the INC.” Cindy seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Nancy stated she has heard that the Office of Special Events is doing “data collection.”

Brad reported he attended the Denver Downtown Parks Advisory committee, which gave little time for citizen input, but perhaps the next meeting will be more fruitful.

Sonia and Cindy spoke of a Tree Diversity Conference and Sonia will present on this topic next time.

DPR staff members have said they will come to PARC’s April 21 meeting.   Everyone felt that PARC and ZAP need to continue to work together to help the city create a balance of development of structures and much needed open space.

— Diana Helper, PARC member

A PDF of these minutes can be found here