District 5 News

Spring Parks Clean Up Day

Spring Parks Clean Up Day is Sunday, April 21 from 8:30 to 11 AM. The parks that will receive attention this spring are:

• 6th Avenue Parkway (Monaco to Quebec)
• Bayaud Park
• Cherry Creek Trail (University Blvd to Alameda Ave)
• City of Karmiel Park
• Denison Park
• Great Lawn Park
• John W Barnes Park
• Kittredge Park
• Lindsley Park
• Mayfair Park
• Montclair Park & Richthofen Parkway
• Robinson Park

We had amazing turn-out in 2023, and I hope you will join us this year as well! Your help keeps our parks beautiful.

Annual Survey Results Are In!

We're excited to share the results of our Annual Survey, and we want to express our gratitude for the overwhelming response! This year we witnessed a 30% surge in overall responses with a total of 1911 residents participating, and a notable 33% increase in responses considered for analysis compared to 2022. Crime and Safety was the primary concern voiced by residents, followed by issues related to traffic/mobility infrastructure, and homelessness. We sincerely appreciate the diverse participation from all corners of D5. Your input is invaluable as we work towards addressing the community's most pressing issues.

Moving Forward:

Our office is committed to keeping you informed as we embark on initiatives aimed at tackling these concerns. Stay tuned for updates on projects designed to enhance safety, improve traffic conditions, and address homelessness in our district. View the Full Results Here.

Get Involved:

Feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions, suggestions, or if there's anything we can assist you with. We value your engagement and are here to serve the residents of District 5.

Thank you once again for your active involvement in shaping the future of our community!

Near South East Area Plan Implementation

Join us to learn more about implementing the Near Southeast Area Plan recommendations through rezoning! Over 2022 and 2023, community members shared their vision for pedestrian-friendly centers and corridors with active ground-floor commercial uses. Now, it is time to bring that vision to life.

Come join us for a Community Open House:

When? Tuesday April 23 from 5:30 to 7 P.M. 

Where? Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr, Denver

• Learn about the rezoning proposal for Near Southeast
• Share your feedback and talk with a planner one-on-one

Mayfair Park Update

Denver Parks and Recreation is happy to announce that the design is underway to improve the drainage in the playground. DPR anticipates having construction begin on these essential improvements in the late spring to be open by early summer.

As you are aware, the park has been fenced off since the existing drainage system (installed in 2012 with the playground construction) failed. During the heavy rains in 2023, the entire playground was filled with water and would not properly drain out. The drainage system is being improved to ensure that it flows properly so the playground does not fill with water again.

Thanks for your patience over the last year as DPR worked to find a way to fund this emergency need.

Crestmoor Park Playground Redesign Update

Crestmoor Park improvements are being funded by the RISE Denver Bond and the City Wide Accessibility Capital Funds. The second phase of improvements at Crestmoor Park will primarily focus on replacing the existing playground, which requires frequent and often costly repairs. The secondary focus will aim to provide better accessibility to the playground and other amenities throughout the park.

General Schedule

• Public Outreach: Winter/Spring 2024
• Design: Spring 2024
• Construction Start: Spring 2025
• Project Complete: Spring 2026

Learn more about this project on the project website or sign up for project updates here. Crestmoor Park’s community survey ends April 15. 

Online Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CrestmoorPark.

La encuesta en español.

George Washington High School’s Patriot Pairs Program is in need of Mentors

GWHS’s Patriot Pairs program is in need of mentors who would like to support a GWHS student with their high school career! Mentors will meet with their mentee every Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00am in the GWHS Library. Breakfast will be provided. If you cannot volunteer, but would like to donate to this amazing program, please scan the QR code on this FLYER. Additionally, Patriot Pairs is currently rebuilding and is in need of board members to support the program. If you would like to be a board member for Patriot Pairs, please complete the application, also available through the QR code in this FLYER. Questions? Contact Jasmine Locks. 

The Cherry Creek Neighborhood Survey

This an important opportunity to help shape the future of the Cherry Creek neighborhood. We’ve put together a survey that, with your help, will identify both the strengths and the gaps in locals services in Cherry Creek. 

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and is designed with an easy-to-follow format. 

Your voice is crucial in helping us to advocate for the most positive vision of Cherry Creek. Please take a moment to share your thoughts through this survey. Thank you for being an proactive member of the District 5 community. 

East Park Lowry Neighborhood Safety Check-In

Since July 2019, your Council Office has been working hard to improve neighborhood safety in Lowry East Park by hosting neighborhood safety check-in meetings every six months. These meetings have included stakeholders from the Denver Police Department, Lowry Community Master Association, Lowry United Neighborhoods, and residents.

If this is your first meeting feel free to peruse the previous four meetings' minutes, presentations, and videos here.

Please join us for our next meeting on April 9 on Zoom or Facebook Live! You can register now by clicking the button to the left or following the instructions below!

Head to bit.ly/EastParkLowryApril9

Exposition Traffic Study

Our office is working with the Winston Downs Community Association, residents, and Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to improve Exposition Avenue from Leetsdale Drive to Quebec Street including the Monaco Parkway & Leetsdale Drive intersection. This study will identify opportunities to calm traffic on Exposition Avenue and to improve crossings for people walking and biking.

Our Survey closes March 31st! We hope you will take some time to fill it out.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on February 27th at 6:00pm for a virtual kick-off public meeting. Please mark your calendars for May 21, 2024 where we will hold our virtual data-collection meeting.

Starting Phases 3 and 7 of Denver Water’s Pipe Replacement Project on East Colfax Avenue

Denver Water crews are replacing over 5 miles of 130-year-old pipeline in advance of the upcoming East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, which is being led by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

When: Next week, Denver Water will begin work on phases three and seven of the pipe replacement project along the East Colfax Avenue corridor. The entire project should be complete by the end of 2024. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and may be altered to accommodate major events in Denver.

Where: Two crews will be working simultaneously along East Colfax Avenue.

• Phase three: East Colfax Avenue between York and Cook streets.
• Phase seven: East Colfax Avenue between Quebec and Xenia streets.

Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Commuters should expect delays in this area. For more information or to sign up to receive updates, we encourage folks to visit denverwater.org/Colfax. Denver Water and RTD are coordinating to minimize impacts to bus routes throughout the project.

Water outages will be necessary on this project. Crews will provide a notice with the date and time of the planned water outage on the front door of your property at least 24 hours in advance of the planned water outage. While unlikely, emergency water shut-offs may also occur. Visit denverwater.org/Outage for more information.

Working hours are typically Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Some night or weekend work may be required.

Denver Water Vault Replacement Project in Montclair

Attention Montclair Residents!

On February 12 Denver water began an essential vault replacement project within the Montclair neighborhood. Vaults, serving as critical underground structures, are poised for enhancement to facilitate Denver Water crews in promptly accessing water pipelines. This upgrade enables precise control of water pressure, seamless relay of information, and necessary adjustments.

Location: Poplar Street between East 12th and East 13th avenues.

Anticipated Impacts:

Before Work Commences:

• No Parking" signs will precede the project, necessitating alternative parking arrangements during working hours.
• Crews will judiciously store equipment and materials in close proximity to the worksite.
• Sandbags will be strategically placed on curb grates to mitigate the ingress of mud and debris into storm drains.

During Construction:

• Poplar Street will observe a complete closure to through traffic (East 12th to East 13th), with property access advised through the alley, where feasible.
• Work hours are typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the possibility of occasional night or weekend operations.
• While no planned water outages are expected, the potential for emergency water shut-offs, though unlikely, cannot be entirely ruled out.

Post-Completion:

• Temporary repairs to roads and sidewalks will be instituted until the comprehensive restoration, with potential winter delays due to inclement weather.
• Landscaping restoration is typically executed between April and October, possibly extending into the subsequent planting season.

Denver Water appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this essential infrastructure improvement initiative.

Get involved with the Alameda Avenue Corridor Study

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is leading a study of Alameda Avenue in partnership with the City and County of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Glendale, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The goal is to develop a shared vision for the corridor from Wadsworth Blvd., in Lakewood to the R-Line in Aurora. 

The study aims to improve mobility and safety for all users and plan for future transit investments, while still preserving the character of the corridor. The study will identify mobility and safety issues and result in recommendations for transportation improvements that will enhance the corridor – making it safer and more accessible for all road users.

DRCOG is currently collecting feedback to understand community concerns with safety, mobility or other transportation along the Alameda Corridor. You can learn more about the study, provide feedback about your experiences along Alameda, and sign up for a focus group discussion on the project website at: https://engage.drcog.org/alameda-avenue-study

Jackson Street Storm Drain Project Next Section Coming Soon!

As a result of the excellent progress made over the past few months, the next section of the project—the full closure of E. 13th Ave. from Colorado Blvd. to the west side of the Albion and E. 13th Ave. intersection to accommodate the pipeline—will now start in late May, 2024, continuing into August, 2024. The Jackson team had originally anticipated that this closure would go into effect in August / September, 2024, so we are ahead of schedule. They expect the 13th closure to last approximately three months.

The Jackson team will be contacting those in the immediate area, but wanted to give you advance notice. As they get closer to finalizing the new detour routes and traffic patterns, they will share that information with you.

The Jackson team is also in the process of planning a mini-virtual information meeting with their project manager—to take place in April—for affected RNOs, HOAs and District 5. We will keep you posted on that as well.

In 2020, DOTI began work on a project that will include installing larger storm sewer pipe to better manage and improve flood mitigation during heavy rainstorms. The second phase of the project extends from the intersection of Jackson St and 14th Ave, across Colorado Blvd and south to the intersection of 13th Ave and Colorado Blvd. The project started last month and will last through January 2025.

Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday in 2024! Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhoods safer!

Community Spotlight

Logan Fry

After nearly five years working for Councilwoman Sawyer and the folks of District 5, today is my last day. I have been deeply honored and thankful to have served the incredible community of District 5. Since joining Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer's office in July 2019, my time serving you all has been an incredibly enriching journey filled with diligence, fun, and successes. I'm so proud to have served as a bridge between constituents and the Council, and I am grateful for the work and effort you all have contributed to the effective functioning of our community. I strove to create a welcoming atmosphere and provide insights on city issues, and the relationships built are some of the strongest and most amazing of my life. It has been a privilege to go above and beyond to ensure the success and satisfaction of the wonderful people of District 5. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and be a part of this thriving community.



Small Business Spotlight

Frank & Roze

We believe in offering the world’s most extraordinary coffees, sourced from small farms throughout the coffee belt, then roasted and hand crafted to perfection just for you.

Our chef driven menu was created to bring you insanely fresh, delicious, nutritious and crave-worthy food - scratch made, and served at your tempo. All day long. You can count on gracious and unparalleled hospitality in a setting with stunning design, music, and an energy generated by our baristas that invites you to linger and find energy & inspiration.

Our mission is to enrich the lives of everyone we have the privilege of serving, and we work hard to make your day a little bit brighter.

Thank you being an amazing business for all of the residents in the district!

Upcoming Rezonings

If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please review the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Sign-up for public comment at a hearing begins 45 minutes prior to the Committee’s scheduled start time and ends 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Click here for information about how to participate virtually.

There are currently eight open re-zonings requests in District 5. 

• 1401 Fairfax St was filed on Feb 16, 2023. The Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 653 N Marion St. was filed on Nov 16, 2023. Came to LUTI on January 16, 2024
• 6750 E Exposition Ave was filed on Nov 22, 2023. Coming to Planning Board on Feb 21, 2024. Coming to LUTI March 19
• Multiple properties in the Hale Statistical Neighborhood was filed on Nov 20, 2023. The Planning Board hearing was on January 17, 2024. Came to LUTI on February 6. Council hearing has not yet been set
• 365 S Kearney was filed on Oct 9, 2023. The Planning Board hearing was on February 7, 2024. Coming to LUTI on Feb 20, 2024. Coming to City Council April 1
• 101 N Adams St. was filed on February 8, 2023. Planning Board hearing is TBD
• 735 N Race Street was filed on December 14, 2023. Planning Board hearing is Feb 21, 2024. Coming to LUTI on March 19.
• 1055 N Clermont St. was filed on March 12, 2024. Planning Board hearing is TBD

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

March 18

• 548 S Perry St
• 3446 S Patton Way*
• 4675 E Iliff Ave*

March 26

• D4 Park Renaming - Courtesy

April 1

• 365 S Kearney St*
• 4862 W 13th Ave

April 8

• University Park Historic District
• 2323 E Dakota Ave Landmark Designation
• Multiple properties in the Hale Neighborhood

April 15

• 4438 W 10th Ave

Citywide News

18 or Younger Speakers at General Public Comment

Denver City Council holds a General Public Comment from 5:00-5:30pm every Monday night when we have a Council Meeting. The public can speak on any topic for 3 minutes. We would like to pilot a new opportunity to hear from young residents of this city, many of whom you know and work with on a daily basis. 

We will be adding a Check Box on the sign up page to indicate the speaker is “18 or younger” in age. Those speakers will be prioritized to speak first on the First Monday of each month. In the 30 minute session we can usually hear about 10 residents. 

1. Think about a problem or concern in your community that you feel passionate about or that affects you directly. What would you like to tell city council about how this impacts you and what solutions you might have to address the issue?
2. Think about issues that are within the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the city council. What is the issue most important to you and what should city council know about this issue? What suggestions do you have to address this issue?
3. What do you want city council to know about what it is like to be you growing up in Denver? What ideas do you have that can make our city better for you, your peers, your family?

How do we sign up?

Link to the Sign Up Page

When do we sign up?

Sign up opens at 11:00am on Friday before the Monday General Public Comment Session. So for Monday March 4^th at 5:00 – you can begin to sign up at 11:00am on Friday March 1^st.

How do we join the meeting after we sign up?

• You can attend in person in City Council Chambers, 1437 Bannock, 4^th floor
• You can join the meeting via Zoom – everyone who signs up will receive a zoom link

What else do I need to know?

Link to the General Public Comment Information Page

Denver Water's Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Heed these tips to avoid expensive and wasteful water leaks this winter.

Before cold weather hits:

• Learn the location of your home’s water shut-off valve. If a pipe breaks, you’ll need to shut off the water to your house to minimize damage. In most single-family homes, the valve is in the basement or crawl space, on a wall facing the street.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off the water.
• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold, such as those along exterior walls and in unheated basements.

During a deep freeze: 

• Keep open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as access doors for sinks), so that household air can warm them.
• If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut. Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space, leaving it vulnerable to winter's worst.
• Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your water enters the house. A very slow drip will keep water molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved for other household uses.
• Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days.

If you think a pipe is frozen, don’t wait for nature to take its course:

• Thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a plumber for help.
• If you thaw it yourself, shut off the water or test the shut-off valve. You don’t want water suddenly gushing from the pipe when it thaws.
• When thawing, slower is better. Pipes warmed too fast may break. A hair dryer pointed at the frozen area of the pipe is appropriate. A blow torch is not.

DPD's Safety and Transparency Dashboard

We are thrilled to introduce DPD's new interactive dashboard, designed to provide you with a deeper insight into public safety in Denver. This is an extension of the Department of Public Safety's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. With this innovative tool, you'll have access to timely information regarding disciplinary actions and incidents throughout our city. It's the first step in our journey toward sharing more data and dashboards on various topics that matter to you.

DPD believes in building trust and fostering a better understanding between our department and the community we serve. We look forward to your engagement with this new resource and to sharing more valuable insights with you in the near future.

Stay tuned for additional dashboards covering a wide range of topics, all aimed at making Denver a safer and more informed place to live.

Apply to be a Snow Angel!

The Snow Angels program is an initiative of the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships that is aimed to assist residents in Denver in need of assistance shoveling their front sidewalks during the cold winter months. This is a volunteer service created to avoid fines for non-compliance of clearing pedestrian walkways in front of homes.

Eligible applicants include the following:

• Must be a Denver City & County resident
• Residents or older adults physically unable to shovel
• Neighbors living with a disability
• Financially unable to pay for a service

If you reside outside the City and County of Denver and need assistance, please call 211.

The Snow Angels program does not:

• Remove snow in driveways or front steps
• Remove down trees/branches on front walks



Rent and Utility Assistance Available

Are you struggling to pay your rent or utilities? Are you worried about staying in your home? You’re not alone and it’s not your fault— one in three households in Denver is paying more than a third of their income toward housing. The Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program is reopening applications in a new online portal beginning Jan. 2, 2024. Visit denvergov.org/RentHelp to learn more.

We also provide FREE tenant/landlord counseling and eviction legal assistance. Visit denvergov.org/EvictionHelp for more information about eviction legal clinics

RTD's ZERO FARE for Youth

FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2024, YOUTH 19 AND UNDER CAN JUST HOP ON BOARD

RTD is excited to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits at no cost. Zero Fare for Youth is a one-year pilot program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. By inviting youth ages 19 and under to ride the bus and train at no cost, we also remove barriers to education and employment, while creating access to destinations across the metro Denver region. If you’re new to our system, check out RTD's How to Ride video.

What Do I Need to Show When I Ride?

To ride at no cost as part of this program, you must be prepared to show one of the following to the bus operator or fare inspector: current school ID, valid government-issued ID, alien registration/permanent resident card, Military ID/dependent card with DOB, RTD-issued youth special discount card.

The DA's March Scam Spotter

Let's dive into the latest scam spotter tips:

It's tax time! I'm certain most of you have either heard of or received the fake IRS call where the scammer says that you have not paid your back taxes. It's easy to recognize a scam when reading about it, but scammers are professionals who have all the time in the world to convince you otherwise.

You can be vigilant and alert to scams while still enjoying a great vacation. Here are some tips to use as you search for the perfect vacation:

1. Steer clear of any ad or booking site that pushes you into "buy now" for fear the deal will expire.
2. If you will stay in a private home, check public records to verify ownership, and ensure the rental /home exists and is for rent. 
3. It's a red flag if the owner can't answer basic questions about the property, or local attractions.
4. Be wary of third-party websites. and double-check the website URL before you enter payment information to make sure the site is secure.
5. Always use a credit card for payment, and never wire money. Fraudulent charges on a credit card can usually be disputed.

Community Events & Meetings

CCEA Annual Meeting

Learn more about volunteering, the CCEA annual meeting and upcoming election: https://www.cherrycreekeast.org/contact-us/

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Free Days at the DAM

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Sunday, March 24, 2024



Every visitor receives FREE general admission to the Denver Art Museum from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Delve into the ways artists engage their imaginations and exercise your own creativity in the brand new Dream Studio, and find inspiration in dozens of exhibitions including the new exhibitions Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today, Fazal Sheikh: Thirst | Exposure | In Place, and Weaving a Foundation: Cornerstones of the Textile Arts Collection.

ST. PATTY'S DAY CELEBRATION AT PRIME IV

Friday, March 15 | 3p-6p

Champagne, free B-12 injections and savor delicious brats on the grill! Come celebrate our Anniversary in Cherry Creek with food, champagne and FUN.

2024 Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 16, 2024

Presented by Bellco Credit Union

Parade Starts at 9:30am

Be There Early!

LUN Town Hall: Let’s Talk Traffic 

Tuesday, April 16, 7– 8:30 p.m. 

Please join us to hear Molly Lanphier, Community Designer, from the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) talk about:

Transportation 101: How decisions get made at DOTI.”

Molly’s presentation will help us gain an understanding of design standards, an overview of how design decisions are made, and the tools our community has at our disposal to make improvements.

Registered Neighborhood Organizations

Denver is a unique city in promoting greater citizen involvement through organized neighborhood associations. Currently, there are 78 statistical neighborhoods represented by more than 200 registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Homeowner Associations (HOAs).

In its defined geographic area, an RNO will normally address neighborhood quality of life issues - such as traffic, development and zoning, crime, communication and licensing, and promote social activities to enhance residential spirit, developing a sense of community, and encourage resident participation. RNOs meet regularly and many send out newsletters to keep residents informed on neighborhood issues and events.

Get more involved in your community by joining your Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO). Below is a list of Council District 5 community organizations. You can also find out which RNO you belong to by entering your address or selecting a location on the map.

• Bellevue-Hale Neighborhood Association
• Cherry Creek East Association
• Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association
• Country Club Historic Neighborhood Inc.
• Crestmoor Park (2nd Filing) Homes Association
• Crestmoor Park Neighborhood Association
• Driving Park Historic District
• Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Hilltop Heritage Association
• Historic Montclair Community Association, Inc.
• Lowry Community Master Association
• Lowry United Neighborhoods
• Mayfair Neighbors, Inc.
• Mayfair Park Neighborhood Association
• Park Forest Homeowners Association
• Preservation of Residential South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Rangeview Neighborhood Association
• Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association
• South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association

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