Colfax Business District Eyes Improvements
Projects Include Pedestrian Crosswalk & Improved Lighting Along Corridor
Special to the GPHN
With $10,000 in pledged support from Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., the Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District is pursuing the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk at Colfax and Fairfax Street.
The crosswalk, which would include better lighting than currently exists, is part of a nine-month streetscape planning process completed in December. The Business Improvement District is working to implement two projects this year and next along Colfax, which is Park Hill’s southernmost border. In addition to the crosswalk, the BID is working on a plan to install bike racks and improve the lighting at Colfax and Krameria.
“The final plan recommends a set of modest improvements designed to support local identity while making it easier and safer for people to get around the district,” said Hilarie Portell, executive director of the BID, in a news release. “The plan includes more pedestrian lighting, street trees and bike racks. Some sidewalks would be repaired and bulb-outs added to lighted intersections. Public art is recommended at key locations.“
Capital improvements will need to be publicly financed, but the BID can assemble some private funding and assume long-term maintenance responsibility. “We are working with the other three Colfax BIDs to propose streetscape improvements along the corridor for the next neighborhood bond issue,” said Portell.
The BID is requesting 2017 City Capital Improvements Project funding for the pedestrian crossing at Colfax and Fairfax. This stretch of Colfax is lined by neighborhood businesses on both sides, but there is no lighted intersection for several blocks in either direction. Motorists often speed, and up to 50 pedestrians per hour (during peak summer evenings) are running across the street. There have been two high-speed car collisions this area in the last 12 months.
“This situation is of concern to all stakeholders, including neighbors, business owners and the police,” Portell said. “We need to address it. But, we’re competing with many priority projects around town.”
The project has strong support from the Park Hill, Mayfair and East Montclair neighborhoods. In January, the Greater Park Hill Community Inc. board of directors pledged $10,000 toward costs. The Business Improvement District has committed $40,000 plus $14,500 in staff time toward the project. Other funding requests are also pending. The total project, with two pedestrian crossing signals, is estimated at $772,000.
“Colfax is a vital part of our community, but it’s been neglected for too long,” said Tracey MacDermott, GPHC board president. “We have an opportunity with this project to improve safety, attract new businesses and strengthen neighborhood sustainability.”
The second project will be to seek grant funding for a bicycle rack or corral this spring at Krameria Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax, in conjunction has with a signed bike route being installed by Denver Public Works. This is part of a north-south bike route in Denver Moves, the city’s bicycle plan. The BID is also exploring how to re-light about 15 older pedestrian street lamps in this area.
“A Mayfair neighbor called to ask why these lights were dark at night,” said Portell. “We may be able to get them back on.” This would improve safety at night, especially for people walking to and from the bus stop on Colfax and Krameria.
Little things add up, said Portell. “We are a small organization with limited resources, so we need to be creative, leveraging different funding sources and working with our community stakeholders. We are extremely grateful for neighborhood support and are doing our best to strengthen the area for everyone.”
Portell urges Park Hill residents to contact their city councilman, Chris Herndon, to express support. He can be reached at at 720-337-3888 or Christopher.herndon@denvergov.org. Neighbors south of Colfax can contact Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman at 303.337.5555 or Marybeth.susman@denvergov.org.
More about the streetscape plan and projects is at www.colfaxmayfairbid.com under “Streetscape Project.” Residents are also encouraged to register for a monthly e-newsletter on the website and to like the Colfax BID on Facebook.