Letters to the Editor

Some Concerns About Fairfax

I have been following the articles in the Greater Park Hill News concerning the proposed re-development of property at Fairfax between 28th and 29th streets. Thank you for covering this situation and for bringing these “quiet” developments into the light of day.

I was not able to attend the Feb. 2 neighborhood meeting to comment on this project. I understand that neighbors have very real concerns about this proposed development. Based on what I have read in the GPHN, I would like to add a concern I have: the housing and commercial density of the proposed development is far greater than the density we have traditionally seen in the almost 100 year history of Park Hill.

This increased density is inconsistent with Park Hill and such density may have negative impacts on our neighborhood such as increased traffic volume beyond what our residential streets are designed to safely handle. Therefore, this proposed development raises some serious concerns for me.

Thank you for this opportunity to add my concern to those voiced at the Feb. 2 meeting.

Rick Larson, Park Hill

Preserve Equity And Diversity

I want to thank GPHC, Councilmember Chris Herndon, and developer HM Capital for offering more information about the Fairfax development at our February community meeting.

I am in favor of the proposed development. The project will improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; provide open space; and add much-needed inventory to the housing market. I especially liked envisioning Fairfax as a community gathering space for all of Park Hill.

However, there are two deficiencies that may hinder the Fairfax development from fulfilling that vision. First, I am concerned that the Fairfax development will displace existing minority-owned businesses. Business ownership is an important means of building wealth, which has the power to reduce race/ethnic inequality.  It is important that we ensure these businesses stay on Fairfax to retain the equity and diversity of our community—defining features of our community’s pioneering civil rights history.

In addition, I believe it is important that we use this development to offer more opportunities for other minority- and woman-owned businesses to locate on the block. I am in favor of local organizations and city leaders working together to develop a minority- and woman-owned business incubator in one of the new retail or office spaces. The incubator could be a place where minority- and woman-owned businesses hold meetings; produce, sell, and ship their goods; or participate in one-on-one business assistance training and mentoring.

Secondly, I am concerned that the Fairfax development will contribute to neighborhood gentrification. North Park Hill has long been known for its race/ethnic and class diversity. However, the composition of the neighborhood is changing, because housing construction citywide has not kept pace with migration.

One way to address the possibility that this development will contribute to neighborhood gentrification is to consider community members input in development decisions. HM Capital can engage with the neighborhood to ensure that the Fairfax development is viewed by new and longstanding residents of North Park Hill as addressing important community needs. I am in favor of a community visioning meeting to produce a list of neighborhood priorities that could be given preference in leasing decisions.

By ensuring that all our community’s businesses are included in the wealth generating potential of this new development and the community is given a seat at the development table, the Fairfax development can become an inclusive gathering space that will unite our changing neighborhood.

James Davis, Park Hill

Editor’s note: An update on the Fairfax Street development plans is on page 7.

No Surprise On Herndon

I read with interest your articles on the proposed redevelopment at 28th and Fairfax. What surprised me was that Greater Park Hill Community leadership was surprised that Councilman Chris Herndon did no outreach to the community although he was aware of the development as far back as last March. Obviously, people have not been observing our local council representative at work over the past five years. What is apparent, since he ran unopposed in 2015, is he does not feel he has any need to inform his constituency. Perhaps a review of his recent performance would clarify his feelings towards Denver residents. Let’s cite some examples:

• The St. Anthony’s rezoning in 2015 where the developer requested a shift of high-rise zoning adjacent to 17th Avenue in west Denver. This was passed despite the neighborhood plan that took three years to develop precluding high-rise development north of 16th Avenue. Councilman Herndon voted in favor of the change against neighborhood desires.

• The Crestmoor Neighborhood rezoning south of Park Hill, where high-density development was proposed in a single-family neighborhood identified in Blueprint Denver as an area of stability. Despite overwhelming neighborhood opposition and a “no” vote from local Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman, it was passed 8 to 4. Councilman Herndon voted in favor, against his colleague who represented that neighborhood.

• The proposed wastewater fee increase that tripled rates for all homeowners in the past 11 years. As council president, Herndon presided over the “courtesy” public hearing on this issue. Despite over 50 people signing up to speak, Herndon stopped the hearing precisely at the one hour limit, after only 18 speakers were permitted to address council. Naturally, the fee increase passed 8 to 3, with Councilman Herndon voting in favor.

I could continue with examples but I think you get the drift. Councilman Herndon rarely commits his position publicly in advance. It is only at Council meetings that his position becomes known, usually against neighborhood interests but definitely in favor of the mayor and his campaign contributors’ interests. It seems that it might be time for the neighborhood to reach out to our councilman to let him know that this continued failure to represent neighborhood interests will no longer be tolerated.

Dennis Royer, Park Hill

Hate Is A Very Strong Word

We just returned from vacation to learn that hate must reside in our home, apparently because we didn’t vote properly in November. Do you non-haters realize how hateful your message is? No, I didn’t vote for Hillary. As an active Republican, I worked against her. Two young men in a car tore my Trump yard sign out of my front yard, ripped it and left it in the street. I chased after them and got a finger and a curse in response. That looked a little like hate to me, but I didn’t hate them. Hate is a very strong word. It’s not a synonym for disagree. Hate doesn’t live in our house. Respect does.

Barry Brandt, Park Hill

Editor’s Note: We love your letters, and give preference to those that address an issue that has been covered in the newspaper, or a topic that is Park Hill or Denver-specific. Send letters to editor@greaterparkhill.org, and include your full name, and the neighborhood in which you live. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue. Past issues can be read at greaterparkhill.org.