Meeting Seconds
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Feb. 6 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is Thursday, March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m., 2823 Fairfax St.
District 2 Police Report
Officer Reyes Trujillo reported that, during the month of January the following crimes occurred in District 2: Eight burglaries; nine simple assaults; five aggravated assaults; four street robberies; two stolen cars; two criminal mischiefs to vehicles; and two sex assaults. In addition, 15 speeding tickets and 43 other traffic citations were issued. The non-emergency dispatch number for District 2 is 720-913-2000. Residents are reminded to reserve the 911 number for emergencies and crimes in progress.
A Little Help Update
Executive Director Paul Ramsey provided an update on the group’s efforts to organize in Park Hill. A Little Help is designed to connect neighbors, and encourage volunteers to help out older residents with chores, errands and maintenance to empower them to live in their homes independently. A Little Help is modeled after the Village-to-Village network, which began in Boston’s Beacon Hill. Information can be found at alittlehelp.org and in the news story about A Little Help in Park Hill in the January issue of GPHN: http://greaterparkhill.org/2014/01/02/a-little-help-in-park-hill/
Legislative Update: Rep. Beth McCann
District 8 State Rep. Beth McCann outlined several bills she is sponsoring and working on this session. One addresses mental health and substance abuse, and is designed to consolidate processes and make it easier for people who need help. Abuse of prescription pain medications is currently a major problem in Colorado, as is a lack of long-term care psychiatric units. Another bill would prohibit lenders from foreclosing while parties are in loan modification negotiations. Another would set up a council to address human trafficking. In Colorado, young people in particular have been vulnerable to forced prostitution and forced labor. McCann is also working on bills to improve pediatric dental health benefits, prohibit tobacco sales to people under 21 years old, seek funding options for education and continue flood and wildfire recovery efforts. McCann can be reached at beth@bethmccann.org
Residents Seeking Zoning Variance
Rebecca Miller and Jim McKinney apprised the community of their so-far unsuccessful efforts to secure a zoning variance. Primarily for security reasons, the couple wants to move the steps and enclose the porch of their home at 2303 Bellaire St. The city has approved moving the steps, but not the porch enclosure. The couple is seeking to secure support from the GPHC to appeal the decision.
Locust/Monaco Power Lines
Park Hill resident Gully Stanford presented information about Xcel’s recent installation of two-story high power lines in the alley between Monaco and Locust between 25th and 26th streets. The affected property owners would like to have those lines buried. The Greater Park Hill Community agreed to write a letter to the City of Denver and Xcel requesting them to work in good faith with the neighbors to resolve the situation.
City Loop Update
Board members Dave Felice and Louis Plachowski have agreed to serve as Park Hill representatives to participate in the ongoing City Loop review process. The City Loop project – initially a $5 million regional activity and play area in City Park – was temporarily put on hold amid the protests of surrounding neighbors. The city has agreed to work with the neighbors moving forward.
Committee Chair & Community Updates
Education Committee Chair Lynn Kalinauskas reported that Northfield High School in Stapleton is scheduled to open in 2015. The new school is likely to impact enrollment at other nearby DPS high schools, including George Washington and Manual.
Building Committee Chair Louis Plachowski reports he is getting estimates for roofing and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at the GPHC building at 2823 Fairfax St.
Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly reported that, following Dave Felice’s February GPHN article about planned changes to the city’s zoning code, two planned amendments were redacted for further public input. One amendment addresses minimum open space requirements for general development plans, and the other addresses appeals of final decisions on general development plan applications.
Executive Director Report
Executive Director Robyn Fishman reported that the GPHC is pursuing a pilot program that continues to promote fresh produce donations to the Food Pantry.