Meeting Seconds
District 2 Police Report
Officer Reyes Trujillo reported that in North Park Hill in the previous month there were 10 burglaries, eight simple assaults, four thefts from motor vehicles, five reports of criminal mischief and one auto theft. In South Park Hill there were four simple assaults, nine thefts from motor vehicles, three reports of criminal mischief and one business robbery. Officer Trujillo noted that between Colorado Boulevard to Holly Street and 26th Avenue to Montview Boulevard there have been 13 burglaries that followed the same pattern: One or more persons first knock on front doors and if there is no answer, kick in the back door and take laptops, tablets, iPODs, etc. Officer Trujillo also wanted to remind Park Hill residents that the Colfax Marathon is May 19 – which means that people will not be able to cross to the south side of Colfax for much of the day. Additional information is at www.runcolfax.org.
City Loop Update
Parks Committee Chair Dave Felice noted that the Loop project is officially dead for City Park. Denver officials have announced they plan to find another city park to locate the regional attraction.
4th of July Parade Update
Parade organizer Justin Bresler noted the parade route runs along 23rd Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Kearney Street. Organizers are currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and participants, as well as suggestions on how to make the parade better. The parade website is Parkhillparade.org and Bresler’s contact is 303-918-6517.
Denver Auditor Update
Samantha Padilla Scheitler, a representative of Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher, noted that Gallagher is term limited and the position will be up for election this fall. More information, including audit reports for various Denver city departments, is online at denvergov.org/auditor.
Treehouse on Clermont
Carrie Hirsch, of 2505 Clermont St., asked for support for the treehouse at their home. The treehouse has been there for more than 40 years. Hirsch said after they moved into the house they made some alterations/repairs to the treehouse, and were issued an Order to Cease and Desist by Neighborhood Inspection Services. The GPHC board unanimously voted to write a letter of support for the Hirsch’s to keep their treehouse.
Committee Chair & Community Updates
Louis Plachowski, Chair of the Building Committee, reported that GPHC has applied for an OED grant for four exterior building mounted lights.
Gete Mekonnen, Chair of the Community Planning Committee, reported that he, along with LeAnn Anderson and Bernadette Kelly, met with Crissy Fanganello, the director of policy and planning for Denver Public Works, to talk about transportation issues. Fanganello indicated she will look into concerns over dramatic increases in traffic in Park Hill and report back to GPHC.
Lynn Kalinauskas, Chair of the Education Committee, recommended that GPHC write a letter to Denver Public Schools asking the district to honor the promise to keep all of Park Hill in the boundary for East High School. The motion passed unanimously.
Kate Sultan provided an update on the Park Hill Home Tour. The committee is waiting for the Broncos schedule to be completed before setting the date for this year’s Home Tour. People who are interested in being part of the home tour should contact the committee.
Bernadette Kelly provided a report from the Property Use Committee, including an update on the property at 1546 Grape St. An Order to Cease and Desist has been issued for the property owner to remove a mini-house/trailer that had been built in the back yard.
Ryan Hunter provided an update on the GPHC Neighborhood Grants Proposal. He is working with GPHC Treasurer Tracey MacDermott to allocate a budget for the grant program, with $10,000 proposed for the first year. The monies will not come out of operating expenses, but should be from the GPHC cash reserves.
Executive Director Update
Robyn Fishman has submitted her resignation as Executive Director, effective April 17. GPHC has posted notice seeking a new Executive Director. It is a part-time position; hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The job description is posted on the GPHC website, at greaterparkhill.org. Volunteers will work in the office until a new Executive Director is hired. The Food Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.