New Builds Should Be Neighbor-Friendly

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to two articles that appeared in the November issue of the newspaper. The first was titled, “Effort Underway to Create Historic Landmark District” in Park Hill. The second, titled “One Woman’s Appeal Against Historic Designation,” was in opposition to the effort.

I can see the truth in both sides.

Having lived on a block with three scrape offs in the past three years, it is clear to me that the existing neighbors of these new builds are not considered in the planning, construction and impacts on their lives that these new buildings bring to our neighborhood.

The existing residents are not included in the process of design or implementation of the builds. A neighbor-unfriendly process ignores the impact on us … whether it be the window placements, outdoor grill placement, proximity of the new site to the existing home, blocking of sun or creation of deep shade areas and the noise impact with the building process and the design that may or may not impact the existing homes around the new build.

There is a two-pronged impact: that of the design and the building process. As existing homeowners we have no input on the design. The build is a noisy intrusive dirty one-year process next to established homes. The long-term impact is living with a design that is not neighbor friendly – a long-lasting impact that is intrusive in the sacredness of the existing living space.

For these two reasons – design and long-term impact on existing neighbors-I am for a formation of a design review committee in Park Hill. This committee would consider the desires of both the new and existing neighbors, the build itself and the impact it brings for both parties. The committee would forward comments on to the city planning office, which approves or disapproves of the plans before the build starts. This joint process is community building.

The rights of both homeowners need to be considered.

New structures may meet all the zoning codes of Denver, however, this does not guarantee the end result is civil. Neighbor-friendly new structures in an existing neighborhood builds community and respect. The sacredness of established homes are as important as building dream homes. New construction in existing neighborhoods must consider the impact on existing neighbors. A design review board is one way to accomplish this and build community.

Peg Meagher, Park Hill

Editor’s Note: The original stories on historic designation can be read at greaterparkhill. org. We love your letters, and give preference to those that address an issue that has been covered in the newspaper. 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.