Resolution Opposing The Fairfax Street Land Swap
Editor’s Note: The following resolution was formally adopted on Nov. 2 by the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., with 14 voting in favor, one member opposed, and one abstaining.
Whereas Park Hill is a neighborhood that cherishes its livability and its diversity, providing open arms to new neighbors of all races, income levels, and faiths. Denver is growing by 1,100 people every month, and Park Hill, like most neighborhoods, is facing pressures of increased density, including access to parks;
and Whereas Denver’s Designated parks are protected by the City Charter, and Denver Parks and Recreation has established a policy which also defines a category of park called a Dedicated park, which is not protected by the City Charter;
and Whereas the City & County of Denver acquired a parcel at 2885 Fairfax Street (address attached on masonry wall of subject property, the Legal description: Park Hill Annex B10 L42 to 46) from Xcel Energy in 2015 for $50,000, with the stated intention of developing a neighborhood park, including identifying the parcel on the list of candidates for Designation;
and Whereas the City now proposes to trade the Fairfax parcel for an equal-size parcel with HM Capital in the middle of its mixed use commercial development along the east side of the entire block (2800-2900 Fairfax);
and Whereas the City and HM Capital negotiated this arrangement without informing Park Hill residents, nor have they engaged local community members in defining what they want in a neighborhood park;
and Whereas Greater Park Hill Community is committed to including all of our neighbors, especially the near neighbors in the North Park Hill neighborhood affected by this proposal;
and Whereas the proposed land swap must be approved by City Council, and Park Hill’s Council Representative is Chris Herndon;
It is Resolved by Greater Park Hill Community that we request the City to work cooperatively with our Fairfax neighborhood to:
• Keep the former Xcel property that is already owned by the City and County of Denver. That is, don’t swap parcels with HM Capital, the developer
of Park Hill Commons on the east side.
• Demonstrate the city’s commitment to a pocket park in this neighborhood by designating the former Xcel property proactively, i.e. right away, before the park is developed, thereby ensuring this valuable property is safe from commercial exploitation.
• Demonstrate the city’s commitment to creative cooperation with neighborhoods by engaging in a collaborative process with the Park Hill community to develop a pocket park on the former Xcel property. Together let’s show good faith with Park Hill’s citizens to design, develop, and fund the park, exploiting the volunteer talent, expertise, and labor available within our community.