talk of the neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Jan. 5 Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. monthly meeting. The next community meeting is Thursday, Feb. 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. It is free and open to the public, and everyone is welcome.
District 2 Police Report
Sgt. Gerry Fuller reported that burglaries, mainly garage burglaries, continue to be a problem district-wide. The majority of these crimes occur when people leave their garage doors unlocked or open and suspects happen by and help themselves to tools, bicycles, camping equipment and other items. Sgt. Fuller encouraged people to keep their garage doors closed and locked. Businesses citywide have also been victim to late-night smash ‘n’ grabs, in which suspects break in and take cash registers. There has also been a problem with package thefts, in which people steal packages from porches. That problem has subsided now that the holidays are over. Sgt. Fuller also reported that the latest crime statistics show that District 2 has led the city in the reduction of crimes occurring overall. People are encouraged to report any suspicious activity at the non-emergency dispatch number, 720-913-2000, and to reserve 9-1-1 calls for crimes that in progress. Follow the Denver Police Department on Twitter @DenverPolice.
Zoning Variance At 1901 Krameria
The owners of the 1930 Tudor at 1901 Krameria made a presentation about their efforts to secure a zoning variance to replace their existing back patio with a new patio. Homeowner Tamra Ward described the old patio as a cement pad covered with a plastic corrugated roof. She hopes to replace it with wood frame/asphalt shingle and new flagstone pavers. The City of Denver initially denied the variance as the proposed patio is slightly larger than the old patio. Ward is planning to appeal the ruling, and said she met with five neighbors who have a sight line to the patio and all are supportive of her plan. “It greatly improves the space and is more consistent with historical character and features of the home than corrugated plastic,” she said. The GPHC board voted to support the zoning variance, with 15 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 member abstaining.
Bardenay On Kearney Discussion
A group of neighbors living near the planned Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery on the business block of 23rd and Kearney has organized and met several times to discuss a proposed Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) between Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. and Kevin Settles, the owner of Bardenay, which he plans to open this year. Many in attendance detailed concerns over the impact of the bar and restaurant on the neighborhood. Mr. Settles has obtained a liquor license and permit for a 236-seat restaurant, in the former Tower Theater space. Neighbors are concerned about increased traffic, parking, potential hazardous waste, fumes, size and hours of operation, as well as negative impacts it would have on other businesses on the block. They have set up a website, at livelovedenver.com. Specifically, they want Settles to formally agree to lessen the impact of the business, including by reducing the size of the restaurant/bar, limiting the hours of operation and providing off-street parking. Their efforts to engage Mr. Settles have so far been unsuccessful, they said. They cited several other Park Hill restaurants and bars that have entered into GNAs, including Station 26 Brewery, the Cherry Tomato and Bistro Barbes. The GPHC board voted to support a letter asking Settles to engage with the neighbors and consider a Good Neighbor Agreement, with 13 members voting in support, and three voting against.
* Note: Plans for the restaurant/distillery can be read in the October, 2016 issue of the newspaper, online at greaterparkhill.org/2016/10/may-bardenay-time/