Talk of the Neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Feb. 2 Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. monthly meeting. The next community meeting is Thursday, March. 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
Denver Police Community Resource Officer Sharon Avandaño provided an update on crime and safety-related issues in Park Hill. Overall, crime has decreased 18 percent districtwide from last year. Traffic enforcement has been out, including one sting that netted 36 citations at 36th Avenue and Birch Street in north Park Hill. Avandaño also reported the police department is migrating its communications to its official Facebook website, and will no longer be posting items on the NextDoor social media site. People should check the DPD Facebook page for information citywide. In addition, Avandaño recommended people use the pocketgov tool to report graffiti. 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.
Free Radon Testing Available
Patricia Iwasaki of the group Taking Neighborhood Health to Heart discussed an environmental justice campaign on radon testing that has been launched. Neighborhoods include Park Hill, Stapleton, Montclair, and East Aurora. The Spring 2017 Indoor Air Quality Project will test for radon and volatile organic compounds, The organization plans to sign up 40 residences across the neighborhoods targeted to be tested, which takes about 30 minutes. The testing is free, and if
radon is above acceptable levels, there is funding for mitigation
systems for those who qualify via Denver Urban Renewal Authority. If you are interested in having your home tested, contact david.pfotenhauer@colorado.edu.
28th & Fairfax Redevelopment
Developer Ben Maxwell of HM Capital provided an overview of the project he has planned for the east side of the business block of Fairfax Street, between 28th and 29th Avenues. Details of the redevelopment project were first reported in the November, 2016 issue of the Greater Park Hill News, and can be read at greaterparkhill.org.
The project, initially called “Fairfax Square,” is now being called “Park Hill Commons.” Last year HM Capital purchased all of the properties on the east side of the street. Maxwell says the plan is to build 21 two-story townhomes on the south end of Fairfax (it is not yet determined whether they will be sold or be rentals). Twenty-two residential “micro-units” will be built at the north end of Fairfax. They will be 375 square-feet and rent for less than $1,000/month. The project also includes a total of 10,000 square feet for small office suites, 6,200 square feet for retail, 8,500 square feet of restaurants, and between 75 and 125 new parking spaces.
Maxwell said he is working with Denver officials, including Councilman Chris Herndon and Parks & Recreation officials, on what he hopes will be a land swap. Specifically, Maxwell wants to swap the former Xcel substation property on the west side of Fairfax, which now belongs to the city and was planned for a small park. Instead, he wants to build a park on the east side of the street and incorporate it into his development, with restaurants facing the park. The park will be designed and maintained by the developer, and open to the public. Scott Gilmore, deputy director of Parks & Recreation, said the swap would be an exact 15,600 square-foot for 15,600 square-foot swap. Gilmore said he is pleased by the prospect, as the city currently has no money to develop the former substation into a park. The developer would take the former Xcel property as well as the CrossFit gym property (the old gas station) on the west side of the street and make it into a surface parking lot.
Park Hill residents in attendance at the packed meeting had many questions and comments about the project. The east side of the block has been run-down for several years, and several attendees said they welcomed the improvements and looked forward to shopping and eating there. Several raised questions about parking, and inquired about efforts to encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit. Others asked the developer to avoid gentrification, preserve the integrity of the diverse neighborhood, consider including incorporating at least one low-income housing unit, and to not have the project replicate projects being built in the Stapleton and Highland neighborhoods.
Maxwell said he hopes the project will be completed within 24 months. Note: Stay tuned, as The Greater Park Hill News will continue its coverage on this development project over the next several months.
Executive Director Update
GPHC, Inc. Executive Director Sierra Fleenor reported that in January, 149 people from 50 households were served via the Food Pantry. Of those, 19 percent were seniors and children. Fleenor urged neighbors to check in for regular updates on the GPHC Facebook page, at gphcdenver.