Talk of the Neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the March 2 Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. monthly meeting. The next community meeting is Thursday, April 6 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. In February, a rash of burglaries were reported throughout the district, including several “smash ‘n’ grabs” on the business block of Oneida and 23rd Avenue. Avandaño also reminded people that DPD is migrating its communications to its official Facebook page for information citywide. Beginning in May, items will no longer be posted on the NextDoor social media site. In addition, Avandaño recommended people use the pocketgov tool to report graffiti. District 2 has paint available in several colors if people want to paint over graffiti on their property. 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 are in progress. Follow the Denver Police Department on Twitter @DenverPolice.
Executive Director Update
GPHC, Inc. Executive Director Sierra Fleenor reported that in February, 109 people from 40 households were served via the Food Pantry. The weekend food program provides meals to 163 students from Smith and Roots elementary schools, and the Boys & Girls Club. Fleenor urged neighbors to check in for regular updates on the GPHC Facebook page, at gphcdenver.
Northeast Leadership Program Update
Amanda Schoultz, aide to city Councilman Chris Herndon, provided an update on Northeast Denver Leadership Week, a yearly program for high school students from diverse backgrounds. The program provides students the opportunity to connect with civic and industry leaders throughout Denver. This year’s program is June 12-16, and 100 students are expected to participate. The deadline has passed for applying this year. The website for the program is northeastdenverleadershipweek.org
Update From Councilwoman Kniech
Denver City Councilwoman Robin Kniech provided updates on several issues she is working on. Kniech, one of two at-large council representatives elected to represent all of Denver, recently moved to Park Hill with her family. She has recently been working on the city’s affordable housing initiative designed to prevent eviction, homelessness and to build affordable housing. Kniech fielded several questions and comments from community members and GPHC board members, including whether the city’s liquor license approval process is flawed, and recent reports of problems related to companies that are paid to conduct polling of residents on behalf of relocating businesses. Residents can contact Kniech at 720-337-7712 or by email at kniechatlarge@denvergov.org.
5280 High School
Linda Brown and Melissa Mouton provided an update on a charter school they are helping to found. Called 5280, the high school will utilize an approach called “project-based learning” to engage students in a project where they learn and use math, science, writing, etc. The program puts an emphasis on a hands-on and collaborative classroom experience, and includes programs designed to provide support for students who experience depression, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addiction. coloradogives.org/5280highschool
Nourish Community Co-op Update
Anneli Berube, outreach coordinator for Nourish Community Market, provided an update on the food co-op project that’s been in the works for northeast Denver. The co-op will be in the in new Westerly Creek development at the border of Denver and Aurora, at 2352 Dallas St. The co-op is envisioned as a one-stop grocery store for quality, locally sourced food. Organizers are still working toward a goal of having 1,000 member-owners. More information is at nourish.coop.
Celebrating Ice Cream & Jerry Endsley
City Park Alliance Chairman Greg Davis delivered a passionate pitch for the board of GPHC, Inc. to support a petition to name the bandshell in City Park in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Endsley. The cornet soloist and trumpet pedagogue was the longtime director of the Denver Municipal Band – the oldest municipal band in the country. Endsley, an East High graduate, joined the municipal band in 1966 and was director from 1995 until his death in 2015. The GPHC board passed a motion to support naming the bandshell for Endsley, with 15 ayes, 0 nayes, and 1 abstention. (For more on Endsley, as well as the upcoming June 1 Ice Cream Social in City Park, check out page 7 in this issue.)
