Talk Of The Neighborhood
Compiled by Cara DeGette, Editor, GPHN
The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Jan. 3 Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. monthly meeting. The next community meeting is Thursday, Feb. 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. The March meeting will be Thursday, March 7 beginning at 6:30. The meetings are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Neighborhood Traffic Update
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. board member Blair Taylor provided an update on traffic and congestion in the neighborhood, as well as on the East Area Plan being coordinated by the Denver planning department. A newly acquired grant designed to promote safety for children as they travel to and from school will provide 1⁄2-mile of new sidewalks, six new curb cuts and a crosswalk island in Park Hill. In addition, Taylor is pursuing a comprehensive traffic study, as Park Hill has become a pass-through for people traveling from Stapleton, Lowry, and other neighborhoods to the east, north and south. Taylor announced a community meeting in January to collect feedback on several issues: transportation and mobility, safety, housing, and parks and open space. The feedback will be submitted to the city as its developing what it calls the “East Area Plan,” a master plan that includes the south portion of Greater Park Hill, along with the Montclair, Hale and East Colfax neighborhoods.
3411 Albion Townhomes
GPHC, Inc. board member LaMone Noles provided an update on the rezoning application for a new townhome project at 3411 Albion St. The Denver Planning Commission voted in December to recommend approval of the zoning change. The property is currently a church, and many neighbors oppose the upscale project for several reasons, most notably because of a lack of affordability. The project was scheduled for a public hearing before going to the City Council for a vote at the end of January.
George Mayl Says VOTE!!!
George Mayl, president of Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), provided lively and enthusiastic remarks, including a reminder to get involved in the upcoming municipal election. The INC is a consortium of registered neighborhood organizations in Denver, including GPHC, Inc. Mayl noted that the mayoral and city council races will be decided on May 7, Election Day. Several candidates have emerged to challenge incumbent Mayor Michael B. Hancock, as well as the incumbent City Councilman who currently represents Park Hill, Chris Herndon. “Get out there and vote – I don’t care who you vote for but vote!” Mayl said. “The only way this city is going to change is through the ballot box and that’s all I’m going to say.”
Upcoming Candidates Forum
At the request of several GPHC board and community members, GPHC, Inc. leaders committed to sponsoring a candidates forum before the May election. Several candidates for District 8 were in attendance and agreed to participate, including Miguel Ceballos-Ruiz, LaMone Noles, Erik Penn, Blair Taylor, and incumbent Chris Herndon. Candidate Q&As were published in the January issue of the newspaper, and can be read at greaterparkhill.org. Additional election coverage and information will be in the March, April and May issues of the newspaper.
Understanding The World
Gergana Kostadinova, manager of professional and youth exchange programs, provided an overview of WorldDenver. The organization is designed to help people gain a deeper understanding of world affairs and cultures. WorldDenver sponsors many programs, including speakers’ series and international visitor exchange programs and homestays for youth and young adults. WorldDinners allow people to host international visitors for dinners. Kostadinova urged people to learn more by checking out worlddenver.org.
Boomers Leading Change
Lynette Reiling, who is with the group Boomers Leading Change, presented an overview of the organization. Boomers Leading Change is designed to “mobilize, connect and empower adults 50-plus to utilize your skills, passion and energy to create positive, lasting social change.” Volunteers partner with several other groups who provide services, including “A Little Help,” which helps older people who want to age at home, as well as groups who provide cooking and nutrition classes for people on limited budgets and who provide crime and trauma prevention. For more info, check out boomersleadingchange.org
Executive Director’s Report
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Board Chair Tracey MacDermott provided a brief update on several programs sponsored by the registered neighborhood organization. In 2018, the food bank provided provisions to 720 people (260 households). The weekend food program, which provides meals to students attending several neighborhood elementary schools and the Vickers Boys & Girls Club, serves approximately 100 students every week. That number continues to increase. If you would like to donate needed items, check out page 16 for specific requests.