Talk of the Neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of items that were discussed during the March 5 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next GPHN meeting is on Thursday, May 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Greater Park Hill Community Room at 2823 Fairfax St. It is free and open to the public.
District 2 Police Report
Officer Reyes Trujllo reported several crimes that occurred in Park Hill during the month of March. Twelve house burglaries were reported. There were 10 cars reported stolen south of 28th Avenue, and another six reported stolen north of 28th Avenue. Many of those, Trujillo noted, were “puffer” cars – or cars whose owners had turned on and then left unattended. There were six reports of criminal mischief to cars on the north side of 28th Avenue, and four reported on the south side of 28th. Trujillo also provided an update on a groper that accosted a middle school student as she was walking home, at 19th and Kearney. The girl escaped injury when she ran to a neighboring home. The suspect is described as male, 18 to 24 years old, approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall. He’s 140 to 150 pounds with short, dark hair and thick dark eyebrows. Police are trying to determine if it is the same man responsible for a string of groping incidents in Park Hill, City Park and other surrounding neighborhoods. Since Jan. 5, seven women have reported being groped, including a woman jogging in City Park.
Short-Term Rental Update Featuring Mary Beth Susman
Denver Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman provided an update on the task force she heads that is addressing an increase in short-term rentals in Denver, which is generally considered part of an increase in the “sharing economy.” Many people rent their homes or rooms in their homes to tenants via websites like AirB&B, CraigsList and VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner). It is currently a violation of the Denver zoning code to rent to people for less than 30 days, however Denver does not have the ability to effectively monitor and cite property owners who are in violation. Some people rent out rooms to help them make their mortgages, but others are buying up apartment houses and renting them out as short-term rentals, which negatively impact the availability long-term rental housing. That trend has occurred in many cities, though it is not believed to be widespread in Denver. Susman said the task force is researching possible solutions, including requiring a permit, license or registration for short-term rentals, and ensuring safety codes are met and neighborhoods are protected.
Legislative Update Featuring Beth McCann
State Representative Beth McCann presented an update to the legislative session, currently underway in Colorado. The session began the second week in January and lasts through the second week in May. This year Republicans control the state Senate, while the House of Representatives is Democratic-controlled. That means that there is more collaboration and compromise this year than in recent years past, McCann said. It also means the many proposed bills are not getting passed. McCann described several bills of importance, including those that address workforce development and on-the-job training, construction defects and tightening penalties for DUIs. McCann is also working on a bill requiring better labeling for marijuana edibles, and has focused on healthcare and juvenile justice-related bills. McCann can be reached at beth@bethmccann.com
Executive Director Update
GPHC Executive Director Rebecca Born noted that GPHC is sponsoring several upcoming forums to address access to health foods and food justice. The first was held in March at the Boys and Girls Club at 33rd and Holly Street. Upcoming forums will be held at the campus of the University of Colorado at Denver on April 10, and another in Park Hill on May 20 or June 2. At the GPHC office, building chair and board member Louis Plachowski recently fixed a big crack in the wall. The wheelchair access to the Bike Depot next door is also being fixed, and there are plans to rebuild the greenhouse in the garden behind the office. Born has ordered 32 plants that will be planted as part of a memorial garden to honor longtime Park Hill resident and activist Marge Gilbert, who passed away last year. The garden will include a plaque and dedication, and the flowers will be purple – Marge’s favorite.
GPHC Education Update
Board member and education chair Lynn Kalinauskas reported that students throughout Colorado were in the midst of mandatory PARCC standardized testing. A much higher percentage of parents are opting out than in the past, she noted. Denver Public Schools is pushing back hard on parents who want to opt their children out of taking the tests.
Home Tour & Street Fair Update
Home Tour organizer Nina Kuhl reported that last year’s Home Tour & Street Fair, held every September, raised $48,000. The goal this year is to match that amount. Last year’s event drew 4,000 people, and 100 venders participated in the Street Fair. There were five homes plus the historic Smiley School Campus on last year’s tour. Kuhl said that the committee has already secured four homeowners willing to participate this year, and they are hoping to have three additional homes in this year’s home tour. The date of the Sunday event will not be decided until the Broncos release their schedule, as organizers select a “bye” date to maximize attendance. Kuhl urged everyone to volunteer for the event, which is the largest fundraiser of the year for Greater Park Hill Community. Additional information can be found at parkhillstreetfair.com.
Northeast Community Co-op Market Update
Thomas Spahr, Chair of the Northeast Community Co-op Market Board of Directors, provided an update on the progress of a co-op market that is planned for northeast Denver. Organizers are in the fundraising stage for a 2,000 square foot cooperative grocery store for the Stapleton/Park Hill neighborhoods, site to be determined. Spahr noted that while there are similar co-ops in cities all over the country, there are currently none in Denver. It will take $2.5 million to open the doors, assuming they can find a suitable building to lease. More information about the co-op can be found at www.northeastco-op.org