Talk of the Neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of items that were discussed during the April 2 GPHC monthly meeting. The next GPHN meeting is on Thursday, May 7 beginning at 6:30 pm, at the GPHC Room at 2823 Fairfax St. It is free and open to the public.
District 2 Police Report
Officer Reyes Trujllo reported on numerous crimes that occurred in Park Hill during the month of March. In Park Hill north of 28th Avenue, 13 simple assaults occurred, as well as eight aggravated assaults, seven auto thefts and five burglaries. Trujillo advised neighbors to close their garage doors to avoid thefts. South of 28th Avenue, two businesses were robbed, one street robbery occurred and eight burglaries occurred. Trujillo highlighted the need to incorporate additional neighborhood watch groups to curb criminal activity. Also on the south side of 28th Avenue, nine auto thefts and one aggravated assault were reported. One high-profile incident involved a woman who was hit over the head at the Walmart in Stapleton, and two men stole her tax refund. Both suspects have been arrested. Trujillo said that gang activity in Park Hill has increased, and police are responding aggressively.
Renovation at 2030 Cherry St.
Property owner and longtime Park Hill resident Gary Held provided a detailed description of major renovation plans he has for 2030 Cherry St. and says he is working to make sure the renovations fit the character of the neighborhood. The home is a 103-year old Craftsman and he and his family are seeking a variance to add an addition to the house, pergola and a deck, as well as a new garage and retaining wall. Held said he has met with the neighbors most immediately affected by the proposed variance, and they are in support of the plan. Bernadette Kelly, the zoning chair for GPHC, Inc. noted the board’s general position would be to not oppose, as long as the impacted neighbors are supportive of the project. However, the board would need to discuss before it could take a formal vote on whether to oppose, support, or remain neutral on the project.
Update From Councilman Christopher Herndon
Denver City Councilman Christopher Herndon presented information about a program that he founded. Called Northeast Denver Leadership Week (NDLW), the program is June 15-19 this year, and offers high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to connect with civic and industry leaders throughout Denver. The program’s goal is to grow the next generation of leaders by educating students about careers in leadership and inspiring and motivating them to pursue such roles in their own careers. Programming consists of a weeklong series of site visits and personal meetings with leaders who are finding success and driving change in Denver. It is free for all participants, and lunch is provided each day. The application deadline for this year’s program was April 19, but students who are interested in future programs can check out northeastdenverleadershipweek.org for more information.
City Parks Update
Denver Parks Deputy Manager Scott Gilmore presented an update on the Dustin Redd playground at City Park, as well as a possible small park at 29th and Fairfax. Last year the City of Denver pulled the plug on a $5 million regional City Loop at the site of the existing playground amid protests from surrounding neighbors, including many in Park Hill. The project is now going forward at Paco Sanchez Park in West Denver. Meanwhile, the Dustin Redd playground is in need of numerous improvements. Slides and swings have been repaired and replaced, but Gilmore estimates a full renovation of the playground will cost between $1.5 and $2 million.
Ten percent of that cost will be for design work, which will need to be completed first. Once designed, funding will need to be secured to make the additional improvements.
Gilmore also provided an update on the city’s Central Denver Recreation Center, at Colfax and Josephine. Groundbreaking for the new recreation center is slated for this fall, and is scheduled to be open in first quarter of 2016.
Gilmore also provided an update on the Fairfax Substation at 29th and Fairfax Street, which is being decommissioned. Gilmore said Xcel Energy contacted him to gauge interest in whether the city is interested in purchasing it for a small park. “I looked at it and I am on board,” Gilmore said. “If I can get parkland in this neighborhood I’m all for it.” Gilmore emphasized the need to ensure a park in that location would not become a magnet for troublemakers or drug users. He envisions it could be a great site for a small dog park.
Rebecca Born Report
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Executive Director Rebecca Born reported that the Vickers Boys and Girls Club at 33rd and Holly Street is looking for volunteers. They are looking for general volunteers, as well as help in the cafeteria, working with kids on homework and in the computer lab. “There are all kinds of openings, mostly in the early evening and after school time period,” Born said. If you are interested, contact Jason at Vickers Boys and Girls Club, 303-321-0340 or email him at jason @bgcmd.org.
Born noted that volunteers are also needed to help out with numerous projects, including those that would require only an hour or two at the GPHC, Inc. office, at 2823 Fairfax. Inc. Contact her at 303-388-0918 or email director@greaterparkhill.org.
GPHC, Inc.’s next Food Justice Forum is scheduled for May 20 at Montview Presbyterian Church, at 1980 Dahlia St. to discuss access to healthy food in Greater Park Hill and surrounding areas. Dinner, Spanish interpretation and child care will provided without cost.
Please RSVP to director@greaterparkhill.org or 303-388-0918 by May 10, and let her know the number and ages of children if you need childcare.
Education Chair Update
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Education Chair Lynn Kalinauskas provided an update on current issues and controversies related to education. For a complete report, read her “Education Update” column beginning on page 5 of this issue.