Congress Park Summer 2016 www.CongressParkNeighbors.org News Inside New Owner, New Possibilities at 3015 E. Colfax Volunteers Needed 2 By Wendy Moraskie Colfax – Preserving 3 Character he All Inn Motel at 3015 E. Colfax, Toerber is scheduling meetings with archi- Tellerpalooza 4 Trecent home of the shuttered RockBar, tects, contractors, commercial brokers and Rocks Again has been purchased by Inspire Investment adjacent neighborhood associations to deter- Group and is slated for redevelopment. IIG mine what gaps the site can fill successfully. Teller Steps Up 5 Green Efforts is finishing construction on the Detroit Ter- He expects to break ground in 2017. races apartment building just two blocks west Congress Park Earth 6 Day Festival of the All Inn site. During planning and construction, Toerber intends to make the parking lot available to Sustainability in 7 Congress Park As an immediate neighbor to Congress Park, local businesses through rental agreements. the neglected All Inn property impacts on our More foot traffic in the area means more City Council Addresses 8 Homelessness and section of Colfax, which has been waking observation of the lot, the building and the Marijuana and stretching itself into a dynamic, vibrant surrounding area, ostensibly dissuading less- Work Continues in 9 shape, bridging the historical and our place- desirable behaviors. The hotel is now operat- House District 8 grounded future. The current state of this ing under a 90-day rolling lease, and Toerber CP Crime Remains 10 building can’t help but adversely affect the said a surfeit of problems will activate a Low, Could Be Lower opinions of passers-by as they visit nearby 90-day notice to cease operations. Crime Map 11 shops and restaurants and consider living and working here. Colfax Avenue between Josephine and Colo- Sweeping Works 12 for Floors, Not People rado have long been colorful and unique. In In an interview, IIG head Brian Toerber men- recent years the area is beginning to reap the Denver Botanic 13 Gardens Activities tioned plans to rehabilitate the hotel’s exte- benefits of efforts by energetic and committed rior, potentially add a fifth floor and possibly city staff, and adjacent City Park South and City Park Jazz 14 a second building on the lot. Currently he Congress Park neighborhood residents. Biz Directory 15 envisions retail on the ground floor and about 60 small apartment units in Let’s prepare to work toward a more comple- the 400 square-foot range that mentary, attractive and effective use for 3015 Congress Park’s Vision (1995 Neighborhood Plan) would rent for about $1000 that honors the history and architecture of per month. Other options the surrounding neighborhoods, embraces Congress Park is a traditional city neighborhood with a small-town include scraping the existing “today,” and prepares a foundation for the atmosphere. Here, people of diverse cultures, building and replacing it with future. We’ll watch this next incarnation of ages, colors and economic backgrounds share one or two buildings aiming the All Inn with hopeful, cautious optimism. a sense of community, value older homes and toward the combination of mature trees, and enjoy the convenience of city living amid the stability of a retail space and micro-units. thriving neighborhood. 2 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016 Volunteers Needed for Denver's Top Neighborhood* Congress Park News is a quarterly publication of o you enjoy walking around the neigh- Do you receive lots of notices about services Congress Park Neighbors, borhood? Do you support Congress and activities in the neighborhood? You are Inc. A network of volunteers D produces and distributes Park businesses? You would be the perfect just the person we need to compile the most it to a circulation of more person to deliver newsletters to businesses pertinent information into brief articles for than 4,500 residents and near you. the quarterly newsletter. businesses within the area bounded by Colfax Avenue, Sixth Avenue, York Street You could gather breaking news from business Are you very committed to the care and feed- and Colorado Boulevard. owners and their neighbors and share it with ing of Congress Park? Make sure you attend the CP News writers to contribute to articles. the bi-monthly neighborhood meetings to hear www.CongressPark what’s going on near you, and find out how Neighbors.org You could also talk with business owners you can help Congress Park thrive. Congress Park News about advertising in the CP News. And we P.O. Box 18571 always like to have more volunteers to de- *5280 Magazine rated Congress Park number Denver, CO 80218 liver the newsletter to our neighbors. 1 of the 71 Denver neighborhoods it rated in Editorial Board: its May issue. Wendy Moraskie CPN Board
Advertising Coordinator, Layout & Design Editor: Michelle Warwick murphy.michellej@ gmail.com Your Congress Park Neighbors 2016 Volunteer Board of Directors Distribution: Volunteers Needed Tom Conis—President And we thank these committed neighbors: [email protected] Your articles, letters Joan Gregerson, Liz Goehring and Becky Coughlin and advertisements are Myles Tangalin—Treasurer —Congress Park Green Team coordinators always welcome. [email protected] Kris Schindler—Congress Park Maggie Price—Website Historic Preservation Neighborhood meetings are 1465 Fillmore; 303-333-5478 held every other month [email protected] Lisa Bingham—Hospital District Redevelopment (August, October, Decem- ber, February, April and Wendy Moraskie—Newsletter Steve Eppler—Crime Action June), on the third Wednes- 1475 Milwaukee St.; 303-355-3735 [email protected] day, at 7 p.m. in National [email protected] Jewish Hospital’s Heitler Denver Botanic Gardens Liaisons Hall. Watch the newsletter Victoria Eppler—At-Large Bill DeMaio; [email protected] and the email blasts for 1254 Clayton St.; 303-912-7988 Myles Tangalin [email protected] Victoria Eppler featured speakers. Don’t get the email blasts? Your elected, all-volunteer Congress Park Board Sign up at www.congress invites you to attend the open meetings at National Do you have a suggestion for your Board? parkneighbors.org. Jewish Hospital on the third Wednesday every other month (Feb., Apr., June, Aug., Oct., Dec.) at Send hints and help to This newsletter is printed on 7 p.m. in Heitler Hall. [email protected] 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink by The CPNews has a need for a volunteer who Signature Offset Lots of other neighbors help with communica- can visit with CPN professionals and busi- tions, membership, and more, and generally nesses about advertising in the neighborhood make Congress Park a great place to live—you newsletter. Call Wendy at 303-355-3735 for know who you are and how much we depend on more information. you—Thanks! Summer 2016 :: Congress Park News 3 Colfax – Preserving Character and Encouraging Development
By Councilman Wayne New, District 10 Bargains for a Good Cause ver the past six months CW Mary Beth This planning process will address the Sheridan OSusman, Council President Chris Hern- to Yosemite length of Colfax in its three major You love yard sale-ing don, CM Albus Brooks, CM Wayne New, CM segments (west of Broadway; Broadway to and contributing to a good Paul Lopez, and CM Rafael Espinoza, the six Colorado; and east of Colorado) that have their cause, so the Zonta Club City Council members representing districts on own personality traits and development needs. of Denver’s (501.c.3) Colfax, have initiated a discussion and plan- The re-development project will be emphasizing annual yard sale is the place to be on May 21. ning process to re-develop the 15 mile length of the following key areas: The nearly 40 members Colfax Avenue in Denver (Sheridan to Yosem- of the club are serious ite), in conjunction with the implementation of 1) BRT Transit Development about spring cleaning the first segment of the bus rapid transit (BRT) 2) Affordable Housing and their club’s mission: system. City departments, Colfax business 3) Existing Colfax Area Plans & Recent Ur to improve opportunities improvement district leaders, developers, and ban Land Institute (ULI) / Rose Foundation for at-risk women and children. They’ve arrayed other neighborhood and professional represen- West Colfax Study a selection of gently-used tatives have initially participated to define the 4) Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) decor, jewelry, furniture process. The input and guidance from neigh- and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and other household borhoods and businesses will be essential for 5) Zoning and Streetscape Planning goods on the lawn at 1360 the project’s future success. Our discussions to 6) Parking Glencoe on one Saturday date have been energetic and positive with great 7) Homeless and Safety Improvement each May for more than 10 years. Funds go interest in the future of Colfax. toward grants to local The planning effort will include a series of organizations. Morning is public meetings and communications to request best, but not before your input and keep you informed on 8 a.m., please. progress. Some 2017 improvement ideas may be evaluated by each respective City For more information or to In the Neighborhood? donate, call Wendy at Council member for possible submission Let’s Get to Know 303-355-3735. One Another to the Budget Office for consideration.
New to the area? Unfamiliar with the Strategic capital improvement project Edward Jones way of doing business? funding for essential Colfax needs will Take an hour or so to learn how we work with millions of individual investors. be evaluated, discussed, and referred for
Together, we can create and implement inclusion in long term strategic planning. an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your long-term fi nancial goals. We tailor our recommendations The re-development of Colfax will be a based on you: your current situation, great opportunity to preserve its wonder- objectives and risk tolerance. ful character and to improve the quality of Call or visit today to schedule your personal fi nancial review. life and business for all citizens. Help us www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC bring back some of our Colfax history and create an exciting place to live, work, and play. If you have any questions or want to volunteer to work on the plans, please contact Councilman New at wayne.new@ denvergov.org. Make Your Financial Future a Priority Call or visit today to schedule your personal fi nancial review. Ken Blair, AAMS® Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com . Member SIPC 3925 East 8th Avenue Denver, CO 80206 303-322-4993 4 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016 Tellerpalooza Rocks Again By David Port Top Denver Bands Hit The Stage To Raise $$ For Budget-Challenged Congress Park School ellerpalooza, the renowned concert Tfundraiser benefi ting Teller Elementary in central Denver, returns to the legendary Bluebird Theater on May 21 for a raucous evening of music, culture, food and fun. And as always, the public is invited!
Launched in 2003, Tellerpalooza serves as a vital funding lifeline for Teller Elementary, which this year fi nds itself with a $350,000 budget defi cit. The vibrant event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Denver’s music community, members of which donate their time Tellerpalooza 2016 and talents for the event. will feature some of Colorado’s fi nest musical talent including “Tellerpalooza lets us show off how much we Dressy Bessy, Flaural, cherish the arts and music at our school and in our Hangman’s Hymnal, community,” said Teller Principal Jessica Downs. Doors open at 3:30 and the music starts soon Pink Hawks and “We’re genuinely grateful to the musicians, to the thereafter. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at Shady Elders. Bluebird Theater and to our event sponsors for the door. Visit www.tellerpalooza.com for advance tickets and more information. Tellerpalooza 2016 supporting us when we really need it.” is sponsored by: The Bluebird Theater/AEG Tellerpalooza 2016 is about community more than Last year, some 800 people attended Tellerpaloo- Live, Rupp’s Drums, music, with food trucks, a bake sale, a merchan- za, which raised more than $20,000 to help fund Lisa Santos RE/MAX dise market with Tellerpalooza tees and goodies academic programs as well as faculty positions at Cherry Creek, Colorado Teller Elementary. Commercial Services from performing bands, games and other surpris- and Integrity Printing. es. Zach Hochstadt, the entertaining and unpre- dictable master of ceremonies will once again The event is entirely wield his microphone. volunteer-driven. Teller parents, staff and kids make it happen — somehow. Join us as we all stay up well past our bedtimes to party!
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Summer 2016 :: Congress Park News 5 Teller Steps Up Green Efforts By Timothy Hernandez, Teller’s librarian, and Ian Teller, Teller parent
eller’s new composting initiative and expand- Our student green team has been at the forefront Ted recycling efforts are in full swing. We’ve of our efforts to make Teller a more sustainable seen a dramatic reduction in the amount of landfi ll community, committed to reducing the amount waste we’re producing each day at lunch, and the of trash we produce, repurposing materials for evening custodial crew has similarly observed a creative arts and recycling all items that can be decrease in the quantity of trash we’re putting into recycled. the waste stream when they empty the classroom rubbish bins daily. Our youth members are leaders at our school, Teller Mission 2015 cleaning up trash from the playground, support- Teller Scholars are With the recent placement of TerraCycle contain- ing their peers at lunch and in the classroom and problem solvers. They ask questions, think ers outside our cafeteria, we will remove even educating residents of Congress Park about the critically and grow more challenging-to-recycle items from the waste benefi ts of composting, recycling and TerraCy- through personal, social stream, shipping them to our partner TerraCycle, cling to our neighborhood, helping to make it a and academic challenge. Our scholars are which will upcycle juice pouches, for example, zero-waste community. resilient, independent into backpacks, pencil pouches, messenger bags learners who persevere or pelletize the material we send them and turn to college success it into other usable products, such as planters, and beyond. watering cans, even new waste bins. In turn, Happening at Teller TerraCycle will pay us for our contributions! Check out the calendar at http://teller.dpsk12. org/calendar/
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For up to date news on our neighborhood, ‘like’ www.facebook.com/congressparkdenver 955 Cook Street Lisa Santos Broker/Co-Owner Phone: 720.933.3377 Office: 303.331.4664 [email protected] www.findingyourspace.com
3773 Cherry Creek N. Drive | Suite #801 | Denver, CO | 80209 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated A proud Teller parent and supporter 6 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016
CP Green Team Regeneration! Congress Park Earth Day Festival Launches Thanks These Earth Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative Day Sponsors: By Joan Gregerson, Congress Park Earth Day Festival Coordinator Green Door Fitness Mezcal Hair People Positive Energy Works fter months of planning, over 200 people The Zero Waste team included the students, vaVesta attended the 2016 Congress Park Earth Day scouts from Boy Scout Troop #1 and The Heights Annie’s Cafe A New World Cheese Festival. Held on April 23 at the Capitol Heights Church. The event was planned for minimal Chocolate Lab Denver Faith Communities (CHFM), the weather was waste with strategies such as serving coffee in Under the Umbrella blustery but warm enough for activities outdoors real cups. City Floral Chef Zorba’s and indoors. The event was a joint initiative of Greek Restaurant the newly formed Congress Park Neighbors’ The focus of the event was neighbor-to-neighbor Tattered Cover Book Store Green Team and CHFM. Councilman Wayne learning through fun, interactive exhibits. Out- Lula Rose General Store New and dozens of local businesses supported doors, neighbors learned how to start their own Councilman Wayne New the festival as sponsors and prize donors. vegetables, build a composter and make bird seed. Trader Joe’s Margaret Marshall Indoors, visitors tested their recycling knowledge Porchlight Real Students from Good Shepherd Catholic School at the “Let’s Talk Trash!” exhibit by Green Team Estate Group Sprouts Market and Teller Elementary taught festivalgoers how members. Presenters from the community, CHFM, Ace Hardware to be more sustainable with science investiga- Fossil Fuel Free Denver and the City of Denver, Elkin PhotographyI tions, and tips on proper recycling, composting gave talks on greening faith communities, homes, Barb & Mario Rivera Shoot Happy and terracycling (making new products from businesses and our neighborhood. Photography hard-to-recycle items such as toothpaste tubes, 10th Annual Congress Park Neighborhood pens and chip bags.) The festival concluded with a community song Peace Walk sharing experience led by Jamie Laurie of the – Oct 8, 2016 Flobots and NOENEMIES. This fi nal activ- ity summed up the entire festival. By getting together, using our voices, FACT: and working in harmony, we can Studies show that heal the damage that has been done forming healthy habits Infants – Private Pre-K and regenerate our at an early age can neighborhood.
have lifelong benefits. The festival was a wonderful start- ing point. There is PRIMROSE WAY: much work to Head, shoulders, knees be done. and giggle.
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n the 2015 Spring issue of the Congress Park tion at whatever level suits you. Please consider CP Green Resources INews, Lisa Bingham wrote a lovely article joining the CPGT. Check the CPN website Green https://www.sustainable about “Sustainability in Congress Park” and Team pages for meeting times. The most com- neighborhoodnetwork.org/ proposed that our neighborhood get involved mon reason cited for joining the CPGT is the homepage with a City of Denver program designed to desire to get to know other like-minded neigh- http://www.congresspark promote more “sustainable” living. Called the bors in our community. neighbors.org/green-team/ Sustainable Neighborhood Network (SNN), the program helps participating neighborhoods In the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that set goals and organize workshops, projects and a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens events intended to enhance a neighborhood’s can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing livability while reducing its ecological foot- that ever has.” print. Denver’s SNN program already boasts four certifi ed sustainable neighborhoods.
Today, a year later, a group of enthusiastic Congress Park neighbors has organized to form the Congress Park Green Team (CPGT), and has decided it is time to apply to Denver’s SNN program. Participation in the program is limited and applications must show neighbor- hood support as well as include specifi c plans + for projects to help the neighborhood meet its sustainability goals. The CPGT has many ideas 20 for initiatives include promoting home energy effi ciency, a fi lm/speaker series on sustainabili- ty matters, and water-wise landscaping and pol- linator gardening. At the recent Congress Park Earth Day Festival, neighbors enthusiastically endorsed participation, and several contributed Bringing color to Congress their own ideas for projects. The CPGT also initiated an effort to identify and map ‘green Park for 20 years! assets’ in our neighborhood, including xeric landscapes, solar installations, and composting sites, as well as neighbors with specifi c ‘green’ WE ARE THE CLEAN GUYS expertise. As suspected, our neighborhood has a IN A DIRT Y INDUSTRY! wealth of knowledge and interest in sustainabil- We background check and ity, and in community. drug test all our painters! What does a sustainable neighborhood look like labor on all interior jobs to you? In the next several weeks and months, performed in December - April the CPGT will establish channels to engage 20% off neighbors, solicit your ideas and invite participa- CALL (303) 512-8777 www.irelandsfinestinc.com 8 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016 City Council Addresses Homelessness and Marijuana
Denver Cherry By Robin Kniech, City Councilwoman at Large Creek Rotary t’s an honor to serve as your At-Large Represen- City Council as a whole is also tackling a broad ar- Inn at Cherry Creek tative on City Council. There are many mile- 233 Clayton St I ray of major policy. In March, Council established 303-888-5988 stones being reached on projects I’ve been leading policy priorities for the coming year, including Your neighborhood to improve Denver’s quality of life. recommitting to two existing focus areas: Rotary Club meets 1) Mobility and Transportation, and 2) Housing every Tuesday from 7 I have closely partnered with Councilman New and Homelessness. Council added a new prior- to 8:30 am at the Inn at on improving Denver’s response to homeless- ity, 3) Economic and Workforce Development, Cherry Creek. Rotary ness. And I am proud to be partnering with Mayor which includes creating more local hiring on International is the world’s Hancock and my colleague Councilman Brooks to major city projects. largest business, social, create a new dedicated fund for affordable hous- and service organization ing. With Council debate expected in the late sum- Council also just adopted a city-wide cap prohib- in the world. The mer/early fall, the proposal would create two new iting additional marijuana stores or cultivation camaraderie is great and funding sources to generate at least $150 million to facilities that I crafted. The newly adopted policy our projects range from build or preserve at least 6,000 affordable homes in providing eReaders for will prohibit new medical stores and cultivation, underserved Denver kids, the first 10 years. while severely restricting the location of any to women’s and families’ cultivation facilities near schools or residential homeless initiatives, to The first source would be a development fee to areas, and includes limits for the most concentrated Latin American dental ensure new residential and commercial construc- neighborhoods in the future. missions. Please come tion help to house the workers filling the jobs they down, enjoy breakfast, create. The second would be a very small portion It is a busy time to serve in our growing and thriv- and learn more! of existing property tax, to create stability to bal- ing city, which still faces many challenges in spite ance the ups and downs of a development fee. of our success. Contact me any time at 720-337- 7712 or [email protected]. Summer 2016 :: Congress Park News 9 The Work Continues in House District 8
By Beth McCann, House District 8 his is my fi nal article as your State Representa- -HB 1388 (ongoing), seeks to eliminate the ques- Representative Ttive at the Capitol. I will continue to represent tion about criminal history from an initial em- Beth McCann House District 8 through December 2016, although ployment application. Background checks later 303-866-2959 the legislative session ends May 11. The citizens in the process would continue to assure public [email protected] of House District 8 elected me to four terms (eight safety. The State of Colorado already uses this years) at the state house for which I am very grateful. process for hiring. I have truly enjoyed representing Congress Park and -HB 1129 (pending), strengthens measures to the rest of lively District 8. prevent charity fraud, creating a class 2 misde- meanor fraud violation and allowing a penalty During this interesting and productive legislative ses- of up to $10,000 for each offense sion, we were able to pass a balanced budget which -HB 1090 (signed), limits the ‘fi nder’s fee’ for increased spending on K-12 by a small amount, pro- the recovery of ‘excess funds’ from the sale of vided transportation funding and did not reduce our foreclosed homes. support of higher education or cut provider rates for -HB 1216 (pending), strengthens our Independent Medicaid providers. We are still working to remove Ethics Commission by allowing the IEC to hire the hospital provider fee from the TABOR cap that its own independent counsel to avoid confl icts will help our state fi scal situation considerably. in the Attorney General’s offi ce. -HB-1033 (signed), reimburses members of All of my bills, summarized briefl y here, have been the Colorado Human Traffi cking Council for signed into law, have passed, or are still pending. travel expenses. -HB 1341 (passed House), aims to prevent poach- -HB 1374 (pending), requires stand-alone emer- ing and traffi cking of endangered species by gency rooms to post a notice that they do not making it illegal to buy or sell animal parts from provide lower-cost urgent care services. 10 endangered species, exempting guns and -HB 1095(passed), makes it easier to get prescrip- musical instruments. tion eye drops renewed before the refi ll date. -HB-1328 (pending), prohibits the non-emergency Again, thank you for the honor of serving as your use of isolation cells for juveniles in criminal state representative. Please feel free to contact me confi nement. Research shows that holding juve- with any questions or concerns. niles in solitary confi nement is harmful to their social and psychological development. -HB-1215 (signed), redefi nes the purpose of parole to support former inmates as they reenter society, focusing on reducing recidivism. 10 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016
Congress Park Crime Remains Low, Could Be Lower: You Can Help By Stephen Eppler
ongress Park continues to have a relatively (29%). Burglaries increased 24%, up from 46 to low crime incidence and remains a safe place 57 and motor vehicle thefts increased 26% (46 vs “The Congress Park C Crime Action Committee to live. 58). The incidence of criminal mischief/damaged is committed to property declined to 56 reports (-37%). coordinate efforts 2015 crime statistics were released. Overall crime to rid our neighborhood within Congress Park increased by 30%. Crimes against society increased by 12%. Almost of crime, thus helping to all of this was due to drug/narcotics violations ensure personal safety There were 236 offences in 2014 and 278 in 2015. for all.” which rose from 12 to 17 (42%). CPN Crime There was one major area of concern related to Action Committee violent crime. Compared to 2014, the incidence It is difficult to make any statements about 2016 Mission Statement of aggravated assault increased from 8 to 17 this early in the year due to limited data. Overall, (112.5%). Most of this crime excess occurred trends appear unchanged. Congress Park abuts during November when there were 8 episodes of the Cheesman Park, Cherry Creek, Hale, City You are Part of aggravated assault. Park and Country Club neighborhoods. For 2015, the Solution Congress Park ranks 5th in violent crime, robber- Reach out to your However, when the tabular data is compared to ies, property crime and assaults. It ranks 6th in neighbors and be aware the dated crime log there were only 2 reports of of who is on your street domestic violence. Of the adjacent neighborhoods, and in your alley. Keep “threatening to imminently injure with a weapon” only Country Club has a more favorable crime your porch lights on. listed for November and 9 total events during profile (ranking 6th in 4 of 5 categories). Report street and alley 2015. The cause of this discrepancy is unclear and lights that are out to has been brought to Denver Police attention. Do your part to make our neighborhood safer and 311. Cultivate shared drop our crime statistics. We could directly affect neighborhood vigilance. Ask the police about The amount of other types of violent crime against the numbers of robberies, larceny, and theft from starting a neighborhood persons did not change significantly. No murders motor vehicles. Roughly half of all robberies watch group on your occurred in 2014 or 2015. Robberies declined did not require forcible entry. Lock your house, block. If you see from 8 to 7 (-12.5%). The incidence of rape was garage and car doors. Be alert to strangers who suspicious activity, trust unchanged at 5 reported events. try to follow you into your building. If you must your instinct and call 911 to report it. keep valuables in your car, put them truly out of Crimes against property account for over 90% of sight or remove them. Hiding them behind the Uniform Crime Reports in Congress Park. This in- front seat does not work. creased by 29% overall in 2015 compared to 2014 (215 vs 278 reports). Theft from motor vehicles increased the most rising from 48 to 64 events (33%). Reports of larceny increased from 75 to 97
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This map shows a compilation of all Tserioushe map a bcrimesove show reporteds a compila ttoion policeof all ser ious cwithinrimes re pCongressorted to polic Parke with inin C othengr efirstss Pa rk in the first quarter of 2016. Crime mapping provided quarter of 2016. Crime mapping is by the Congress Park Crime Action Committee frprovidedom statistic sby re latheyed Congressthrough the C Parkity and Crime Police DActionepartme nCommitteet. using City and Police Department statistics. 12 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016
Sweeping Works for Floors, Not People By Kathleen Hynes Tell the Mayor weeping is what we do to floors, not to including their food, while simultaneously forcing you want more realistic Speople, unless you are part of our city’s “solu- them away from a major shelter which actually solutions to HELP does provide services. the homeless. tion” to homelessness. Mayor Hancock’s phone number: 720-865-9000 Harry Tammen, co-founder of the Denver Post, These behaviors do not support the city’s official email: http://www. noted: “The public not only likes to be fooled; stance. The Denver Post on March 22 quoted denvergov.org/content/ Denver Department of Human Services spokes- denvergov/en/mayors- it insists upon it.” And so our city wants us to office/contact-the- believe the recent sweep of “homeless camps,” as woman Julie Smith as saying “The city’s goal mayor.html reported by all of our local news outlets on March remains the same, to connect people with services, 8, is genuinely helping solve this incredibly com- shelter and housing so they are not in an un- plex problem. healthy, unsafe and unsanitary situation.”
Of course we are not fooled. Most of us have Really? How do you connect people with services swept floors and know what you have swept up when you deem them, and their belongings, must go somewhere. But the city does not put the deserving of being “swept?” How do you connect homeless anywhere because they have yet to sort people with housing when shelter space and af- out a workable, sustainable plan to effectively ad- fordable housing is sorely lacking? How do you dress how to help one of the most defenseless and connect the homeless to mental health services marginalized group of citizens in our city. when our city consistently under-resources them?
Instead, the city orders its employees to throw I doubt many of us were fooled by the city’s latest away what meager belongings these people have, demeaning and cruel attempt “to help the home- less.” But just to make sure the city knows you are not fooled, write or call the Mayor and DO YOUR HOMEWORK! let him know you Not all Realtors are equal want Denver to stop such counter- productive prac- tices, because we I Know the Congress Park Market Statistics know “sweeping” I am Connected to the Neighborhood people does noth- I Have Turbocharged Searching Power ing to solve this I Adhere to a Strict Code of Ethics complicated I Have a Powerhouse Marketing Plan problem. I am a Bullish Negotiator
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AMY NEWMAN | REALTOR® | HELPING YOU FIND HOME SWEET HOME 678.908.1034 | [email protected] Summer 2016 :: Congress Park News 13
Denver Botanic Gardens Activities
he Denver Botanic Gardens are an oasis handout with growing instructions and DBG Hours: Taround the corner. Here are some of the en- recipes included. May 8 – September: lightening activities going on this summer. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Cooking with Fresh Herbs, May 24, 6-8 p.m. Stories in Sculpture: Selections from the Walker Join Chef Elizabeth Buckingham to learn about Yoga Classes Art Center Collection April 29 – October 2 the varieties of fresh herbs available, growing All levels welcome. Participants are asked to Organized by Minneapolis’s Walker Art Center, methods for Denver, how to use fresh herbs and bring water and a Stories in Sculpture presents selections from the preserve them. yoga mat institution’s renowned permanent collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. Summertime Tea in the Gardens, May 28, 10- Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga 11:30 a.m. Margo Seymour, pastry chef and owner Evening Kundalini Yoga, Raw, Cooked, Fermented: Works by Viviane Le of The Denver Tea Room leads a morning of tea Evening Vinyasa Yoga Courtois May 25 – July 31 tasting and education in the serene Woodland Opening reception: May 25, 5:30 p.m., Artist Talk Mosaic Gardens’ Solarium. 6:30 p.m. Viviane Le Courtois’ conceptual work centers on social engagement, often bringing Fabric Screen Print Workshop, May 28, 1-4 p.m. people together around food. Participants create their own images, expose a screen using the sun and print the image on flat Tropical Trails Tour Saturdays, 11 a.m. The plants fabric items you bring. in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory enjoy a warm climate year-round. Enjoy the lush Seedlings classes show young children how to vegetation, vibrant flowers and warmth of the explore the plant world, while developing an un- tropics as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical derstanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings collections. This is a one-hour tour led by experi- programs are targeted to the abilities of different enced docents. age groups.
Herbal Home and Garden Workshop, May 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Take a tour of the Gar- dens’ herb garden and learn about the planting, growing and harvesting of easy to grow cook- ing and medicinal herbs. Enjoy an herbal cooking class and lunch. From an herb buf- fet, make and take home a seasoning blend, tea, infused vinegar, exfoliating body scrub, sooth- ing lip balm and all-purpose cleaner. Lunch, extensive 14 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016
Support CP Businesses City Park Jazz Celebrates 30 Years 1. Use your local businesses as loyally as you can—think outside the Big Box! Shop For its 2016 line up, City Park Jazz presents: for everyday things and gifts June 5: Euforquestra right in Congress Park. June 12: Lannie Garrett in Swing Sets – Benny Basie & Beyond June 19: Hazel Miller 2. Visit a new CP restaurant June 26: Otis Taylor every month. You have July 3: Ritmo Jazz Latino not been to all of them yet. July 10: Heavy Heavies Introduce your friends from July 17: Selina Albright other parts of town to our great places --”Let’s meet in July 24: SuperCollider with Very Special Guest Erik Deutsch Congress Park!” July 31: Imagine featuring Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Ray White (Frank Zappa), Damon Wood (James Brown) & Friends 3. Go exploring on Saturday August 7: Chris Daniels & the Kings with Freddi Gowdy or Sunday to see what new businesses have opened in the ‘hood. When you fi nd something great, write it up for the CP News!
If we each pitch in on at least a few of these items, Congress Park will stay as Sweet as Ever!
Dan Braun 303-883-5881 [email protected]
Serving Congress Park Since 1993
RE/MAX Central Alliance 1873 S Bellaire St suite 700 | Denver, CO | 80222 | 303.757.7474 All Offices Independently Owned & Operated Summer 2016 :: Congress Park News 15
Neighborhood Service Club Meeting Window and Gutter Cleaning Professional Organizing Directory Zonta Club of Denver Twin Pines Window Cleaning Make Your Workspace 303-355-3735 Window and gutter cleaning. Work for You Visit these advertisers, 88 years working to improve Also offering house cleaning Does the office in your home or and tell them you’re opportunities for at-risk women and and yard clean up. small business need streamlining? children. Monthly dinner, program & Contact Bob at 303-329-8205. Contact Congress Park resident glad you found meeting on 2nd Thursday, $35. Offering complimentary and professional organizer, Sarah them here. www.zonta-denver.org estimates since 1994. Meyer, at 303-868-2248 (www. streamlinewithsarah.com). Let an expert help you get organized! For advertising rates, email Worship Volunteer Opportunities Positive Energy Works murphy.michellej@ Capitol Heights Congress Park Neighbors Wellness Coaching gmail.com Presbyterian Church Meet new friends, share your with Joan Gregerson by 1100 Fillmore; 303-333-9366 expertise at neighborhood appointment. Wellness, writing A welcoming, diverse and inclusive meetings and discuss issues and creativity classes Wed and faith community in Congress Park. that are shaping your neighbor- Sun at Violet Hive Art Therapy and Sundays: 9:30 am worship hood. Third Wednesdays of even Healing, 3107 E Colfax Ave. www. service, 11:00 am education hour. months, 7 p.m., National Jewish PositiveEnergyWorks.com joan@ May is Better Hearing & Heitler Hall. Contact cpnboard@ positiveenergyworks.com Speech Month, Melanoma/ congressparkneighbors.org and 720-460-1122 Skin Cancer Detection, visit congressparkneighbors.org National Bike, National Advertise Here Photo, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Are you reading this? So are your customers… Great exposure, low cost. June is Recycling Email murphy.michellej@ Month, Fireworks Safety, Think Outside the Big Box gmail.com for rates. National Dairy, and Zoo & Aquarium Month. Shop at Your Congress Park Businesses www.congressparkneighbors.org July is National Blueberry lists all merchants in Congress Park. Month, National Ice Please visit our site and see how our local Cream, National businesses support our neighborhood. Recreation & Parks Month. 16 Congress Park News :: Summer 2016
The best way to keep up-to-date about neighborhood issues i.e., crime alerts, parking, zoning is to sign up for CPN’s email broadcast at P.O. Box 18571 P.O. www.congressparkneighbors.org/ Denver, CO 80218 Denver, eblast.html
Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. Check www.CongressParkNeighbors.org www.CongressParkNeighbors.org for our advertisers’ most recent news!
“The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a good neighbor.” - Hubert H. Humphrey
Congress Park Neighbors Membership Form Your neighborhood needs you! Join your neighbors today. Date: Name: I am interested in learning more about: Email: Address: ___Neighborhood beautification Phone: ___12th Avenue Business Support ___Neighborhood/Colfax Plan The above information will only be used for contacting you about Congress Park ___Historic Preservation Neighborhood issues. ___Newsletter reporting ___Newsletter advertising ___Member Name: $20 ___Newsletter production If household membership, other persons name: ___Newsletter distribution ___Neighborhood Watch ___Patron (receive 2 passes to the SIE Film Center!): $30 ___Outreach
___Membership ___Business or organization: $40 ___Social events ___Graffiti abatement (Circle amount enclosed) ___Crime prevention ___Traffic/Parking Make check payable to: ___Zoning Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. ___Other P.O. Box 18571 Denver, CO 80218
Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. is a non-profit organization with an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. Your tax-deductible annual dues support the newsletter, website (www.CongressParkNeighbors.org), mailings and fliers about hot issues, events like the ice cream social and ongoing activities to benefit the neighborhood.