Athmar Park

Board Recaps

Aug 21, 2005

May 24, 2005
A neighborhood resident asked for advice regarding an over-height front yard fence application. Members of the Board and CRO Rich Blea offered alternatives to erecting a fence in violation of zoning code. CRO Rich Blea reported that an additional Detective joined the D4 force. Councilwoman Rosemary Rodriguez reported that she has been trying to get the Jumbo Carwash (Federal & Virginia) under nuisance abatement. Rosemary also reported on the success of recent crack-downs at Ruby Hill and Barnum Parks. Roberto Venegas, from the Mayor's Office, tried to explain the Mayor's unsuccessful solutions to the rampant crime and graffiti surge on Denver's west side. State Rep Mike Cerbo updated us on the legislative session, including the budget, child immunizations, and the tobacco tax. State Rep Paula Sandoval spoke about the universal nature of the complaints she hears, including animal issues, alcohol abuse in parks/public places, and illegal aliens. Karen reported on INC's meeting with the Mayor, including the Mayor's refusal to consider increasing DPD staffing to ensure public safety, his appointment of a neighborhood liaison (former Channel 2 News anchor, Tamara Banks), and answers to numerous other quality-of-life questions INC posed. Carol & Rick updated everyone on the progress of the landlord project. Rick reported that the old Organ Grinder site redevelopment is underway. No info on the scheduled business tenants. Karen reported on the Cherokee and Gates redevelopment projects. Gates has finally joined the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP) and is starting to remediate the pollution on its site. Carol reported the results of the financial records audit.

June 28, 2005
A resident asked about the procedure for installing a stop sign at Kentucky & Zuni. Board members suggested contacting their Councilperson. Salon Ocampo (site of the double shooting of Police Officers Young and Bishop) owners Ruben & Gloria Huizar spoke about their opinion that they are not responsible for their patron?’s actions once that patron is in the parking lot. Board members mentioned that other rental halls in the area didn't seem to have the same problem with the repeated need for Police response, the repeated disturbance of nearby residents, and the repeated gathering of undesirable persons, and that the Huizars might consider other management practices, such as moving patrons off the property immediately after closing and reducing noise levels. The Board voted 7-4 to support enforcement of zoning in an appeal regarding an excessive number of sheds at 1289 W. Custer. Karen reported that the graffiti abatement efforts on the Cherokee redevelopment site, Cherokee's progress toward applying for Tax Increment Financing and other grants, and the formation of an INC subcommittee to investigate other city's ordinances regarding overcrowded houses. Carol reported on 2 vicious assaults on pedestrians on W. Alameda and the resulting Police investigation. Carol provided a 7/11 deadline for the August newsletter. The Landlord Project has received $385 in donations to date. Carol asked for, and received, Board approval to use APNA graffiti funds to offset landlord project expenses not covered by donations. Rick has the rental property owner list complete-320 identified. Karen has updated and reformatted the manual and will burn to CD. The Landlord Manual will be sent to all rental property owners in CD format with hard copies available to those without computer. The manual will be mailed as soon as DPD finishes proofing Karen?’s changes and updates. Board agreed to hand-write addresses vs using mailing labels per Mark?’s concern that people might toss the Landlord Project mailing without opening the envelope if it looks like junk mail vs personal mail. Rick and Carol will let everyone know when the meeting to put the project in the mail will be.