Athmar Park

Board Meeting Recaps

Nov 06, 2005

AUGUST 23
Susan Vermeer Lopez was voted in as Recording Secretary. SCAT officers reported on progress to shut down massage parlors on W. Alameda, and the Officers heard about residents' concerns. Ferd Belz updated the Board on the Cherokee Redevelopment Guidelines. Ferd asked that APNA submit their letter of support or opposition by the end of October. Scott Hutchins, representative for Council President Rosemary Rodriguez, said he would report back about the "nuisance" status for the ongoing problem to the neighborhood, Jumbo Car Wash. Carol asked for Rosemary to personally tour and follow up on businesses Labor Express & Dollar Store (S. Dale & W. Alameda) whose patrons are a problem. Carol reported that the code book has been updated, and she updated the board on Blueprint Denver and the zoning meeting that she attended. Picnic logistics were discussed.

SEPTEMBER 27
The Police Officers reported on the fatal house fire in the block of 300 S. Canosa. They reported on citing numerous drag racers in Alameda Square. State Rep Mike Cerbo spoke about Referenda C&D. Steve Nedervelt spoke about La Conexion, a mentoring program in Denver schools. Steve asked that those interested in volunteering to call 303-514-0899. The Board discussed the application for a beer & wine license at 2600 W. Alameda. After hearing the limited implementation of this application (closed 10pm daily, room for only 20 people, staff all trained to serve), the Board voted 10-0 to take no position on the application. Khanh Vu, part owner of Alameda Square, reported that a new restaurant will open in December and that Daniel Yim, owner of the old organ grinder site, is looking for tenants for the new retail site there. Karen reported that the owner of International Billiards was granted their beer & wine application, with several restrictions (security, train staff, early close on weekends). Karen reported on the results of the DPD Federal Safe Neighborhood Grant (seizure of 38 guns, $19,500 cash [drug-related], and large quantities of drugs. Police were also able to effect 40 felony arrests and 37 misdemeanor arrests) and the South Federal Cruising Grant (10 felony arrests, 349 misdemeanors, 133 vehicle citations, 5 parking citations, and 55 cars impounded). DPD also cracked down on cruising and delinquent behavior in parks in the area, including Houston Lake, Ruby Hill, and Barnum. This resulted in 9 felony arrests, 149 misdemeanors, 96 vehicle citations, 41 parking citations, and 24 cars impounded. Rick/Gregg reported on the results of the picnic. The sidewalk chalk art competition for the kids was noted as a particular success (thanks, Carol). Wayne spoke about the referenda and issues on the November 1st ballot. Christy received compliments for her handling of the Membership Secretary position. Christy spoke about graduating from the Citizen's Police Academy and encouraged other to attend. Karen reported that Councilwoman MacKenzie is citing 3 traffic studies showing no need for a turn signal at Alameda & Tejon as the reason APNA's repeated requests for a signal are being denied. Karen also reported on the Crisis Intervention Officer who stopped a man from jumping off the Alameda overpass onto the highway.

OCTOBER 25
District 4 Police Officer Martinez reported on neighborhood activity and answered questions. State Senator Paula Sandoval reported on the bills she's voted on and the awards she's received during the last legislative session. Donna Borrego and Neddra Niblet, from Solid Waste Management, reported on the results of the pilot graffiti abatement program conducted in a section of Athmar Park. Donna and APNA Board member Gregg Whelen walked door-to-door to distribute graffiti removal release forms to all the businesses in the 8-block pilot area. Neddra relayed that only a tiny fraction of those forms were returned. Rick offered to provide contact information for landlords of the rental properties in the pilot area so that Neddra could provide forms to the landlords directly. Karen offered to have APNA follow up with landlords who do not respond and to conduct a door-to-door on weekends/evenings to get signed release forms from residents in the pilot area. The Board voted 7-1 with 1 abstention to take no position on a hotel and tavern liquor application for 472 S. Federal. Because the applicant did not attend the meeting, concerns were voiced about how the establishment will be operated. (Note: Andy and Karen stopped by the next day and spoke with the owner. She related that the application was supposed to be for beer and wine only; no hard alcohol, and that the application will be amended.) Karen reported that the next graffiti sting has been set and asked for volunteers. Council President Rosemary Rodriguez reported on the widening of Federal from Alameda to 6th will widen existing lanes to meet Federal standards for lane widths. She relayed that the final decision for where the new curbs will be positioned is made at is made at the Federal level and that folks could find out more at www.federalblvd.com. Rosemary also reported that she was conducting a tour of properties in Athmar Park for potential homebuyers. Attendees gave Rosemary a round of applause for her efforts. Felicia Hilton, aide to Councilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie, reported that Kathleen was pursuing rescission of the therapeutic services use permit issued to 1562 W. Alameda. This permit would allow another "massage" parlor to be opened although 2 other properties on the same block were shut down for prostitution in recent months. (Note: Subsequently, the City did decide to rescind the permit.) Attendees brought up concerns about miniature motorcycles (FYI: only legal on private property; they are illegal on sidewalks/city streets/alleys/park/etc.) and a recent incident where 80-100 cars drove onto Huston Lake Park grounds and tore up the lawn and endangered park patrons.