Organization of Westside Neighbors (O.W.N.)

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE (WINTER 2002)

Feb 06, 2002

by Tom Gallagher

Another year has come and gone. A new year means it's time for our annual membership meeting. This will be held the 2nd Thursday of March. that's the 14th. New board members are elected at the annual meeting through the democratic process. I call on all the people who have had opinions about the type of job we've been doing and to attend this meeting.


This is our neighborhood association, this is our voice on issues of local concern: new development, Human Service Establishments, sidewalks, parks, street lights and zoning, just to name some. This is your mechanism for having your voice heard. We'll be electing board members to represent OWN districts 3 & 5 for 3-year terms & one at-large seat.


District 3 is the Westside area west of 26th street, north of highway 24, east of the Colorado Springs & Manitou city limits and south of King Street. District 5 is the Westside area east of 14th street, north of highway 24, west of 7th street and south of Bijou street. The at-large board seat is open to any resident of the Westside strategy area (north of Rio Grande, south of Uintah St to 19th to King street to 30th street, east of the Colorado Springs/ Manitou city limits and west of I-25). Residents must live within the district boundaries in order to hold a district seat.


Voting will be conducted by paper ballot between 7:15 & 8:30 p.m. at West Intergenerational Center as part of the monthly town meeting. Remember to bring proof of residency or property ownership (drivers license, utility bill, tax notice, etc.). I cannot urge you strongly enough to attend this important meeting.


In February, we'll discuss what appears to be a re-emergence of gang activities on the Westside. Your input in developing proactive and preventative measures is requested. The Westside has come a long way in the last 15 years; we have shed the "old town" image and we have become a highly desirable area of the city in which to live. How we deal with gang activity will dictate our ability to maintain this enhanced image.

Now for an update on recent OWN activities. OWN board members have been working with CONO (Council of Neighbors and Organizations) and city planning staff to develop the new mixed-use and traditional neighborhood zones. The Westside already has many of the desired elements of both zones; this has enabled us to make helpful and insightful recommendations to encourage infill development throughout the city.


OWN continues to monitor and make comments on projects for the Westside. Recently, there has been a substantial amount of interest in the 19th St. corridor north of Uintah Street. There is a proposed expansion of the Stepping Stones community to be called "Madison Ridge". There is talk of an additional retail center at 19th and Henderson streets, and a small townhome project in the same area. While these projects happen to cluster in the 19th and Uintah area, new proposed developments are being discussed throughout the entire Westside.

Now for an update on recent OWN activities. OWN board members have been working with CONO (Council of Neighbors and Organizations) and city planning staff to develop the new mixed-use and traditional neighborhood zones. The Westside already has many of the desired elements of both zones; this has enabled us to make helpful and insightful recommendations to encourage infill development throughout the city.


I would like to thank and commend the staff of the West Intergenerational Center for the development of the teen night program. According to my son, "It's a blast!" This program adds to the diverse mixture of educational/recreational opportunities which the center offers to our community. I encourage all Westsiders to visit our neighborhood community center. The Boys and Girls Club on Manitou Blvd. is also open and offers many quality programs for our youth. Our community needs to support these facilities. I personally applaud each staff for their commitment and dedication to meeting the needs of our younger Westside citizens.


The results of the OWN poll regarding a proposed Human Service Establishment for run-away teens were reviewed at our November 2001 town meeting. I wish to thank everyone who took the time to complete and return the questionnaire. Passions are high on both sides of the issue but a 5-1 sentiment in opposition was reflected in the tabulation. This information will be shared with the appropriate agencies to help them develop proposals which address legitimate neighborhood concerns.


OWN meetings are open to the public and your comments are always welcome. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday(Town Meetings) and 3rd Thursday (Board Meetings) of every month at West Center. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m.

Until next time,

Tom