Athmar Park

Board Recaps

Jul 09, 2005

FEBRUARY 22, 2005

The closure of westbound Mississippi at Santa Fe for water line repair was announced. The work is expected to take 3 months. Athmar Park's city planner, Doug Wheeler, reported that - as a result of APNA's repeated requests - a traffic engineer is analyzing the intersection of Alameda & Tejon for a possible turn signal. .Doug also reported that he has an intern working to create a land-use database along Athmar Park's borders as a step towards implementing Athmar Park's Perimeter Plan. We heard about Parks & Rec's plans to have the flower beds in Huston Lake Park lie fallow due to a shortage of seed stock. Karen warned everyone about a young woman who has been scamming people in Athmar Park, claiming she needs money for her infant?’s medicine. Karen also reported on the Excise & License citizens taskforce's recommendations for changes to liquor license policy and procedures. It was announced that the owners of 1733 W. Mississippi withdrew their application for a cabaret license and that the Alameda Square parking easement issue was going to court, with a hearing date set for April. It was announced that the Planning Board approved the general development plan (GDP) for Cherokee Redevelopment's portion of the old Gates Rubber Factory and were updated on Cherokee's ongoing efforts to remediate TCE pollution on- and off-site. The APNA board approved running the February newsletter, despite a $144 shortfall in ad revenue. The Board approved sending a letter of support for the Denver Sheriff's Juvenile Offender Program. Christy proposed changing the APNA membership dues renewal date to January 1st for all APNA members, an idea supported by those at the meeting.

MARCH 22, 2005
Lt. Jimmy Martinez and our CRO Richard Blea reported on using a "bait" car to catch car thieves at S. Tejon & W. Mississippi; that Sarg. Steve Kimberly is replacing Sgt Aaron Sanchez as NPO Supervisor, about Officer Cordova who rescued five people from a fire at 401 S. Zuni by going into the building 3 times, and about an attempted robbery at the Athmar Bar. Donna Borrego, of Denver Partners Against Graffiti, spoke about a pilot anti-graffiti program to run in Athmar Park from April 4 -July 4, 2005. Donna also reminded APNA about the paint bank (1390 Decatur Street), where citizens can get free paint to cover graffiti on dumpsters, fences, etc., and special "wipes" to remove graffiti from street signs. Councilwoman Kathleen McKenzie reported on the plans for the vacant complex at Mosier & Raritan, food vendors, and NIS' plan to pro-actively cite certain zoning violations on major arterials and near schools. Master Gardener Connie Rayor gave information about drought, spring, and summer landscape care. John Huggins, Mayor's Director of Economic Development, and Tracy Huggins (no relation), Exec Director of DURA, spoke about their ongoing efforts to redevelop Alameda Square. The Board voted 6-4 to take no action on a zoning appeal at 1515 W. Dakota. Sergio Guzman, owner Mercado del Sol, donated $72 to offset the February newsletter shortage (many thanks!) and spoke about his intention to apply for a liquor license at his store. Wayne suggested commemorating the 40th anniversary of 1965 flood in the newsletter.

APRIL 26, 2005
State Rep Mike Cerbo reported on the latest budget session and on a bill to make reporting of elder abuse mandatory. He also invited people to a picnic at Ruby Hill Park on 4/31. Councilwoman Rosemary Rodriguez spoke about her efforts to reduce the misuse of the car wash at Federal & Virginia. Khanh Vu, owner of part of Alameda Square, reported that the parking easement case has been heard and the judge issued a summary judgment in favor of the owner of the old Organ Grinder (who will probably now pursue his redevelopment plan for his small parcel). The Board voted 11-1 (1 abstention) to support an application to change 1100 S. Shoshone from R-1 to B-1. A motion to oppose the liquor license application for the Mercado del Sol deadlocked. A motion to support the liquor application did not carry, with a vote of 7-5 (1 abstention). Karen and Carol reported on the mixed results of the NIS taskforce. Carol reported that the meeting with Greg Diamond, District Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette, to discuss the negative effects of overcrowded houses was very positive. Mr. Diamond said that the office would research the supposed Fair Housing Act restrictions that "prevent" local efforts toward easing overcrowding. Karen reported that the Congresswoman is holding a community forum at SWIC on 4/30. Gregg reported that he's working to sign up businesses to participate in the pilot anti-graffiti program. Evette reported that her efforts to start a neighborhood watch on W. Tennessee were thwarted due to lack of turnout. Interested W. Tennessee residents should contact her. Rick and Gregg volunteered to head up the annual picnic committee. Carol agreed to conduct an audit of the 2004 books for Mark. Karen resigned as Newsletter Ad Chair and Evette volunteered to assume the position.