Athmar Park

APNA Board Meeting Recaps

May 17, 2004

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2004
Britta Herwig reported Feb. 28 opening of off-leash dog park at Barnum Park (Hooker & 5th). This pilot program will be evaluated weekly for one year. Melodee Berquist reported on the revised site plan for the Valverde Elementary. Deficient parking will be redressed in the plan. The Board voted to send flowers and a personal note to ill, former Board member Eileen Holligan and to send a Thank-You card to Janell Flaig, former Athmar Park Community Planner. Plans for the Alameda Square Redevelopment Community Meeting on March 6, at Rishel Middle School, were discussed. The Board voted 6 in favor, 3 opposed, with 2 abstentions to support zoning enforcement at 415 S. Canosa Ct., where Mr. & Mrs. Freyta were appealing their denial of a zoning variance to build a separate, outside entrance to their basement to accomodate their in-home day care (NOTE: The Board of Adjustment denied the variance
request.). Rosemary Rodriguez reported that Mayor Hickenlooper will not support condemnation at Alameda Square. The Board voted to obtain the annual Picnic permit for August 29th and the Board voted to give the Valverde Community Church an honorarium of $100.00.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2004
Our NPOs reported on the increase in "cruising" on Federal Blvd and in graffiti. District 4 is planning a community graffiti "sting" during the week of April 4th. (NOTE: That sting netted 2 taggers.) They also reported on a drive-by shooting at 1587 W. Nevada Pl. Beth McCann, candidate for D.A., spoke briefly. Councilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie reported about the levels of TCE found at the Cherokee site (old Gates factory)
and in nearby neighborhoods east of Gates. (NOTE: All air quality tests came back well below safety limits.) Ms. MacKenzie also spoke about the proposed "tent city" at Vanderbilt Park and the need for more permanent structures for shelters. Karen reported on new liquor-licensing procedures and the new Zoning administrative citations. Cynthia Foster reported that there was a shooting at the carwash on Federal & Virginia. She also reported that Commander Sandoval is starting Sunday patrols on Federal Blvd to help control cruising. Rick Taylor reported on the March 6th Alameda Square Community Meeting. Hundreds of postcards handed out at that meeting are starting to arrive at the Mayor's office. Rick also reported that Daniel Yimis obtaining a demolition permit for the Organ Grinder. Carol updated us on
the status of the May newsletter.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2004
Police officer, Lt. Adam Hernandez, reported
that citizens interested in being on the new
District 4 email distribution list should contact
our NPOs. Lt. Hernandez spoke of the last graffiti sting and the difficulty in catching the criminals in the act. Concerns were raised from the room: rise in graffiti, broken car windows, traffic congestion, food vendors, noise ordinance problems, and speeding. Solutions offered. Diane Milholin, with Vector Control, spoke regarding the West Nile Virus. Doug Wheeler, Community Planner for Athmar Park, reported on the status of potential developments in our neighborhood. The ?“tent city" proposal was discussed. Cynthia Foster reported on the Denver Police Department?’s plans for Cinco de Mayo and the Plan Overview was distributed. A "Blue Rally" event honoring all law enforcement officers will be held on May 15th at the K-Mart Parking lot (Evans & Clay). Rick Taylor reported on Alameda Square and DURA Board meeting. Two owners oppose the development plans for the old Organ Grinder site. Carol Campbell reported on insert funding, the need to address the break-in at the storage area where the mosaic materials/equipment are kept, and on the Huston Lake mileage marker project. Elroy Ortega spoke about Denver Digs Trees. Karen mentioned that residents can request a City-wide Clean Up project through Americorp. Board voted unanimously to support zoning at 2045 W. Alameda, where the owner is appealing an order to discontinue maintaining an off-premises sign erected without a permit. The Cop Shop at 1 Broadway is taking applications for volunteers.