Athmar Park

APNA Board Meeting Recaps

Mar 12, 2004

October 28, 2003
Police Officers reported an increase in drag racing in the neighborhood. Residents at the meeting reported problems on W. Dakota, Tennessee, and Custer Avenues. Councilmember Carol Boigon spoke about the city's effort to revitalize Colfax Ave. Landscape Architect grad student, Melodee is developing a master plan for the redevelopment of Valverde Elementary School's playground and wants suggestions from residents. KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy will share the playground. APNA has committed $500 for trees on the new playground and Hamid Simantob of Simha Investments offered to match the $500. Chris Nevitt of Front Range Economic Strategy Center spoke about redevelopment of Alameda Square. He called Wal-Mart "Public Enemy Number One" and expressed concerns about wages, health care, and childcare. He offered the assistance of his organization to help the neighborhood reach a decision on Wal-Mart. Councilmember Rosemary Rodriguez said she is championing Alameda Square redevelopment. Councilmember Kathleen MacKenzie is undecided on Alameda Square redevelopment and expressed concerns about Wal-Mart. Karen will contact Department of Excise and Licenses Director Stephanie O'Malley that APNA was not notified about the liquor license application at 1733 W. Mississippi. APNA also wasn't notified about a zoning issue on W. Dakota Ave. A resident complained about noise coming from a house on the 2100 block of W. Gill. The alley between Alameda Square and Rishel School needs to be cleaned. Rick reported that the contract between Wal-Mart and the Alameda Square property owners hasn't been extended. The earliest possible closing on the Wal-Mart real estate deal will be June 2004. Elroy will take over the Northeast Quadrant Leader position from Jane Madrid. Carol reported on the mediation between Alameda Ornamental Iron and neighbors. Wayne reminded everyone to vote by mail for the November elections.

November 15, 2003
There were several times in 2003 that the Board of Adjustment failed to notify APNA about zoning appeals. Karen will investigate a breakdown of communications between APNA and the Board of Adjustments and work on correcting the problem. Cynthia said her goal for 2004 will be to advocate for an increase in officers in District 4. The Economic Development committee will call a meeting before the January Board Meeting
if there are any new issues involving Alameda Square. A meeting with residents from Athmar Park and surrounding neighborhoods will be organized in 2004. Ana reported every block in the Northwest Quadrant is covered and there are only a few blocks in the other quadrants that are not covered. Virginia will chair the Animal Issues committee in 2004.

January 27, 2004
Athmar Park's NPOs were unable to attend, but asked Karen to report the info that a suspected drug dealer on W. Virginia was busted with several pounds of marijuana and weapons and is now in jail. Also, the juvenile who is spraying the "RW" and "RL" tags around the neighborhood has been caught. Lt. Adam Hernandez told us about the next Citizen's Academy, starting February 11th. He asked any interested parties to contact him at 303-370-1506. Councilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie told us that the Mayor will not allow any development deal at Alameda Square that involves using eminent domain to acquire the Organ Grinder property. She also said that there are ongoing efforts to relocate some of the current tenants together. Hamid Simantob, owner of the southern half of Alameda Square told us that he's actively pursuing development opportunities for the tenants and wants to ensure that the City is not working at counter purposes to his efforts. Lt. Donna Starr-Gimeno told us about how the Nuisance Abatement ordinance worked and what constitutes a ?³social nuisance" versus a ?³public nuisance" and what types of nuisance offenses the Police can use to shut down problem houses or businesses. A couple of residents who were at the meeting reported houses that they thought had folks dealing drugs. Info will be reported at the next District 4 Police community meeting. The board voted to support a zoning order to discontinue use of a multiple-unit dwelling in an R-1 zone at 1532 W. Dakota in appeal case before the Board of Adjustment.b