Overland Park

Minutes of March 22 2007 Meeting

Mar 23, 2007

Overland Neighborhood Association (ONA)
Minutes of 3/22/07 Meeting

After the Potluck, Call to Order (CTO) by President Catherine Sandy at 7:05pm at John Collins Church, 2320 S. Bannock.

Present: See sign-up sheet.

Reading of the minutes of last month?’s meeting was waived, due to the document?’s presence in another geographical location.

Treasurer Lois Strohmeyer?’s report showing a balance of $1,191.24 was approved.

A number of new neighbors were welcomed, one agreeing to be a block captain after not all that much pressure.

The District 7 Candidates?’ Forum will be April 17 at 7:00pm here at the church. A previous forum is available for viewing at denvergov.org, under ?“Denver Decides?” logo, District 7 Forum. Julie Connor, from outgoing Councilwoman MacKenzie?’s office, noted its fast forward function.

Flyers for the ONA Garage Sale on May 19th were distributed.

Director of Deep Thoughts Jack Unruh mentioned the need for ?“a wellspring of emails?” to public officials about the proposed Iliff Bridge. The Infrastructure Task Force already has it in their plans, but pressure from neighbors, cyclists and pedestrians would help. Connor recommended the mayor at milehighmayer@ci.denver.co.us or Bill Vidal at billvidal@ci.denver.co.us.

The Western Quadrant ONAWatch information must be transferred to cards before submission to the police. Unruh will be hosting a ?“fill in the cards?” party on Wednesday, March 28th at 6:00pm at the Golf Course Restaurant. The need for additional block captains was also mentioned.

Kevin Dickson revealed that TOD (Transit Oriented Development) around the Evans Light Rail Station took a hit when the contract fell through on the corner lot at Delaware and Evans. Currently zoned ?“Industrial,?” the proposed ?“Mainstreet 1?” Zoning permits a 35-foot height limit; ?“Mainstreet 2?” Zoning permits a 65-foot height limit. The latter is generally opposed by ONA members. Unruh noted the sound barrier properties of such development, and that the viaduct itself is 35 feet tall.

Connor again mentioned XCel?’s plans for new power lines and poles near Ruby Hill. Initial attempts to place them underground have failed, for now. She was cautiously optimistic given the new PUC head appointed by Gov. Ritter.
A public meeting on the issue will be held on Thursday, March 29th at 7:00pm at Athmar Recreation Center, 2680 W. Mexico.

Denver DA?’s ?“Stop Selling My Name?” program contact is Robin Finegan (720-913-9178, RFF@denverda.org).

INC (Interneighborhood Coop) says DPS has scheduled various community meetings. Pres. Sandy wondered about possible reopening of Rosedale School. Unruh thought the closing was a 5-year plan.

Helene Orr proudly proclaimed her membership in SDS, but couldn?’t remember any fight songs.

Sandy adjourned the meeting at 7:40pm.