University Park

Up Words, April 2005

Apr 15, 2005

SPRING Issue APRIL 2005
?“UP-WORDS?”

University Park Community Council (UPCC) Newsletter

The Official Voice of the University Park Community Council

Andi Malard, co-President, 765-0233 Diana Helper, Editor, 733-4902
Rosemary Stoffel, co-President, 692-9197 Nancy Hammer, Distributor, 512-0204
PO Box 102407, Denver, CO 80250 www.neighborhoodlink.com/denver/upcc


PLEASE ATTEND The UPCC ANNUAL MEETING
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2005
at U.P. School, S. St. Paul & E. Iliff Ave.

6:30 PM. REFRESHMENTS & SOCIAL TIME in the Main Hallway
7:00-8:45 P.M. ANNUAL (SPRING) MEETING Of The U.P.C.C.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AGENDA INCLUDES:

Nomination and Election of UPCC Officers
Presentation of Plans for Historic Buchtel Trail Open Space
by Britta Herwig, Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Presentation and Adoption of Revised UPCC By-laws
UPCC Committee Reports ?– Zoning, Traffic, Sidewalks, and more
News from Denver University by DU Liaison Neil Krauss
Update by City Councilman Charlie Brown

AND -- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Please Come!


ALL UP RESIDENTS ARE MEMBERS OF UPCC
UP Boundaries: I-25, E. Yale Ave., S. University Blvd., S. Colorado Blvd.

NEXT EVENT ?– 4th of JULY PARADE & BAND in Observatory Park

UPCC Fall General Meeting will be October 5, 2005

NEW CONSTRUCTION MUST ABIDE BY ZONING REGULATIONS, SAYS UPCC BOARD


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The accelerating pace of residential development in University Park is rapidly changing the look of our neighborhood.?  New structures are sprouting nearly daily, and a recent survey revealed more than 60 sites either under new construction, for sale, or likely to be scraped for a larger structure. This face-changing development is happening in University Park at a rate not seen in many other Denver neighborhoods.


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While most of these remodeled and new homes fit within zoning regulations, an increasing number of structures are being built without adhering to these restrictions. A "perfect storm" of reasons has caused this -- poor plans by developers, improperly issued permits, lack of city staff to check on properties, and reluctance by the Board of Adjustment to force builders to tear down partially constructed violating structures.?  While the causes are complex, the results are simple -- too many houses exceed what should be allowed, eroding the integrity of our neighborhood not only now, but for may years in the future.


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In reaction to this trend, the UPCC Board is taking a proactive stance in an attempt to control these out-of-regulation structures. We are looking more closely at new construction, reporting suspected violations, and opposing requests for variances at Board of Adjustment hearings when those requests are unreasonable or based on improperly issued permits. Our goal is to have a reputation with developers as being both vigilant and consistent our expectations that zoning regulations are followed.?  We simply expect that anyone building a new or remodeled home follow the zoning ordinance.


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Zoning chairman Pat Cashen will give a brief update of zoning issues at the May 4 general meeting.?  He may be contacted at 303-759-0650, 303-759-5969, or at --- pcashen@pcaco,com.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?  ---UPCC Board, April 5, 2005


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ZONING ALSO IS ADDRESSED BY INTER-NEIGHBORHOOD Group


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The concerns expressed by the UPCC Board above also are a focus of the INC (Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation) of which UPCC is an active member.?  A subgroup of the INC Zoning and Planning (ZAP) committee is working toward solutions to compliance issues, which are increasing in Denver,?  All neighborhoods are encouraged to support this effort.?  Pat Cashen has met with this subcommittee and UPCC's Board gives its support. This also is a matter for City Council action, with Charlie Brown's support appreciated.


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INC and UPCC are concerned with compliance and enforcement of Sidewalk Ordinances as well, and with safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle routes to provide viable alternative forms of transportation. UPCC Sidewalk Chmn. Mary Myers presented this topic at the March meeting of the INC ZAP committee.-- Diana Helper, INC delegate


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AND SPEAKING OF SIDEWALKS--- Broken of seriously uneven walks??  Call Right of Way at 303-446-3469. Tree limbs over sidewalks must be trimmed to at least 8 feet (13-1/2 ft. over streets and alleys). Problem??  Call Forestry at 720-913-0651. And remember to shovel!


UPCC PURPLE PAGES DIRECTORY -- It's time to order your ads (for Sept. delivery with UP-Words). Please call Pam Adams, 756-7000, or send your order to Purple Pages, 2100 South Monroe St., Denver 80210.?  Costs are $125. for 1/4 page, $150 for 1/2 page, $500. for a full page, and $10 for a box ad.? 



UPCC DEPENDS UPON ITS? FRIENDS!
? ? ?  All that the UPCC accomplishes is made possible by the voluntary contributions of UP residents and friends who contribute voluntary dues (and precious time) each year.?  Every resident of UP is automatically a member of UPCC and everyone is welcome at (and encouraged to attend) the 3 yearly general meetings (Feb., May and Oct.), the July 4 and December Holiday Sing events, and to participate in UPCC's committees.?  Your donations also support the newsletter, membership in the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) and other needs as they arise.?  To contribute $15 annual "dues" or special donaions, please send checks made out to UPCC, with a note that your gift is for dues (or other), to co-Treasurer June Morgan, 2100 South Monroe St., Denver 80210. For more information please call June at 757-2563, or co-Treasurer Whit Whitbeck, 758-0990.


PARKS DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS? PLANS FOR BUCHTEL TRAIL OPEN SPACE


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? ? ?  At the May 4 UPCC General Meeting, Project Director Britta Herwig of the Denver Dept. of Parks and Recreation will tell us about proposed plans for the great open space along the North side of the Historic Buchtel Boulevard Trail.?  UPCC Buchtel Committee members and others interested? met with Britta on April 13 to talk about the many ideas that already have been expressed both by us and by Parks.?  At the February UPCC Meeting there was affirmation that our wish is to keep this open space a truly natural area, an example of its historic value as a place of natural beauty.? 


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ELECTION, BY-LAWS, AND SIDEWALK STRATEGIES on the MAY 4 UPCC AGENDA


? ? ?  Yes, folks, you really Should attend the May 4 meeting-- besides reports on current UP concerns, we will elect officers, approve the UPCC by-laws, and hear the UPCC Sidewalk Committee's position paper for its continuing work with the City.? ? Come early to socialize!


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UPCC WELCOMES NEW UP-WORDS COORDINATORS


? ? ?  Nancy Hammer and? Donna Peterson have volunteered to handle distribution of the UPCC newsletter to the 5 Area Coordinators.?  Nancy has lived in Denver 59 years. When her parents moved to UP long ago it seemed "far out" (as she says, the phrase didn't yet have the '60s meaning!).?  Now her friends consider UP "downtown."? ?  BLOCK CAPTAINS are always needed!?  Please call Nancy at 512-0204 if you can help deliver newsletters.


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A FOND FAREWELL TO UPCC SECRETARY JAN WALSH


? ? ?  Jan is now Jan Tyler, having married in March and moved out of UP!?  We are very


happy for Jan and Tom, but will truly miss Jan's wonderful work for University Park.? 


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PARKING METERS WILL? BE INSTALLED? in May? on both sides of University Blvd., from? E. Evans Ave.? to E. Asbury Ave. and on the North side of E. Evans Ave. from S.? University Blvd. to S. Josephine St. to increase turnover in parking spaces and make enforcement easier.?  The rate will be a quarter per half hour.


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RIDE IN A POLICE CAR!?  For anyone interested in getting the scoop on what goes on inside a police car, the Denver Police Dept. offers residents the opportunity to ride along. Authorization forms may be picked? up at the District Three office, 1625 S. University Blvd.?  Call 729-1233 for more information.


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"CHILDREN AT PLAY" - If you'd like a free bright yellow sign to set in your? 


yard? when the children are out there playing, please call Pam Adams, 796-7000.


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STAR-GAZING at Chamberlin Observatory is 4/16, 5/14, and 6/11, sunset to 10 p.m. weather permitting.?  Call 871-5172 for info on all star-gazing opportunities.


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FOR INFO on agencies to call for specific UP needs, please see your "Purple Pages" directory.?  Need a copy? Call Ellen VanNess Seymour, 759-2488.?  Also check the UPCC bulletin board at Obs. Park, UP Website, and the free monthly Washington Park Profile.? ? 


If you have ARCHIVAL INFO on UP, please call Mary Beth Twining, 756-8243.