University Park

University Park Community Council General Meeting

5/5/04

Prior to the meeting there was a “Thank You” reception for block captains who deliver the newsletter. Carolyn Etter organized the reception and cookies and lemonade were served. Scott Bennett, the block captain organizer, thanked the block captains for their efforts in distributing the newsletters and keeping our neighbors informed.

Andi Malard called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. She announced the July 4th Neighborhood Event would occur on Saturday, July 3rd and that help was needed to stage the event.

She introduced Ben Cooper of the Tree Inventory Committee. Along with Bob Scott, they were asking for volunteers interested in identifying the various types of trees in University Park. Their next meeting is scheduled for 5/17 at 6 p,m, on the south steps of the Observatory.

Bill Winn of the Traffic and Transportation Committee asked for more volunteers and noted the big problems associated with cut-through traffic and the accompanying speeding issues.

Neil Krauss, the DU spokesperson noted the University intends to sell Buchtel House. He said that Steve Fisher who works at the DU Library wants to create a “Friends of Buchtel Bungalow” to save the historic house but current plans call for putting it on the market. Moras Shubert noted it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Neil invited the neighbors to attend a forthcoming ice show featuring world-champion skater, Todd Eldredge. He also issued an invite to the May 12th Music School Faculty/Student jazz program.

Neil noted that neighbors are offered a discounted rate to join the Coors Fitness Center for the summer.

Whit Whitbeck, the UPCC representative to the University Park Business Association noted individuals are welcome to join for $75 per year and businesses can join for $150. The Association encompasses business from Downing to Josephine and from Asbury to Harvard. Whit mentioned that DU has offered parking for business employees.

Rosemary Stoffel passed around a survey from Councilman Charlie Brown’s office concerning issues about the Manager of Safety and the Paul Childs incident.

Diana Helper passed along word from Charlie Brown that we could expect some good news about the Buchtel Trail Project this summer.

The UPCC Nominating Committee consisting of Pam Adams and
Ellen Van Ness-Seymour nominated the following people to serve as UPCC officers for 2004-2005

Andi Malard and Rosemary Stoffel - Co-Presidents
Bill Winn – Vice-President
June Morgan and Whit Whitbeck – Co-Treasurers
Jan Walsh – Secretary

Action: A motion was made to approve the slate of officers and the motion passed unanimously.

Michael Hicks noted that the reauthorization of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District tax (SCFD) would be on the November 2nd ballot and urged neighbors to support it, as it is so important to Denver and environs. Moras Shubert noted his support as well.

Andi introduced Pamayota Kelaidis, an invited speaker from the Denver Botanic Gardens. He noted he was rather intimidated to be in the presence of Moras Shubert who has been on the Board of the Denver Botanic Gardens since 1951. He too said how beneficial the SCFD has been and said that Denver is the envy of other cities because of the special funding.

Highlights of his talk were:

Denver horticulture is only about 100 years old

Don’t get frustrated if something doesn’t grow – look around at your neighbors’ gardens and determine what works best in our climate.

Check out the “Plant Select” program of the Denver Botanic Gardens. In conjunction with Colorado State University, they offer suggestions on what to plant.

Consider putting mulch around trees to preserve moisture and practice deep-root watering.

For healthy growth, bluegrass requires water in the spring and fall.

Take advantage of the Denver Botanic Gardens seminars and their extensive library. Make a visit to check out their “Water-smart” garden near the south-facing conservatory.

If you can’t come in person, then check out the websites:
www.botanicgardens.org
www.coloradostateuniversity.edu

Rosemary Stoffel introduced Pat Barron and Chris Shears who presented a proposal for development at the northeast corner of Evans and University. Rosemary explained that members of the UPCC Board met with these gentlemen twice and that the Board had expressed support for their project.

Our City Planner, Doug Wheeler noted their project falls within the framework of “Blueprint Denver” and the City would be monitoring parking issues through their design review.

At noted the project would consist of mixed use retail and residential for student housing.
They would hope to minimize urban sprawl and bring people back to major arterials.

There was a good deal of discussion about sufficient parking for the project and Pat assured there would be underground parking.

Jennifer Isbill noted that though she is stepping down as Zoning Chair, she hopes to remain involved in UPCC.

Jennifer Isbill announced that the University Park Elementary School was having a garage sale on May 22nd to raise money for air conditioning in the school. Contact Kelly Scarborough (303) 733-5322 to donate goods or funds to the effort.

Andi adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.