Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

Summary & next meeting

Good Morning Theresa,
Thank you for your encouragement. I agree, the Profile's editorial section this month is worth considering. The September meeting was a summary of what was presented to us by experts over the summer. After the summary, Annette & I explained that the other options we explored this summer do not help us expand homes for growing families in ways that maintain the architectural integrity of our homes and the character of the neighborhood. For example, an overlay district would provide design review, but variances would still go to the Board of Adjustment. This would be problematic. Since the BOA does not follow the pop-top ordinance, why would they follow the overlay quidelines.
So Annette & I stated we wanted to go forward with historic designation. And that the first step would be to hold a series of meeting to inform as many neighbors as possible on the components of historic designation. Then we would assess neighborhood interest in making an application to become an historic district, before filing an application.
We now need to plan the next series of meetings. When we have that done, we hope to notify people by mail. That will be costly and take some volunteer time. Would you help? Even an hour would be of benefit. You can reach me by email or give me a call - Terry 303-733-6704.

By Terry Andrews

like minds

Anon,

We're of like mind. I've lived in this neighborhood since the 70's and resent the fact that someone so new to the neighborhood seems to think she knows best for the area. Hogwash. If she wants covenants, I'm sure there is some room in Highlands Ranch for her.

Historic Designation Is Great!

I agree with your support of the idea of Historic Designation for Wash Park. I live next door to a scrape. The owner demolished an early 1900's bungalow and replaced it with a gargantuan modern-style stucco house which reaches 30 feet high and spans the entire lot from front to alley with no breaks. The shocking thing is that the owner was able to do this all within the existing zoning codes. The owner didn't even have to apply for a variance to do this. We, as neighbors, had no opportunity for input or feedback. And it is our misfortune that the owner had no interest in any feedback from the neighbors on either side. Beware, Wash Parkers, this could happen to you, too! Our view now? We have 50% less sunlight and we look out at a wall that reaches so high we cannot see the sky from inside our house. Dirty brown ice sits in our yard all winter long. And there are almost 400% more windows looking into our house from all angles of the neighboring house. Stand up now for Historic Designation or you, too, may face the stucco monstrosity we see every day.

Take a look at our Web site

Thank you for your message supporting historic designation for our neighborhood. It is most unfortunate that you have had this experience. You are not alone. We, that is Progress & Preservation . . . Together, get many calls like yours.

You ask what is this Progress & Preservation . . . Together. We are a group that is concerned that some scrape-offs and pop-tops are impacting negatively on the solar access, privacy and open space of other neighbors. We are working to find a balance between the development pressures on our neighborhood and the desire to retain the unique character of East Washington Park.

Take a look at our Web site. Our address is www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/ppt. Or just click our hotlink on this site's navigation bar.

By Terry Andrews