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UPD8 Schedule
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Denver Update will return in 2009 - January 9
Denver Update can be seen every weekend.
Watch for a new program beginning every Friday.
Friday: 5 p.m.; 8 p.m.; 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.; 6 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.; 11a.m.
Monday: 10 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.
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 Request-A-Video If you ever miss a program, just ask us to
“play it again” any Friday morning.
To make your request call us at
720-865-2300
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Announcements
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"Keep it Clean from Drain to Stream" Campaign
Three Denver agencies are teaming up to promote clean water practices – and this means you can get a free supply of dog poop bags and a mini bag dispenser. Public Works, Environmental Health and Parks and Rec want you to help keep the City’s waterways clean and the giveaways are part of the campaign. Pet waste that isn’t picked up leaves bacteria that washes into storm drains and waterways that might increase health risks to humans. Register for the bags and dispensers online at KeepItClean.org or by calling 311.
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Denver American Indian Commission Launches Website The new website is part of the recognition of November as National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month. The site is a good place to go for American Indian resources and services in the metro area, and has links to other sites that focus on contemporary American Indian issues in the news.
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LEAP Helps Families With Heating Costs Applications are being accepted for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. LEAP provides qualified individuals and families a one-time benefit to help pay heating costs this winter. To find out about the program call 1-866-HEAT HELP. Or visit Denver Human Services at 2855 Tremont Place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Cash Back for Qualified Homeowners
Greenprint Denver is a partner in “2008 Insulate Colorado.” The program offers cash back rebates to qualifying homeowners who install insulation and upgrade air sealing measures. Rebates are on a first come, first served basis with about 100 available. Go to www.EnergyScience.org or call 303-216-2026 to find out more.
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Volunteers Needed
Denver depends on volunteers to serve on more than 100 City and County Boards and Commissions. Several of these have openings for new members. Some of those vacancies are on the Community Corrections Board, Denver Planning Board, Women’s Commission and Denver Housing Authority. For more information on Denver’s Boards and Commissions, contact Anthony Aragon at 720-865-9034.
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CFL Recycling Available
Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, contain small amounts of mercury and must be recycled appropriately. Drop-off used CFLs at any Ace Hardware store in the state. And learn more about recycling the energy saving lights at the State’s Department of Public Health and Environment website.
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Understanding Denver’s Foreclosures Learn more about residential foreclosure filings in our City. The report is available online. It’s called “Understanding Mortgage Foreclosures in Denver” and is available at:
www.milehigh.com. For information about the study, call 720-913-1999.
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Child Care Assistance The Denver County Child Care Assistance Program can help low-income parents working full time to find adequate child care. The program helps parents working full or part time, parents looking for work, teen parents in middle and high school, parents going back to school, and parents attending ABE, GED, or ESL classes. Eligibility is also based on family size and income.
To find out more call 303-604-1043, or go to www.DenverGov.org/CCAP.
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View Video 
Watch the current edition [12/19] of Denver Update
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Denver Update - Weekly Council & Council Committee Meetings
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NO MEETING 12/29/08
Denver City Council Meeting - Monday, December 22, 2008
Denver Union Station Plans on Track
The development of Denver Union Station will move forward as planned. City Council voted unanimously to approve the plan of development on Monday night, but not without some opposition.
The Denver Union Station proposal currently consists of a 3-track, 3-platform Light Rail terminal located at the consolidated main line, along with an extension of the 16th St. Mall Shuttle to the Light Rail terminal, and a 22-bay bus facility underneath 17th St. The bus facility will connect the Light Rail terminal to the historic station, and to the 8-track, 8-platform commuter and passenger rail terminal adjacent to the west side of Union Station.
The plan also includes two commercial “wing buildings” on either side of the historic structure, at 16th and 18th Streets. These office buildings were the main point of contention for opponents at Monday night’s public hearing. The Open Space Initiative Group wanted to preserve the historic Union Station and the traditional open space around the station.
While Council listened to the group’s concerns, they favored development plan as proposed, including the buildings. One reason cited was the financial boost for the project. The Denver Union Station project will cost $478 million. So far, $165 million of the project is unfunded. The sale of the land for the two office buildings is considered integral to the funding of the project.
Council Preview: Monday, January 5, 2009
There will be no City Council meeting on Monday December 29th. City offices will be open. The next meeting will be Monday, January 5th. Five public hearings will be held.
CB 632 Changes the zoning at 2159 Downing from R-4 to PUD for reuse of a commercial building.
CB 679 Changes the zoning at 99 S. Garfield from R-1 to PUD for six residential units.
CB 680 Changes the zoning at 1st Avenue and Fillmore from PUD 363 to PUD for retail, residential, and parking garage.
C.B. 721 Designates the CU Medical Center Children’s Psychiatric Day Care Building, 4301 E. 8th Avenue, as a structure for preservation
CB 722, Designates the John F. Kennedy Development Center, 4399 E. 8th Avenue, as a structure for preservation
NO MEETING 12/29
Denver City Council Meeting - Monday, December 15, 2008
Down Zoning Comes to West Washington Park
“In the area in question that is affected by these two bills tonight, what I cherish is the rhythm of the neighborhood…it is structure, space, structure, space, structure, space.”
Gertrude Grant
The rhythm of an area of West Washington Park may soon have a new tune, but that rhythm will stay the same…for the most part.
Dozens of homeowners, neighbors, developers and other concerned citizens jammed into Council Chambers Monday night for a much-anticipated public hearing that would change zoning in one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods.
The area covers about 208 acres, and the rub for some is that new duplexes have sprouted in the R-2 zoned areas of this neighborhood in recent years. Some in locations where single family homes were scraped off. This has made many residents glad and some others mad.
“Everybody is blaming duplexes for the problems in your neighborhood, it’s not the duplexes. You all want to be design and review people then buy the land. If you want to control this stuff, buy the land and decide it for yourself.”
- - Brad Evans
“If you want to change that neighborhood and keep the character, it’s the people that make the neighborhood. Not the houses.”
- Mark Regis
“$750 thousand $850 thousand dollar homes on one lot, two of them has nothing in common at all with the house that I live in which was built in 1934.”
- Sharon Stein
“These duplexes really do increase pollution and create adverse environmental impacts when compared to the existing housing stock.”
- Stephen Evanoff
Some real estate professionals present on Monday testified that the R-2 to R-1 down zonings could have a significant negative impact on real estate values in the area.
“It just does not seem to be that there is a compelling argument to do this at this moment in time. We’re in a serious recession and for the most part there is an economic moratorium, if you will on development”
- Susan Pearce, Denver Board of Realtors
“Let’s update all of you on what’s happened in Sloan’s lake since we down zoned it. In April, my house where I’ve lived for seven years and about 700 other units were down zoned from R-2 to R-1. We now have, given the state of the economy, an unnatural spurt of growth going on. That’s one of the consequences of down zoning.”
- Daniel Markofsky, Real Estate Attorney
But in the end it seemed that those opposed to the down zoning were simply out-numbered.
“I’m here on behalf of West Washington Park Neighborhood Association and the neighborhood in general, to urge you to vote for both 633 and 634. Before I do that I’d like everybody here to support these bills to quietly and respectfully stand up to show your support.”
- Charlie Busch, President, West Wash Park Neighborhood Association
At that point the clear majority of those in attendance stood in support.
During Council questioning, the difference in this zoning change and the one that occurred in the Highlands and Sloan’s Lake neighborhoods in April was questioned and clarified.
“The difference is that in a legislative rezoning you act as a legislator and you are advocating a position. In this case Councilman Nevitt is bringing it forward as a supporter for it as opposed to the Northwest rezonings, for example, which were brought forward by the citizenry.”
- Kerry Buckey
Assistant City Attorney
City Attorney’s Office
After nearly two hours of discussion, debate and more clarification, some Council members expressed their support for the down zoning as well as the process.
“There’s a mis-match between what the people want and what the zoning says and our role in the legislative body is to correct that mis-match, and that’s why we do legislative rezonings.”
- Doug Linkhart
City Council Member-at-Large
“I would rather err on the side of caution and support the citizens who have worked so hard to protect their property and their neighborhood rather than de-franchising their efforts and dismissing their work because of an overall downturn in the economy…”
- Carla Madison
City Council Member, District 8
As the clock approached midnight, Council Bill 633 passed on an 11-1 vote with District 6 Councilman Charlie Brown voting against the measure and District 2 Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz absent. Companion Bill 644 also passed. But members were more conflicted on that proposal, with District 1 Councilman Rick Garcia and Council President and District 10 Council woman Jeanne Robb joining District 6 Councilman Charlie Brown in voting against it.
The final tally – 9 yes, 3 no.
Greenprint Committee - 12/16/08
Sustainable Development
The Greenprint committee met on Tuesday to discuss sustainable development.
Tina Axelrad of Community planning and development proposes new zoning code in 2009, replacing outdated zoning codes from the 1950s, based on Smart Growth Principals.
The updated code would consider the walk ability of neighborhoods, reduction of light pollution, and excessive parking, efficient water use and storm water management. In many cases correcting outdated and over-amended code language.
That disaster is the result of amended codes, various exceptions, and changes that have left the current code in a jumble.
While change and streamlining is needed, Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann predicts opposition on many fronts.
The committee agrees that while promoting sustainability, the new zoning code must allow for evolutionary changes.
Public Works Committee - 12/16/08
Improving Federal Boulevard
After four and half years in the planning stage, the Federal Boulevard Improvement Project now comes to the Public Works Committee for authorization.
On the table, the purchase of various parcels, easements and partial takings along Federal Boulevard – from 6th Avenue to Alameda.
The project would improve safety and traffic capacity and eliminate congestion by widening the boulevard.
The conversation inevitably turned to concerns of a more aesthetic nature.
Most of the concerns centered on design issues. There was also consideration of holding the request in committee until the community has a chance to weigh in.
The ordinance does not require approval for design or detailed plans but rather, for the acquisition of the property.
The committee sent the request to full Council with the stipulation that Public Works return in January to present a review of their past process and future plans.
Gas Source
The committee also considered a request for a contract with Asgard Energy to provide natural gas to the City and County for one year, with an option to extend if needed.
Safety Committee - 12/17/08
Thwarting Crimes
This week the Safety Committee got an overview of the Crime Prevention and Control Commission’s projects and impact.
Focusing on recidivism reduction, crime prevention, and reducing jail time
With initiatives including a pretrial supervision program, drug court, and jail-to-community reentry program the aim is to improve efficiency of the justice system by reducing costs while serving the needs of society.
While these initiatives have been in effect for less than a year, the results are encouraging.
The projects prove successful enough that plans for further implementation are in the works.
In another item, the committee recognized several members of the Sheriff’s Department for their work in facilitating the right to vote for prison inmates.
Economic Development - 12/17/08
Committee
Denver’s Economic Outlook
The mayor’s economic stimulus plan, announced last week, echoed concerns throughout the city.
This week the Economic Development Committee gained perspective on Denver’s position for economic recovery.
The Colorado economy is driven by knowledge-based industry over the long term: aerospace, bioscience, energy and software IT.
Still, the immediate returns of accelerated infrastructure improvements are obvious.
In addition to improving cash flow this policy positions the city for recovery by building infrastructure. Similar to previous downturns that resulted in the convention center, the airport and various stadiums.
The investment paid off when Denver gained world attention during the Democratic National Convention.
Flying High
The committee also considered DIA’s Master Plan Process. Now with 16 passenger airlines providing more than 16,000 daily flights to more than 150 worldwide destinations, the Master Plan is in need of an update.
DIA has reached the original design capacity of 50 million annual passengers. There have also been a number of changes in the air transportation industry, including new security requirements, new technologies, and changes in energy sources and environmental considerations.
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Denver Update December 12 - December 22, 2008
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City News Briefs
Economic Recovery Plan
“Most of us recognize that so far Denver and Colorado have been to a large extent spared, for the most part been spared, relative to what we see in other states and cities. Clearly these are difficult times for a great many people.”
- John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
Tough economic times spurred Mayor John Hickenlooper and Governor Bill Ritter to join together with area business leaders, late last week to announce efforts to stimulate the local economy.
The plan is to get the shovel ready and start digging, accelerating the timeline for work to begin on $550 million in voter approved bond, infrastructure projects.
“The city alone is going to be able to pump $200 million per year at the minimum into the economy and if we are successful in this acceleration we should be able to get that up to $250 or maybe $350 million in the next couple of years.”
- John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
In addition to infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and aviation - Governor Ritter hopes to include additional infrastructure like electric grid projects and natural gas pipelines - moving not only the economy, but clean energy into the future.
“We are thinking very broadly about this and trying to do all we can to build out infrastructure in a way that accomplishes some unmet needs that we have in this state. And you’re able to create jobs as a result of it.”
Bill Ritter
Governor
State of Colorado
The Mayor and the Governor also assembled a team of community and business leaders to guide the development of a multi-sector economic stimulus plan including professionals from banking, real estate, retail, energy and construction.
Their focus is to help small businesses identify resources to pull themselves through the current downturn.
“If we get the leadership of this community together put our heads together and say ‘How are we going to work our way out of this?’ A lot of times Government doesn’t have to be the solution to everything. We can help bring people together but these different industries are going to be able to come up with ideas.”
- John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
Mayor Hickenlooper stressed that loans are available for home improvement projects or small business needs that might give the local economy a boost. He also encouraged those planning purchases – to keep their money in Colorado.
“Those local purchases really do make a difference in the state and local economy shopping at local stores benefits the local merchants and all our friends and neighbors who have jobs working there. It helps support Colorado’s hard working companies and allows them to continue.”
- John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
DPS Bond Work
The mayor also discussed the Denver Public School’s bond issue which was approved by voters this year.
Those improvement projects include critical repairs and renovations to schools and grounds, replacing deteriorating playgrounds, and constructing a new K-8 school and a high school in the Green Valley Ranch area.
The economic recovery plan includes starting work on those improvements to pump another 454 million dollars into the economy.
DIA Revenues Taking Off Again
Numbers are still taking off at DIA, after a dip in passenger traffic that ended a record-setting 21month streak in October. The good news is Operating Revenues at DIA increased 4.1 percent over the first three business quarters.
Operating Revenues might have been higher, if not for a generous move. The airport gave $10.7 million of its share of the state aviation fuel tax back to the airlines.
That rebate, which came earlier this year helped to offset the cost of jet fuel.
The higher passenger count resulted in higher revenues related to concessions, car rentals, and parking – which increased by $8 million over the same time period a year ago.
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Video vault
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Mayor-Council Meeting
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No meeting the weeks of 12/22 & 12/29
Mayor-Council Meeting- 12/16
Historic Hold up to Redevelopment
In a break from the norm - Council Members and the Mayor lingered over their discussion in Mayor-Council on Tuesday.
The topic – a question of historic designation for two buildings on the CU Medical Campus. Fran Mishler described the landmark findings.
“Both buildings met the required criteria for designation in all three categories including history, architecture and geography. Based on that, LPC voted unanimously to approve the designation.”
Fran Mishler
Urban Design Architect
Community Planning & Development
Saving the buildings at 4200 East 9th Avenue would hold up progress on proposed redevelopment there. A frustration for District 6 councilman Charlie Brown who was compelled to give credit to the developer, Shea properties for their proper handling of the project thus far – which included considerations for historic buildings.
“They brought in historic Denver early on in this process and historic Denver signed off on it then they change their executive directors. Shea homes has spent millions of dollars, and time and energy on this project. So what are we supposed to do now at the last minute? Why didn’t these people show up four and a half years ago?”
- Charlie Brown
City Council Member
District 6
“I think that’s a legitimate question. I really do. If it’s a few noisy, squeaky wheels that are impeding a process that’s going on and slowing it down without broad-based community support, I think the process will probably move pretty quickly.“
John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
The fate of the buildings hinges on the developers’ plan to maintain a street grid through the area – which is currently blocked by those structures.
“I’m going to guess they have a number of drawings of what is sacrificed by saving those building or what the negative impact is. They just need to bring them out and share them with people. I think our job is to create a rapid, efficient process by which they can do that.”
John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
The issue of historical designation for the Children’s Psychiatric Day Care Center and the John F. Kennedy Development Center will be addressed in a public hearing on January fifth. The Mayor is confident that giving the citizens a voice in the matter is the best strategy.
“Sometimes the easier path is just taken by default rather than making, putting more time and effort into trying to figure out what are the competing interests.”
John Hickenlooper
Mayor
City of Denver
A group of buildings known as the nurses’ quad has already been landmarked and will remain as a feature in the redeveloped area.
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City Council Meetings on Denver 8 TV
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 City Council Meeting Times:
On Monday nights, meetings of the full City Council are shown live beginning at 5:25 pm, with a repeat showing at 8:30 pm. Meetings of the full council are also repeated on Thursdays at 1 pm and Saturdays at 8 am.
- Denver City Council Committee meetings have regular repeats each week, in addition to their initial live airings. Check our weekly schedules for specific playback times.
- The weekly combined Denver Mayor-City Council meetings are shown live beginning at 10 am Tuesdays, and are repeated at 9 pm Tuesdays and 11:30 am Thursdays and Sundays.
- Note: Live and replayed meeting coverage may pre-empt regularly scheduled programs.
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