Near Southeast Area Plan

Latest News

City Council unanimously adopts community vision for Southeast Denver 

After two years of community collaboration, a revised draft of the Near Southeast Area Plan was adopted by the Denver City Council at its meeting Monday, May 22. The draft plan offers a community vision for Southeast Denver that focuses on more housing options, safer streets and responding to climate change, putting in place policies that will guide city decision-making for the next twenty years for the neighborhoods of Goldsmith, Indian Creek, University Hills North, Virginia Village and Washington Virginia Vale.

Read the press release

Read the newly adopted plan(PDF, 30MB)

How the draft plan came together

Over almost two years, you told us what you love about your neighborhood, you shared your concerns, ideas and priorities, and you shared your thoughts on draft recommendations. All of that input was put into the draft of the Near Southeast Area Plan, which provides a community vision for the Goldsmith, Indian Creek, University Hills North, Virginia Village and Washington Virginia Vale neighborhoods that will: 

  • Modernize key areas and streets to serve community needs better, improve design and make it easier for locals to get around
  • Focus growth along major corridors (Evans Avenue, Colorado Boulevard, Leetsdale Drive) and major centers (the Colorado and Yale RTD Stations) where redevelopment is most likely to occur and provide benefit to the community
  • Address the need for housing that residents can afford and provide more options for housing while preserving what makes Near Southeast neighborhoods great places to live
  • Improve sustainability by making it easier and safer for people to get out of their cars and through infrastructure and landscapes that support the local ecosystem

Download updated executive summary(PDF, 838KB)

Download the latest version of the draft plan(PDF, 30MB)

Plan Implementation Matrix(XLSX, 65KB)

Community participation and input

The draft plan reflects collaboration between city planners and a steering committee of residents, business owners and neighborhood leaders as well as community navigators, who ensured equitable outreach and fidelity to the community’s vision. Intentional engagement work included pop-up events at cultural and faith-based centers and targeted outreach to refugees, immigrants, students, and renters. In total, the planning process captured input from more than 7,255survey responses, 46 community events, 10< focus groups and more than 4,000 additional touchpoints through the plan's email newsletter, social media, the distribution of fliers throughout the area, one-on-one conversations at community office hours and more.  

Community priorities

  • Make it safer and easier to move around the area by increasing mobility options and accessibility 
  • Improve and expand housing options and affordability 
  • Improve the look, feel, and functionality of major corridors 
  • Make the area more sustainable and resilient 

Key recommendations

Land Use and Built Form

  • Thoughtful growth – direct growth to appropriate places with infrastructure and elements of a complete neighborhood 
  • Center and corridor upgrades – improve the appearance and functionality of commercial and mixed-use areas
  • Neighborhood values – preserve the affordability and design the community enjoys while adding housing options

Housing and Economy

  • Housing improvements – Expand housing options by improving overall conditions and affordability
  • Community resources – Invest and grow resources in development, education, workforce training and homelessness to improve community connections
  • Local business support – Connect new and existing businesses to financing, incentives and networking to better serve residents

Mobility

  • Corridor improvements – Prioritize safe multimodal transportation options and operational improvements along Near Southeast corridors
  • Pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements – Reduce pedestrian, bicyclist and driver exposure to crashes by providing safe crossing environments, adequate and complete sidewalk space, and comfortable bicycle infrastructure
  • Neighborhood traffic calming – Install traffic calming elements intended to provide visual and physical cues to slow the speed of vehicles in Near Southeast and target areas where safety is of utmost concern, such as schools, parks and commercial nodes

Quality of Life Infrastructure 

  • Green space, landscaping and recreation – ensure the community has access to the parks, trails, and natural amenities they value
  • Sustainability and resiliency – reduce our impact on the climate and prepare the area for the future 
  • Community wellbeing – improve safety and opportunities for healthy living, quality food and community resources

Innovations in the plan

  • Coordinates growth with mobility infrastructure improvements 
  • Provides clear guidance for integrating missing middle housing while reducing displacement, increasing affordability, and improving design outcomes 
  • Emphasizes sustainability and resiliency throughout 

Summary of changes

These updates reflect feedback received on the second review draft of the plan. 

  • Further clarified missing middle policies and improved affordability recommendations 
  • Improved guidance for ensuring needed infrastructure is in place for future growth 
  • Updated Colorado Station recommendations to emphasize walking, biking, and transit 
  • Updated waste transfer facility recommendations to emphasize reducing negative impacts on the surrounding community 
  • Identified additional intersections for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, and additional residential streets for traffic calming treatment 

  • Recommended stormwater and water quality treatment, climate-appropriate landscaping, and lighting along major corridors 

Download list of all changes(XLSX, 23KB)

         

How to Get Involved

 

Area Information and Resources

The Near Southeast Planning Area is made up of Washington Virginia Vale, Virginia Village, Indian Creek, Goldsmith and the area of University Hills north of Yale Avenue. It includes a variety of housing types, significant commercial corridors including Colorado Boulevard and Leetsdale Drive, and amenities like sections of the Cherry Creek Greenway and the Highline Canal. Several major redevelopment projects in the area have highlighted the need to work with the community to update outdated neighborhood plans or provide planning guidance in areas where no neighborhood plan exists.  

Near Southeast Briefing Book cover

Existing conditions

Before public outreach begins, the planning team begins collecting data on the neighborhoods in the planning area to understand the current context. This data includes everything from the demographics of the area and its geography, to how land is being used now, what types of jobs and industries exist in the area and whether residents or businesses are vulnerable to involuntary displacement. This information is collected in the Near Southeast Briefing Book, which is intended to serve as a resource throughout the planning process. 

To review the findings, view the interactive story map or download the full briefing book. 

Storymap button

Current Zoning Context

  • Suburban - 54%
  • Former Chapter 59 - 24%
  • Open Space - 10%
  • Industrial - 6%
  • Other (Urban Edge, Campus, General Urban, Urban Center, Open Zone District) - 9%

Planning Need Indicator Scores

To help inform the neighborhood planning process, the city developed data-based indicators of planning need at the neighborhood scale. 

Each Near Southeast Area neighborhood was scored from low planning need to high planning need in five categories.

Neighborhood Livability Investment Policy & Regulation Economy Demographics
Goldsmith Medium high Medium Medium High Medium low
Indian Creek Medium high Medium Medium high Medium high Medium
Virginia Village Medium high Medium low Medium low Medium Medium
Washington Virginia Vale Medium Medium low Medium Medium high Medium low

  

Read more about the indicators and scoring. 


Previous Plans and Projects

Area Statistics and Other Information

Statistics
  • Area: 5.03 square miles
  • 2018 Population: 34,778
  • Housing units: 18,597
Regional destinations
  • Cherry Creek Trail
  • Colorado Center
Natural features
  • Cherry Creek
  • Cook Park
  • High Line Canal
Key corridors
  • Interstate 25
  • Colorado Boulevard
  • Dahlia Street
  • Holly Street
  • Monaco Parkway
  • Cherry Creek N/S Drive
  • Quebec Street
  • Alameda Avenue
  • Leetsdale Drive
  • Louisiana Avenue
  • Florida Avenue
  • Jewell Avenue
  • Evans Avenue
  • Yale Avenue

Boundaries

  • North: Alameda Avenue
  • East: Quebec Street and city limits
  • South: Yale Avenue
  • West: Colorado Boulevard and Interstate 25 

Near Southeast Area map

 

Demographic Information

Click on the images below to zoom in.

Near Southeast Area - Neighborhood Population and Tenure

Near Southeast Area - Neighborhood Population and Tenure

(JPG, 59KB)
Near Southeast Area - Race and Ethnicity

Near Southeast Area - Race and Ethnicity

(JPG, 66KB)
Near Southeast Area - Age

Near Southeast Area - Age

(JPG, 56KB)
Near Southeast Area - Income

Near Southeast Area - Income

(JPG, 64KB)

Process and Timeline

Near Northwest Planning Process Timeline  

The Neighborhood Planning Initiative provides a model for area planning that is intentional, equitable and measurable. The planning process is guided by a multi-pronged outreach and communications strategy with an expected timeline of 18 to 24 months from kickoff to adoption. For a detailed overview, visit How We Plan. For details on the planning process is being applied in the Near Southeast Area, see below.   

Planning Process Phases

  • Understand the Area
  • Define the Issues and Develop Initial Recommendations
  • Refine Recommendations
  • Community Review of Draft Plan
  • Adoption Process 

Next Phase: Legislative review and adoption   

What the planning team is working on
  • Updating and strengthening the draft plan
  • Identifying implementation priorities
  • Preparing the plan for the adoption process  
What we are asking the community
  • Does the plan reflect your vision for the future of your neighborhood?
  • Do you support the vision in the plan? 
How the public can participate

 

Completed Phases

Phase 4: Community review of the draft plan

Phase 4 of the process involved sharing the draft plan that was developed based on the Phase 3 input with the community and gathering feedback on how to improve it.  The planning team worked on the following things: 

What the Planning Team Worked On
  • Hosted meetings, conducted surveys, and attended community events (virtual and in person) to share information and collect input
  • Regular meetings with the community steering committee  
  • Used multiple channels to get word out about the draft recommendations
    • Project website and email list
    • Social media
    • Traditional media outreach
    • Registered neighborhood organizations and other neighborhood groups
    • Schools
    • Yard signs
    • Mailers
  • Went into the community to get the word out about the plan
    • Community workshop at Cook Park Recreation Center
    • Hudson Apartments event
    • Cook Park Rec Center pop-up/office hours
    • Jewish Community Center pop-up/office hours
    • Schlessman YMCA pop-up/office hours
    • University Hills North Community meeting
    • Cook Park RNO meeting
    • Lynwood Neighborhood Association meeting
    • Refugee family meeting
  • Flyers were distributed at:
    • Ross-University Hills Library (DPL)
    • U Hills YMCA
    • Villa Monaco
    • Park Plaza Shopping area
    • Welshire Plaza
    • Shops between Iliff Av. & Warren Ave. on E. side of Colo. Blvd.
    • Shopping Center at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd
    • Century 21 Plaza
    • Square One Center
    • Eisenhower Rec Center
    • Cook Park Rec Center
    • Virginia Village Library (DPL)
    • Virginia Village shopping center (NW corner of Florida & Holly) incl. Unravel Coffee
    • Virginia Shops (SW corner of FL & Holly) incl. Sojourners Coffee
    • Holly Shops/Esters Neighborhood Pub
    • Leetsdale Marketplace Shopping Center
    • Shops at Leetsdale and Monaco
    • Monaco Square
    • South Lowry Marketplace at SE corner of Leetsdale & Quebec
    • Shops at Leetsdale & Oneida
    • Shops at Leetsdale & Holly (N/S of Leetsdale on E side) 
What We Asked the Community
  • How should we improve the land use and design recommendations?
  • How should we improve the residential preservation and affordability recommendations?
  • How should we improve the small business recommendations?
  • How should we improve the mobility corridor recommendations?
  • How should we improve the walking, biking, and transit recommendations?
  • How should we improve the park, trails, and landscaping recommendations?
  • Do you have any general feedback on the draft plan? 
Key Takeaways

Based on input from the community, changes were made to the draft plan to achieve the following: 

  • Clarify missing middle policies and strengthen affordability recommendations
  • Allow additional growth along the Evans corridor with clearer recommendations for improving mobility infrastructure
  • Adjust place and height recommendations to achieve better transitions and compatibility with neighborhoods
  • Update economy related sustainability recommendations to include “Waste No More”
  • Expand arts/cultural economy and continuing education policies with additional recommendations from community input
  • Update and add additional housing statistics and goals
  • Add more detail to trail improvement recommendations
  • Improve streetscape and landscape recommendations for key corridors and parkways
  • Identify additional intersections for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements
  • Identify additional streets for traffic calming opportunities
  • Add recommendations for additional bike lane opportunities and identify those existing bike lanes needing an upgrade
  • Include additional intersection safety improvements based on neighborhood level feedback 

See more about what we heard in the Comments Spreadsheet(XLSX, 63KB).

How the Community Participated
  • 212 joined the project’s email list in Phase 4 (total is 1,059) 
  • 127 attended the community workshops 
  • 98 took the online surveys 
  • 101 community members met planners at 7 community events
  • Steering committee held 3 meetings 
  • Intentional outreach and participation included:
    • 6 renters at an apartment event
    • 17 in a refugee family focus group 
Results and Resources

Graph showing levels of support for plan

 

Phase 3: Refine the Recommendations

Phase 3 of the process involved sharing the draft recommendations that were developed based on the Phase 2 input with the community and gather feedback on how to improve them.  The planning team worked on the following things: 

What the Planning Team Worked On
  • Hosted meetings, conducted surveys, and attended community events (virtual and in person) to share information and collect input 
  • Regular meetings with the community steering committee
  • Used multiple channels to get word out about the draft recommendations 
    • Project website and email list
    • Social media
    • Traditional media outreach
    • Registered neighborhood organizations and other neighborhood groups
    • Schools
    • Yard signs
    • Mailers
  • Went into the community to get the word out about the plan 
    • Community workshop at Four Mile House Historic Park
    • Jacobs Park food truck event
    • Ramac Apartments food truck event
    • National Night Out at Cook Park
    • South by Southeast at Bible Park
    • Cook Park Rec Center pop-up/office hours
    • Jewish Community Center pop-up/office hours
    • Schlessman YMCA pop-up/office hours
    • Virginia Village Library pop-up/office hours
    • McMeen Elementary back to school night
    • George Washington High student activity
    • Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning student activity
    • District 4 Town Hall at Thomas Jefferson High School
  • Flyers were distributed at:
    • Cook Park Rec Center
    • Virginia Village Library Ross-University Hills Library
    • Schlessmann YMCA
    • Villa Monaco
    • Virginia Village shopping center (NW corner of Florida & Holly) incl. Unravel Coffee
    • Virginia Shops (SW corner of FL & Holly) incl. Sojourners Coffee
    • Holly Shops/Esters Neighborhood Pub
    • Park Plaza Shopping area
    • Welshire Plaza
    • Shops between Iliff Av. & Warren Ave. on E. side of Colo. Blvd.
    • Shopping Center at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd
    • Century 21 Plaza
    • Square One Center
    • Eisenhower Rec Center
    • Leetsdale Marketplace Shopping Center
    • Shops at Leetsdale and Monaco
    • Monaco Square
    • South Lowry Marketplace at SE corner of Leetsdale & Quebec
    • Shops at Leetsdale & Oneida
    • Shops at Leetsdale & Holly (N/S of Leetsdale on E side) 
What We Asked the Community
  • Where should growth be directed in the area? 
  • How should we incorporate more housing options?
  • How should the industrial areas evolve?
  • Do the draft land use recommendations reflect the community’s goals for sustainable growth and improved design? 
  • Do the draft housing and economy recommendations reflect the community’s goals for affordability and more local businesses? 
  • Do the draft mobility recommendations reflect the community’s goals for improved safety and convenience? 
  • Do the draft quality of life infrastructure recommendations reflect the community’s goals for more resilient landscaping and parks?
Key Takeaways
  • Direct most growth to key intersections along the corridors and ensure infrastructure needs are met
  • Prioritize affordability and character when integrating new housing options into neighborhoods
  • Ensure corridors and centers transitions well into neighborhoods and minimize impacts from additional height and development
  • Target affordable housing in areas served by amenities and transit 
  • Support new and existing local businesses with a variety of tools
  • Provide additional mobility connections while limiting speeding on neighborhood streets
  • Prioritize sidewalk improvements along routes to key destinations
  • Improve connections to trails at parks and reduce conflicts between users
  • Enhance landscaping in centers and corridors with appropriate trees and plant that limit water use 

See more about what we heard in the Community Input Summary, which will be posted soon.

How the Community Participated
  • 161 joined the project’s email list in Phase 3 (total is 1,008) 
  • 50 attended the community workshops 
  • 903 took the online surveys 
  • 338 community members met planners at 9 community events  
  • Steering committee held 5 meetings  
  • 5 focus group meetings engaging 41 community members 
  • Intentional outreach and participation included:
    • 65 renters at food truck events
    • 11 minority-owned businesses
    • 206 youth at George Washington High school 
Results and Resources
  • Community Input Summary (coming soon)
  • Intentional Engagement Summary(PDF, 4MB)
  • Available in project archive:
    • Meeting presentations, meeting summaries/notes and handouts for public meetings and steering committee meetings
    • Complete listing of neighborhood meetings and community events attended by staff
    • Past project newsletters
    • Links to media articles 
    • Past survey information (full data downloads)
    • Comment logs (collection of all the comments we have received)  
    • Focus Group Meeting Notes and Recordings 
  

Phase 2: Define the Issues and Develop Initial Recommendations

Phase 2 of the planning process involved further understanding the issues and opportunities that were identified in Phase 1 and asking the community how they should be addressed in the plan.  

What the Planning Team Worked On
  • Hosted meetings, conducted surveys, and attended community events (virtual and in person) to share information and collect input
  • Issues and opportunities analysis
  • Regular meetings with the community steering committee
  • Used multiple channels to get word out about plan launch
    • Project website and email list
    • Social media
    • Traditional media outreach
    • Registered neighborhood organizations and other neighborhood groups
    • Schools
  • Went into the community to get the word out about the plan
    • Virginia Vale/Ellis RNO meeting
    • Indian Creek Neighborhood Association meeting
    • Winston Downs Community Association meeting (w/ Hilltop RNO attending)
    • McMeen Elementary Dia del Niño event
    • McMeen Elementary Multicultural Night
    • Schlessman YMCA pop-up
    • University Hills Spring Market
    • Cook Park Soccer Fields pop-up
    • Shakespeare in the Spring at Cook Park
    • Bible Park Playground pop-up
  • Flyers were distributed at:
    • University Hills Plaza
    • Park Plaza Shopping area
    • Wellshire Plaza
    • Colorado Center (JE Dunn; Stantec; PCL Construction HQs)
    • Shops between Iliff Avenue & Warren Avenue. on E. side of Colorado Blvd.
    • Shopping Center at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd.
    • Century 21 Plaza
    • Square One Center
    • Leetsdale Marketplace Shopping Center
    • Shops at Leetsdale and Monaco (N. side of Leetsdale Drive)
    • Monaco Square
    • Villa Monaco
    • Virginia Village shopping center (NW corner of Florida & Holly) including Unravel Coffee
    • Virginia Shops (SW corner of Florida & Holly) including Sojourners Coffee
    • Holly Shops/Esters Neighborhood Pub
    • South Lowry Marketplace at SE corner of Leetsdale & Quebec
    • Shops at Leetsdale & Oneida
    • Shops at Leetsdale& Holly (N/S of Leetsdale on east side) 
What We Asked the Community
  • Do the draft vision statements reflect the community’s goals for the area?
  • How should Near Southeast grow and what elements of complete neighborhoods should be prioritized to ensure equity in that growth?
  • What affordable housing options should be prioritized?
  • What amenities and services are most desired in the area?
  • Where should mobility safety improvements be prioritized?
  • How can parks, trails, and landscaping better serve the community?
  • How should sustainability and resiliency be incorporated into recommendations?
Key Takeaways
  • Growth should go to appropriate areas and be accompanied by better design, improved mobility, and more community amenities
  • Housing options should be added in neighborhoods when they are appropriately scaled, served by infrastructure, and improve affordability
  • Affordable housing options should be improved for families and those looking to buy, and services for those experiencing homelessness should prioritize providing housing and treatment
  • Desired businesses, like restaurants, local shops, and entertainment options, should be supported through local business associations and other programs
  • Mobility safety should be enhanced with improvements at key intersections and along major corridors
  • Walking and biking networks should have improved connectivity and amenities
  • Landscaping should be improved in parks, streets, and private property to be more sustainable and resilient and provide better habitat for wildlife and pollinators 
  • Reduced water and energy use, reduced heating, and improved air quality should be achieved through a range of actions by individuals, businesses, developers, and the city

See more about what we heard in the Community Input Summary. 

How the Community Participated
  • 260 joined the project’s email list in Phase II (total is 847)
  • 199 attended the community workshops
  • 719 took the online surveys
  • 218 community members met planners at 9 community events
  • Steering committee held 7 meetings
  • 32 participants joined focus group meetings
  • Intentional outreach and participation has been conducted or started with the following partners:
    • African Community Center
    • First Universalist Church
    • Oaks Community Church
    • Renters
    • Schools
    • Latino Community Foundation of Colorado
    • Mexican Cultural Center
    • Denver Islamic Society
    • Celebration Community Church
    • Jewish Family Services
    • Advocacy Denver
    • Ability Specialists, Inc.
    • Denver Disability Law
    • Colorado Cross Disability Coalition
Results and Resources


Phase 1: Understand the Area

Phase 1 of the planning process involved kicking off the project with the community through a variety of virtual and in-person events, raising awareness about the plan and learning how the community views the Near Southeast area and what they would like it to be in the future. 

What the Planning Team Worked On
  • Hosted meetings, conducted surveys, and attended community events (virtual and in person) to share information and collect input
  • Existing conditions research 
  • Convening community steering committee 
  • Used multiple channels to get word out about plan launch 
    • Project website and email list
    • Social media
    • Traditional media outreach
    • Registered neighborhood organizations and other neighborhood groups
    • Schools
  • Went into the community to get the word out about the plan
    • Cook Park Recreation Center
    • Denver Public Library: Virginial Village Branch Library
    • Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center
    • Four Mile Historic Park
    • The Sojourners Coffee & Tea
    • Istanbul Café and Bakery
    • Barakah Halal Market
    • Sinclair Gas Station
    • Spyglass Creek
    • Mosaic Apartments
    • Yale Station Senior Apartments
    • Granville Townhomes
    • Denver Kinder Care
    • Little Spark Learning Center
    • Sunflower Hill Child Care
    • Colorado Station RTD Park and Ride
    • Yale Station
    • Ace Hardware
What We Asked the Community
  • What do you like or dislike about your neighborhood?
  • Where are the opportunities?
  • What are the areas of concern?
  • What do you want to see for the future of your neighborhood?
  • How do you want to get involved in the planning process? 
Key Takeaways
  • Desire for improvements to commercial corridors, particularly Evans Avenue, with better design, walkability, and shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • Better and safer mobility options for all modes
  • More diverse and affordable housing options
  • Preserve and improve parks, trails, green spaces, and landscaping

See more about what we heard in the Community Input Summary (PDF, 1MB). 

How the Community Participated
  • 587 joined the project’s email list 
  • 128 attended the Virtual Community Kickoff meeting
  • 523 took the online kickoff map-based survey
  • 228 took the youth-focused survey
  • 331 community members met planners at 9 community events 
  • Steering committee held 4 meetings 
  • 20 community partners participated in stakeholder interviews
  • Intentional outreach and participation has begun with the following partners:
    • Over 288 youth participated across two semesters and 13 classes at George Washington High School 
    • African Community Center
    • Mexican Cultural Center
    • Denver Islamic Center 
Results and Resources


Near Southeast Area Team

Planning is a collaborative, community-driven process facilitated by city staff with the support of City Council offices, partner agencies and guided by a steering committee of residents, local businesses, neighborhood groups, community-serving organizations and other constituencies from every neighborhood in the planning area.

City Planners

Scott Robinson
Senior City Planner
scott.robinson@denvergov.org 

Jason Morrison
Senior City Planner
jason.morrison@denvergov.org

Will Prince
Associate City Planner
william.prince@denvergov.org


City Council Offices

Council District 4
Councilwoman Kendra Black
kendra.black@denvergov.org

Council District 5
Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer
amanda.sawyer@denvergov.org 

Council District 6
Councilman Paul Kashman
paul.kashman@denvergov.org

Steering Committee

Members of the steering committee for the Near Southeast Area Plan were selected from the more than 100 community members who submitted the interest form. The group is intended to be a cross-section of the neighborhoods that make up the planning area, including residents, local business owners and property owners. In bringing the group together, the planning team consulted with City Council Offices for Districts 4, 5 and 6, considered the area’s demographics, and sought out a diversity of interests, experiences and areas of expertise as well as voices from traditionally under-represented communities.

Steering committee members will help guide the planning process, support public engagement efforts and help create consensus at key points in the process. The committee meets on the second Wednesday on the month. Meetings are open to the public, and meeting materials will be available online after the fact.

Steering Committee meeting information

 Name Neighborhood, affiliations and interests 

Nancy Barlow

Lives in Cook Park, is a business owner and president of East Evans Business Association. Key issues of interest are building design, local businesses and jobs, and mobility.

Dustin Browne

Lives in Goldsmith. Key issues of interest are trees, parks and green space; mobility; and traffic.

Scott Caldwell

Works in University Hills North and is a property owner representative for the Colorado Station Area.

Guadalupe Cantu

Lives in Virginia Village. Key issues of interest are building design, affordable housing and involuntary displacement.

Harvey Cohen

Lives in the Winston Downs area of Washington-Virginia Vale. Key issues of interest are building design, density, trees, green space and proximity to parks.

Lisa Foreman

Lives in Indian Creek. Retired in 2018 after career in real estate development, primarily finance in the multi-family sector. Key issues of interest are affordable housing, trees, parks and green space and mobility.
Scott Kilgore

Lives in Washington Virginia Vale and is on the board of the Preservation of South Hilltop Neighborhood Association.  Key issues of interest are mobility, sustainability, design, affordable housing and anti-displacement, parks, and local businesses. 

Adrian Kinney

Lives and works in Virginia Village. Self employed in a passion-turned-career of all things Mid Century Modern. Key issues of interest: building design/cohesion, accessibility, equity

Judy Anne Kriss

Lives in Indian Creek, serves as President of the Indian Creek Neighborhood Association and is a retired member of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. Key issues of interest are mobility, traffic, safety and the increase in crimes of opportunity in Indian Creek, and creating a working relationship with Unincorporated Arapahoe County on shared concerns.

Jared Mackey

Lives in Washington Virginia Vale and is invested in increasing the quality of life, mobility, and business opportunities for his neighbors and neighborhood.

Erika McCallin

Lives Goldsmith and is a mother of two, a small business owner and a member of the Bradley International School PTO. Key issues of interest are community design; beautification of roadways, retail centers, parks and green space; and walkability. 

Miranda Meadow

Lives in Virginia Vale. Key issues of interest are mobility, traffic, and trees, parks and green space, as well as maintaining and enhancing economic/racial diversity.

Joe Miklosi

Lives in Wellshire, serves as president of the Holly Manor Condos HOA and is a former Colorado Representative from southeast Denver and a former Denver Southeast Rotarian. Key issues of interest are preservation of local parks, local businesses and jobs, and affordable housing.

Jennifer Neuhalfen

Lives and works in University Hills North and is a board member of the University Hills North Community RNO and newly appointed board member of the Colfax Business Improvement District. Key issues of interest are, mobility, affordability, housing diversity, building design and planning for an inclusive future.

Maria Jose Torres

Lives in University Hills North. Key issues of interest are affordable housing; trees, parks and green space; and mobility.

Spencer Stephens

Lives in Virginia Village and is the Zoning and Development Chair for the Virginia Village Ellis Community Association. Key issues of interest are building design, local businesses and jobs, and safety.

Sara E. Stewart

Lives in Washington Virginia Vale and is a business owner and advisory board member for the Dahlia Campus of the Mental Health Center of Denver. Key issues of interest are safety, infrastructure and healthy food access.

Jim Stone

Lives in the Cook Park area of Virginia Village and is a Board Member of the Cook Park Neighborhood Association. Key issues of interest are keeping near SE Denver a "true neighborhood area" with appropriate building heights, providing adequate and reasonable setbacks for new building structures, and continuing to provide safety in all areas of concern.

Chris Viscardi

Invests in Virginia Village and is a property owner representative of the former CDOT headquarters and CDOT region one. Key issues of interest are affordable housing, building design, healthy food access and mobility.


Consultants, Partner Agencies and Other Organizations

  • Kimley-Horn – Eric Bosman, Project Manager 
  • Otak – Cliff Lind, Project Lead/Manager 
  • Peter J. Park, LLC – Peter Park, Principal 
  • Root Policy Research – Heidi Aggeler, Managing Director 
  • Metta Urban Design – Samantha Suter, Principal 
  • GBSM – Miles Graham, Principal
  • NHN Consulting – Nora Neureiter, Principal 


      

Project Archive

Previous Plan Drafts

  • Draft 1 (PDF) - posted for public review November 2022
  • Draft 2 (PDF) - posted for public review February 2023
  • Draft 3(PDF, 99MB) - posted for Planning Board review April 2023

    • The board approved the plan with the condition that the context designation change for these two properties. Watch replay of the April 19 meeting for details. 

Community Meetings, Office Hours and Focus Groups

 The events listed below were organized by the planning team to share information with the community and gather input.

Public Meetings

Community Kickoff (1) 
6-7:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Virtual meeting via Zoom


Virtual Community Workshop (2) - Land Use and Housing
6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Virtual meeting via Zoom

 

Virtual Community Workshop (3) - Parks and Mobility
6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2022
Virtual meeting via Zoom

 

Virtual Community Workshop (4)
6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2022
Virtual meeting via Zoom


In-person Community Workshop (5)
6-6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2022
Four Mile Historic Park, 4846 E. Exposition Ave.

Boards:


Targeted Engagement Event
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Frances Weisbart Jacobs Park, 1101 S Quebec St.


Targeted Engagement Event
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Ramac Apartments, 1640 S Albion St.


Youth Engagement Event
Monday, October 3, 2022
George Washington High School


Youth Engagement Event
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning


In-person Community Workshop (6)
5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Cook Park Rec Center, 7100 Cherry Creek S Dr., Denver

Boards:


Virtual Community Workshop (7)
6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022


Planning Board Public Hearing
3 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023


Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Meeting
10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2023


City Council Public Hearing 
5:30 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2023
City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St.
Council Chamber (4th floor)



Community Office Hours

  • Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cook Park Recreation Center
  • Wednesday, August 3, 2022, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia Street
  • Wednesday, August 10, 2022, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., University Hills YMCA, 3901 Yale Avenue
  • Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 10 a.m. to noon, Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 S. Dahlia St.

Pop-up events 

  • Friday, August 13, 2022, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Four Mile Historic Park
  • Friday, August 13, 2022, 2:30-5 p.m. at Cook Park Pool 
  • Saturday, August 14, 2022, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., University Hills Farmers Market, University Hills Plaza
  • Tuesday, August 24, 2022, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Colorado Station
  • Wednesday, August 25, 2022, 3-5 p.m., Jewish Community Center
  • Saturday, August 28, 2022, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., University Hills Farmers Market, University Hills Plaza 
  • Tuesday, September 7, 2022, 4-6 p.m., Avenir Apartments, 1211 S. Quebec Way
  • Saturday, April 16, 2022, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at University Hills Spring Market, 2500 S. Colorado Blvd.
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 4-6 p.m. at Schlessman YMCA, 3901 E. Yale Ave.
  • Wednesday, January 11, 2023, noon- 2 p.m. at Cook Park Rec Center, 7100 Cherry Creek South Dr.
  • Thursday, January 12, 2023, 4-6 p.m. at Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver

Focus Groups and Stakeholder Interviews

Steering Committee Meetings

Steering Committee Meeting 1
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 2
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 3
6-8 p.m., September 8, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 4
6-8 p.m., October 13, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 5
6-8 p.m., November 10, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 6
6-8 p.m., December 8, 2021
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 7
6-8 p.m., January 12, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 8
6-8 p.m., February 9, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 9
6-8 p.m., April 13, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 10
6-8 p.m., May 11, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 11
6-8 p.m., June 8, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 12
6-8 p.m., August 10, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 13
6-8 p.m., September 14, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 14
6-8 p.m., October 12, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 15
6-8 p.m., November 9, 2022
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 16
6-8 p.m., January 11, 2023
Virtual meeting


Steering Committee Meeting 17
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 8
In person: Junction Food Hall


Steering Committee Meeting 18
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 8
Colorado Center Tower 3


Steering Committee Meeting 19
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 6
Colorado Center Tower 3


Other Neighborhood Meetings and Events

2019

  • 12/7: Council District 1 Town Hall, Cook Park Recreation Center

2020

  • 12/15: University Hills North Community RNO, virtual meeting via Zoom

2021

  • 2/16: Cook Park RNO meeting, virtual meeting via Zoom
  • 6/9: Lynwood Neighborhood Association meeting, virtual meeting via Zoom
  • 7/31: Virginia Village Library Denver Days event
  • 8/3: National Night Out, Cook Park
  • 8/21: South by Southeast, Bible Park
  • 9/14: Virginia Village Ellis Community Association meeting, virtual meeting via Zoom 

    • 10/27: District 4 Town Hall, Hebrew Educational Alliance 

2022

  • 4/12: Virginia Vale Community Association Annual Meeting
  • 4/21: Indian Creek Neighborhood Association Meeting
  • 4/30: Dia del Nino at McMeen Elementary
  • 5/7: Shakespeare in the Park at Cook Park
  • 5/12: McMeen Elementary Multicultural Night
  • 5/25: Winston Downs Community Association Meeting
  • 8/2: National Night Out at Cook Park
  • 8/18: McMeen Elementary Back-to-School Night 
  • 8/20: South by Southeast
  • 10/25: District 4 Town Hall

Past Newsletters

2021

2022

2023

Survey Data and Comments

Surveys

Use the links below to download data from previous surveys. 

Comments

Near Southeast Area Plan

Near Southeast Area Plan logo

Contact Us

Scott Robinson
Senior City Planner
scott.robinson@denvergov.org

 

Jason Morrison
Senior City Planner
jason.morrison@denvergov.org

 

Will Prince
Associate City Planner
william.prince@denvergov.org

 

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