East Area Plan
Latest News: Weigh in on plan recommendations!
You told us what you love about your East Area neighborhood, what concerns you and what your big ideas are. We used that input to create draft plan recommendations in four key areas: economy and housing, mobility, land use urban and design, and quality of life.
East Area residents got a chance to learn about and share thoughts on these recommendations at the community workshop on May 14. If you missed the workshop, you can catch up by downloading the presentation (PDF). Then, read the recommendations and click on the map buttons below to take each of the four surveys and let us know what you think! The deadline for completing the surveys is June 16.
Read the draft recommendations and take the surveys:
Economy and Housing
Click image to download the economy-related recommendations map (PDF)
A - HOSPITALS
The healthcare and wellness sector is the foundation for economic growth
- 60% of all jobs in the East Area (nearly 7,000 jobs total); employs 11% of East working residents
- Sector is expected to continue to grow – forecast to provide 29% of new jobs through 2040, the largest growth sector in the East Area
- Includes Rose Medical Center, National Jewish Health, and a growing influence from the Anschutz Campus in Aurora
B - HOSPITALS & SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS
Together, hospitals and surrounding neighborhoods can address community development in ways that are mutually beneficial
The Plan aims to:
- Help the hospitals stay in the area and evolve in a neighborhood-friendly way
- Partner with hospitals and nonprofit housing developers to create affordable, workforce housing
- Partner with hospitals and DPS to address workforce training needs
- Create more retail and services that benefit hospital employees, visitors, and residents
- Ensure strong connections from hospitals to transit, parks, and daily services
C - MIXED-USE CENTERS, CORRIDORS & DISTRICTS
The primary location for housing and employment growth in the East Area
The Plan aims to:
- Create new affordable housing near transit and amenities
- Preserve and enhance community-serving, locally-owned businesses
- Promote spaces that strengthen the Area’s small professional office niche
D - MOTELS
There are 17 motels along Colfax that currently serve as a form of transitional housing
The Plan aims to:
- Encourage the repurposing or redevelopment of motels into permanent and supportive housing
NEIGHBORHOODS OVERALL
A large majority of the East Area’s land is residential
The Plan aims to:
- Preserve housing affordability
- Stabilize residents at risk of displacement
- Expand diversity of housing types by encouraging “missing middle” units such as ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and duplexes
1. BOLSTER THE HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS SECTOR AS THE FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH ECONOMY
- Partner with hospitals, DPS, and nonprofit housing developers to address workforce housing and training needs
- Ensure strong connections from hospitals to neighborhood amenities such as parks and transit
- Mix more medical offices and clinics in mixed-use areas throughout the East Area
2. STRENGTHEN THE SMALL PROFESSIONAL OFFICE NICHE WRITE IN ANSWERS BELOW. IF NEIGHBORHOOD-SPECIFIC, LIST WHICH NEIGHBORHOOD.
- Encourage more co-working spaces and gathering spaces for entrepreneurs
- Inventory existing buildings for underused spaces appropriate for small businesses
- Consider creative office uses to activate ground floors in appropriate locations along Colfax
3. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE COMMUNITY-SERVING, LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESSES
- Ease regulations that make it difficult to open a business
- Work with area partners to provide technical assistance such as marketing, lease negotiations, or English-as-a-second-language (ESL) help
- Expand the Business Impact Opportunity program for small businesses impacted by BRT construction along Colfax
4. PRESERVE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND STABILIZE RESIDENTS AT RISK OF DISPLACEMENT
- Extend covenants for income-restricted properties
- Better market the City’s existing programs, including temporary rental and utility assistance, property tax rebates, homeowner preservation initiatives, ownership programs, and eviction legal defense fund
5. CREATE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEAR TRANSIT AND AMENITIES
- Support acquisition of land by the City and/or its partners, such as DHA and land trust entities, for future development of affordable housing, particularly in corridors, centers and low-medium and high-medium residential areas
- Allow higher density along Colfax in exchange for affordable units or community-benefiting space
6. EXPAND DIVERSITY OF HOUSING TYPES & AFFORDABILITY IN ALL NEIGHBORHOODS
- Encourage development of ADUs in all residential areas, in forms that address neighborhood context
- Encourage more “missing middle” types such as du/tri/fourplexes and townhouses, that are compatible and at affordable price points
- Ensure new development is family-friendly and expand housing options for non-traditional households, including seniors and group living
7. INCREASE ACCESS TO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
- Encourage the repurposing or redevelopment of motels along Colfax into permanent, supportive, or transitional housing
- Develop more permanent, supportive housing that wraps in services such as health care, child care, and workforce
Click image to download map showing identified areas of preserving affordability (PDF)
INCENTIVIZE MAINTAINING EXISTING HOMES AND INTRODUCE NEW MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING IN AREAS VULNERABLE TO DISPLACEMENT
- Allow additional residential units to occur on a single unit lot together with tools to preserve affordability.
- Encourage new building forms at affordable price points, such as: Cottage Courts, Tandem House, Duplex/Triplex/Quadplex in “Large House” form
ALLOW ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
- Consider specific rules for neighborhoods that consider:
- Unique considerations in different neighborhoods, such as building coverage in flood-prone areas
- Encourage use for long-term housing rather than short-term rentals
- Goals for affordability and wealth-building
- Neighborhood-appropriate parking rules
Mobility
Click image to download the mobility map (PDF)
TRANSFORMATIVE STREETS
Prioritize Walking, Biking, Rolling and Transit Along Key Corridors That Connect People And Places
Colorado Boulevard between 6th and 23rd
- Improve transit speed and reliability & add amenities at stops.
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with new and improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- In the long-term, provide high capacity transit service.
Monaco Parkway Between 6th and 23rd
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Install a protected bike lane.
- Pilot closing access across the parkway to automobile through-traffic.
- Create more usable public space within the parkway (i.e. multi-use trail, seating, etc.).
Quebec Street Between 6th and 23rd
- Implement pedestrian and transit improvements as planned in the Quebec Street Multimodal Improvement Project (from 26th to 13th).
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Provide transit speed and reliability improvements at key locations and stop amenities.
23rd Avenue Between Colorado and Quebec
- Improve transit speed and reliability & add amenities at stops.
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Extend conventional bike lane east to Central Park.
Montview Boulevard Between Colorado and Yosemite
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with new and improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
17th Avenue Between Colorado and Monaco
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with new and improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Install a protected bike lane.
- Pilot closing access across the parkway to automobile through-traffic.
- Create more usable public space within the parkway (i.e. multi-use trail, seating, etc.).
Colfax Avenue Between Colorado and Yosemite
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Improve transit speed and reliability by implementing the plan for a center running bus rapid transit (BRT) & add amenities at stops.
14th Avenue Between Colorado and Yosemite
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with new and improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Install a protected bike lane.
- Study the feasibility of two-way conversion.
13th Avenue Between Colorado and Yosemite
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with new and improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Study the feasibility of two-way conversion.
6th Avenue Between Colorado and Quebec
- Provide transit speed and reliability improvements at key locations and stop amenities.
- Create a high quality pedestrian space with improved crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Install a protected bike lane.
- Pilot closing access across the parkway to automobile through-traffic.
- Create more usable public space within the parkway (i.e. multi-use trail, seating, etc.).
Click image to download the mobility map (PDF)
HIGH COMFORT BIKEWAYS
Adopt And Upgrade Planned Denver Moves: Bikes Bikeways & Install High Comfort Bikeways Not Previously Recommended - Also See Transformative Streets. Key Locations Include:
Holly Street Between 17th and Cherry Creek Trail: Extend the existing conventional bike lane on Holly Street between 17th and the Cherry Creek Trail
Monaco Parkway Between 6th and 23rd: Install a protected bike lane on Monaco Parkway between 6th and 23rd
23rd Avenue Between Kearny and Central Park: Extend the bike lane on 23rd Avenue between Kearny and Central Park
17th Avenue Between Colorado and Monaco: Install a protected bike lane on 17th Avenue between Colorado and Monaco and a conventional bike lane on 17th Avenue between Monaco and Yosemite
14th Avenue Between Colorado and Yosemite: Install a protected bike lane on 14th between Colorado and Yosemite
12th Avenue Between Colorado and Yosemite: Install a high comfort bikeway on 12th Avenue between Colorado and Yosemite
6th Avenue Between Colorado and Quebec: Install a protected bike lane on 6th Avenue between Colorado and Uintah
NEW AND WIDENED SIDEWALKS
Create A Complete Sidewalk Network, Enabling Pedestrians To Safely Access Their Destinations
MOBILITY HUBS
Seamlessly Integrate Various Transportation Modes And Provide Customer Amenities at High Ridership Transit Stops - Also See Transfomative Streets
- Colorado Boulevard at 8th, 11th, and Colfax
- Colfax Avenue at Krameria and Yosemite
- 9th Avenue at Clermont
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE INTERSECTION SAFETY
Study Intersection Safety Improvements - Also See Transformative Streets
- Quebec Street at Montview and Colfax
- Colorado Boulevard at 8th, 12th,13th, 14th, 17th and Colfax
- Colfax Avenue at Monaco and Krameria
- 14th Avenue at Yosemite
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING
Slow Traffic Via A Zone-Based Approach Along Neighborhood Streets
Parks
- Denison Park
- Verbena Park
- Westerly Creek
- McNichols (William H) Park
- Mayfair Park
- Lindsley (Henrey S) Park
- New Freedom Park
- Montclair Park
- Kittredge Park
Primary and Secondary Schools
- Ashley Elementary School
- Odyssey School
- Denver School of the Arts
- Park Hill Elementary School
- Palmer Elementary School
- Montclair Elementary School
Hospitals and Libraries
- Park Hill Library
- Rose Medical Center and Veterans Administration Hospital
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM)
Provide options for more effective use of the transportation system
- Formally allow use of alleys for business loading and unloading
- Allow/encourage BIDs to join a regional TMA to access their resources and/or serve as a TDM district to administer, promote, and implement programs
- One-time transit incentives to ticket holders to local entertainment and cultural destinations
- New development strategies including max parking ratios, shared car service and allocated parking, private bike share program, secure bike parking, car/bike share memberships for tenants, transit passes for tenants, Uber/Lyft drop-off parking or pull-out, deliveries scheduled during non-rush hours, better building access for people walking, rolling, or biking to/from buildings
- Free and reduced RTD fare promotions for residents and employees
PARKING, CURBSIDE MANAGEMENT AND FREIGHT ACCESS
Implement strategies for efficient and equitable use of curbside space
- Identify flex zone/curb use priorities by function and surrounding land use (i.e. Land use: residential, commercial, mixed use and industrial; Function: mobility, access for people, access for commerce, activation, greening, storage)
- Pilot converting on-street parking spaces in key locations into high productivity uses such as public parklets, cafe seating, bicycle and micromobility parking, shared parking, mobility hub/transit stop infrastructure
- Pilot converting alleys into public open space with green stormwater infrastructure
- Pilot converting on-street parking into freight loading zones at varying times of the day
- Conduct a comprehensive freight access review
- Explore a dynamic parking pilot program (performance-based pricing)
- On-street parking meters:
- Explore additional opportunities to add parking meters
- Explore opportunities for adjusting/extending meter times due to adjacent land uses
- Upgrade technology for ease of use
- Explore increasing rates
- Encourage shared parking arrangements
- Develop additional Area Management Plans (AMP) for neighborhood parking challenges
Land Use and Urban Design
Click image to download the places map (PDF)
CENTERS, CORRIDORS AND DISTRICTS
These serve as community destinations and job centers, providing a mix of uses. The majority of jobs and housing growth is targeted for centers, corridors and districts.
Community Centers
Community Centers provide a balance of residential, employment and dining/shopping uses. Buildings provide a high degree of ground floor activation and front onto either streets or shared public space. Buildings are the largest scale of all places. In General Urban context (9th & Colorado and Colorado & Colfax), buildings may be up to 12 stories whereas in Urban Edge context (Mayfair Town Center) they are generally up to 5 stories, although additional heights may be offered in exchange for affordable housing or shared open space.
- 9th & Colorado
- Colorado & Colfax
- Mayfair Town Center
Community Corridors
Community Corridors also provide a balance of residential, employment and dining/shopping uses. Buildings have a distinctly linear orientation fronting the primary street (Colfax and Colorado Blvd.) Building heights vary along the street to provide interest, generally ranging from 3-5 stories with some areas reaching up to 8 stories with community benefits such as affordable housing, community-serving uses or shared open space. The most activity and shared public space occurs directly adjacent to transit stops.
- Colfax Ave.
- Colorado Blvd. (parts)
Campus Districts
Campus Districts include education and medical campuses. They are typically dominated by a single, larger institutional use and provide important jobs to the surrounding community. Supporting retail and residential uses may occur within them. Buildings vary greatly in size and scale, depending on the use. The heights shown in the plan suggest appropriate heights given the surrounding context.
- Johnson and Wales University
- Rose Medical Center
Local Corridors/Local Centers
Local Centers and Corridors provide options for dining, entertainment and shopping. They may also include some residential and office uses or small, shared open space. These places are generally up to 3 stories. They are quieter places, nestled within residential neighborhoods. The scale is intimate with a focus on the pedestrian. The public realm is typically defined by buildings with active frontages.
- Neighborhood nodes
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Areas where the predominant use is residential. Although they are primarily residential, these areas are supported by a variety of embedded uses needed for a complete neighborhood including schools, libraries, recreation and nodes of commercial/retail uses.
High Residential provides the highest intensity of residential uses. These are generally mid to high-rise apartment buildings of up to 12 stories. They may or may not include retail uses, but design treatment and activation of the ground floor along major corridors is important.
High-Medium Residential is predominantly multi-unit residential structures of 3 to 5 stories with a variety of lower-scale residential types. They may be mixed with lower-scale residential buildings as well. Retail uses may be present on street corners close to centers and corridors.
Low-Medium Residential (Multi-Unit) includes 2-3 story apartment buildings. These often include small courtyard buildings or “walk-up” apartments (accessed via stairs instead of elevators) and are usually surface parked. They may be mixed in with single and two unit houses as well. They provide a transition from single and two unit areas to centers and corridors of higher intensity. They are often located near transit.
Low-Medium Residential (Row House) includes single unit attached townhomes and rowhomes. They are 2-3 stories and designed to seamlessly fit in with single and two-unit homes. They usually include a private or shared garage for parking cars. They provide a transition from centers and corridors to single and two unit places.
Low Residential - Two Unit Residential includes two individual homes - either attached in a duplex form or detached in a tandem house form - on a single lot. They often look and feel like a single unit home. Some forms have two entrances that face the street and some have one prominent entrance and one more discreet entrance from a side street or alley. They are site-parked via an enclosed garage or carport.
Low Residential - Single Unit Residential includes more traditional houses that are setback from the street with front and rear yards and occasionally side yards. They usually include a prominent front entrance with a porch or stoop. They often have pitched roofs although some low-sloping roofs exist as well. They are site parked via a garage (usually detached and accessed by an alley) or carport.
Low Residential - Accessory Dwelling Units are smaller units that share a lot with another primary unit. They may be attached and located within the primary structure or detached in a secondary structure located in the rear yard. These units provide sensitive ways to integrate affordable living into more expensive neighborhoods. They allow empty nesters to age in place by moving into a smaller unit and renting their home, or they accommodate singles or couples that want to live in the neighborhood but cannot afford a larger home.
Click image to download the building heights map (PDF)
ENCOURAGE A NODAL ENVIRONMENT AND DIRECT GROWTH TO THE AREAS THAT SUPPORT TRANSIT RIDERSHIP AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
- Provide additional height (above what current zoning allows) in specific areas adjacent to transit
- Affordable housing Publicly accessible open space Saving an existing building Community-serving businesses
INCENTIVIZE COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN EXCHANGE FOR MORE HEIGHT (ABOVE WHAT CURRENT ZONING ALLOWS).
Benefits include:
- Affordable housing
- Community-serving businesses
- Publicly accessible open space
- The preservation of existing buildings
Click the image to download the map showing areas for design excellence and community benefit (PDF)
>> Download the map showing identified areas of preservation and conservation (PDF)
ENCOURAGE RENOVATIONS OR ADDITIONS OVER DEMOLITION THROUGH TOOLS SUCH AS:
- Clarifying definition of “voluntary demolition” so that retaining an existing building means saving the majority of a structure.
- Requiring deconstruction and recycling of materials on homes that are a certain age.
- Providing flexibility in code requirements and administrative relief such as:
- Allow roof elements such as dormers to penetrate bulk plane
- Offer flexibility in building coverage and separation requirements
- Create a “reverse” bulk plane to allow more height in rear instead of front
- Offer expedited permit processing or other administrative or financial relief
WORK WITH NEIGHBORHOODS TO MODIFY ZONING STANDARDS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MORE CLOSELY SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER.
Recommendations include modifying:
- Building coverage
- Side setbacks
- Length of two-story side walls
- Bulk plane + way height is measured
ENCOURAGE MAINTAINING VALUED HOUSING STOCK THAT CONTRIBUTES TO NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER BY ALLOWING ADDITIONAL UNITS IN LOCATIONS NEAR TRANSIT THROUGH TOOLS SUCH AS:
- Clarifying definition of “voluntary demolition” so that retaining an existing building means saving the majority of a structure.
- Requiring deconstruction and recycling of materials on homes that are a certain age.
- Creating a “Character Home + Density Bonus” Program for locations around transit that adjusts regulations to encourage retaining existing houses, or the majority of their structure, by:
- Permitting up to two units in SU districts (in addition to ADU)
- Permitting up to three units in TU districts (in addition to ADU)
REQUIRE DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT IN CORRIDORS AND CENTERS
- Provide design guidance and flexibility for some code requirements in order to get better results in the following:
- Transitions
- High quality designs and materials
- Creative design solutions
- Provide design guidance and flexibility for “Nodes of Primary Activation” in key locations adjacent to transit stations and neighborhood commercial nodes that address the following:
- Maximum ground floor activation
- Prohibit upper floor parking facing primary streets
- More small, shared open spaces
- Enhanced streetscape amenities
- Replacement of local businesses
REMOVE REGULATORY BARRIERS AND OPEN UP FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO MAKE IT EASIER TO REUSE EXISTING BUILDINGS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHARACTER OF COLFAX .
- Establish an Adaptive Reuse Ordinance that eliminates barriers to reusing structures
- Offer financial assistance for renovating existing buildings.
MODIFY REGULATORY BARRIERS TO REDEVELOPMENT WHILE ALSO INCENTIVIZING COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND CHARACTER PRESERVATION TOOLS TO RESPECT THE UNIQUE HISTORY AND CHARACTER OF COLFAX.
- Leverage increased development potential (e.g., increased height or intensity allowed through rezoning) to acheive community benefits, including:
- Affordable housing
- Publicly accessible open space
- Saving an existing building
- Community-serving businesses
- Reduce off-street parking requirements and offer flexibility in public improvement requirements to reduce barriers to development
OTHER COLFAX-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Make redevelopment process easier with technical assistance and handbook with common questions and considerations.
- Modify standards to encourage flashing neon, artistic signs, blade signs, and more.
Quality of Life
Click image to download quality of life map (PDF)
CONNECT EXISTING OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATIONAL ASSETS THROUGH A HISTORIC PARKWAY PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
- Incorporate formal pedestrian improvements along the existing Historic Parkways to create a dedicated pedestrian network throughout the area.
- Update the Design Guidelines for Denver’s Historic Parkways and Boulevards as needed, pending study of pedestrian mobility options.
DEVELOP NEW CONTEMPORARY PARKWAYS THAT CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATIONAL ASSETS, AS WELL AS SERVE MULTIPLE COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS
- Expand the parkway system to complement the Historic Parkways with the addition of new distinct Contemporary Parkways geared toward increased mobility options and park-like conditions
- Contemporary Parkways should de-emphasize vehicular speed and through-put and reassign portions of the public right-of-way to the function of bike, pedestrian or transit mobility, diverse green infrastructure including tree canopy, native vegetation, and stormwater management while also including high-efficiency lighting
ENHANCE EXISTING COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
- Strengthen partnerships with schools, institutions (hospitals), and private property owners to create shared open spaces
- Increase leisure opportunities within our passive linear park space
- Encourage higher utilization of existing open space and parks by increasing active programming and improving amenities and maintenance of facilities.
CREATE NEW COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
- Create additional community park, recreation and cultural spaces. Prioritize future locations that align with the City’s Game Plan for a Healthy City and urban flooding areas. Some potential future locations include:
- Mayfair Town Center
- Area of South Park Hill close to Colfax Avenue
- East Colfax Neighborhood along Colfax Avenue or at the Post Office Site near Verbena Park
- Incentivize and/or require mid and large-scale development, especially near BRT stations and within height incentive areas, to include publicly accessible outdoor spaces. Establish standards and guidelines that ensure public accessibility, design, and features that respond to the local community context
A. STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING TREE CANOPY AND INCREASE CANOPY COVERAGE WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Coordinate with the City and County of Denver Forestry Department to support the City’s removal and replacement of existing trees within the public right-of-way to ensure a healthy and sustainable tree canopy and unique community asset.
- Increase coverage of the tree canopy through a City-sponsored community replacement program utilizing Denverappropriate trees in communities with less than 20% tree canopy coverage
- Prioritize preservation of tree canopy in right-of-way design and other CCD Public Works projects.
- Develop educational programming and partnerships within the community to increase understanding around maintenance and care of the tree canopy
- Support the development of an Urban Forest Plan to meet city-wide canopy goals for preservation, maintenance, implementation and funding.
B. PROTECT AND PRESERVE EXISTING TREE ASSETS IN ALL REDEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
- Strengthen development standards to protect existing tree assets and increase requirements to mitigate tree loss in redevelopment or new plans.
C. INCREASE PERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE THROUGH THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
>> Download green streets map (PDF)
- Explore opportunities to convert existing impervious surface within public right-of-way to pervious acreage through the addition of street trees, tree lawn or bulbouts, trails, parkland or native vegetation
- Seek opportunities to coordinate with the design of future Contemporary Parkways
- Seek opportunities to integrate with BRT design along Colfax Ave. and redesign of public right-of way streetscape and remnant parcels to improve infiltration and reduce runoff
- Develop design standards or guidelines for a contemporary tree lawn
- Remove and replace impervious areas between the sidewalk and street with 4”-6” depressed lawn or streetscape that improves infiltration and reduces runoff
- Coordinate implementation through supporting Public Works roadway, stormwater and sanitary projects within the right-of-way
- Increase the requirements for pervious acreage, water conservation in landscaping and inclusion of natural vegetation for redevelopment and new development
- Work with private property owners, Colfax corridor Business Improvement Districts and other neighborhood organizations to transition underutilized paved lots to pervious surfaces
D. ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES INCLUDING STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, FLOOD PROTECTION, WATER QUALITY, AND WATER USE
- Implement a system of green streets and green alleys to increase the water quality treatment of stormwater prioritizing streets based on the City’s Green
- Infrastructure Implementation Strategy methodology and their connection to high mobility corridors such as Colfax Avenue and key neighborhood destinations like parks, churches, schools, institutions and center.
- Encourage the use of Denver appropriate vegetation that is drought-tolerant and uses a minimal amount of water within the right-of-way
- Restore the health of the waterways like Westerly Creek by increasing the treatment of stormwater upstream and improving street cleaning in contributing streets
Click the image above to download healthy food access map (PDF)
RECRUIT A GROCERY STORE IN THE EAST COLFAX NEIGHBORHOOD
- Leverage existing programs like the Colorado Fresh Food Financing Fund and City funds to attract a retailer.
- Consider alternative, community-driven models such as cooperatives, or co-location with another food or community-related enterprise.
IMPROVE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS TO FOOD STORES
- Prioritize sidewalk & crosswalk upgrades within the vicinity of grocery stores and smaller food markets including Healthy Corner Store Initiative participating retailers.
SUPPORT SMALL GROCERS & CORNER STORES
- Provide subsidies or other assistance for businesses experiencing onerous commercial rents.
- Help launch and/or fund community-supported distribution projects to remove “minimum order” inventory barriers.
EXPAND ACCESS TO HEALTHY PREPARED MEALS
- Provide incentives for restaurants/ retailers to offer healthy meals.
- Develop/fund community-supported restaurants
SUPPORT INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY
- Pursue partnerships with hospitals to deploy healthy food, resources, education, and growing space.
- Enhance capacity & efficiency of food banks & food rescue networks.
- Encourage business and institutions to decrease food waste while increasing donation and re-purposing of food.
INCORPORATE FOOD ACCESS INTO HOUSING
- Support on-site programming such as bulk food delivery, emergency food assistance, nutrition/cooking education, and community gardens.
SUPPORT MORE WIDESPREAD FOOD GROWING/PRODUCTION
- including backyard gardens, community farms at schools, and commercial greenhouses or other facilities.
SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FARMERS MARKET
East Area Survey Results: What you have told us
The East Area planning team has surveyed over 1,100 people who live, work, or play in the East Area to learn more about their hopes and concerns. Since then, the results of this survey have been guiding the planners and the Steering Committee as they identify key topics to be addressed in the neighborhood plan. Below, you’ll find a summary of the feedback we have received.
Question: What do you like most about the East Area?
Responses: 1,164
Top six most frequent responses:
- 366 mentions - local businesses
- 295 - architecture/architecture
- 283 - convenient location
- 223 - diverse local population
- 176 - local parks and green spaces
- 172 - the people/community feel
Question: "What are your biggest concerns about the East Area, now and in the future?
Responses: 1,021
Top six most frequent responses"
- 493 mentions - crime/safety
- 285 - traffic, speeding, and congestion
- 219 - walkability and sidewalks
- 203 - general clean-up and beautifications
- 194 - development and loss of character
- 149 - chain retail, fast food, liquor stores, etc.
Question: “What is your big idea to improve the East Area?
Total respondents: 759
The predominant themes of the community’s big ideas were safety and revitalization along Colfax. Improved walkability was a popular topic, particularly through easier street crossings, traffic calming, better lighting and improved sidewalks. Similarly, many respondents suggested beautifying and activating Colfax by adding trees and streetscaping; helping to foster growth in new local and independent retail and restaurants; cleaning up trash; reducing crime and potentially transitioning the street’s motels into higher-quality affordable housing, artists’ live-work studios, or other non-traditional group living spaces.
Question: "Please tell us what neighborhood amenities are important to you. These can be amenities that exist today or ones you would like to see in the future. The top amenities for me in the East Area are…"
Total respondents: 968
Food and fun dominated the list of top amenities for residents in the East Area. Ranked highest were Grocery Shopping and Dining, both choices that were selected as “top 3” by the majority of respondents, followed by Other Retail and Entertainment, and Recreational Activities. Respondents expressed much less interest in prioritizing economic development amenities like childcare, educational opportunities, and office space.
Question: "Please tell us how friendly the East Area is for pedestrians, including the quality of sidewalks and ease of access to amenities. Walking in the East Area is . . ."
- Very easy - 10% of 1,039 respondents
- Fairly easy - 45%
- Not easy - 45%
Many felt that walking was not very safe on and around Colfax due to speeding cars, difficult crossings, and crime. There is also a well-documented lack of sidewalks in some areas, as well as sections of sidewalks needing repair.
Source: East Area Kick-Off Survey, 2017
Question: "Please tell us how friendly the East Area is for cyclists, including the quality of bicycle facilities and ease of access to amenities. Biking in the East Area is . . .
- Very easy - 8% of 990 respondents
- Fairly easy - 47%
- Not easy - 45%
Respondents asked for more and better bike facilities, specifically to improve connectivity between bike lanes and provide better access to local transit stops.
Source: East Area Kick-Off Survey, 2017
Question: "Please tell us how often you use public transit in the East Area. I take East Area local transit . . ."
- Frequently - 10% of 1,029 respondents
- Occasionally - 24%
- Rarely - 30%
- Never - 36%
Most community members surveyed stated they take local public transit rarely (30%) or never (36%). Many provided comments stating local transit options are not reliable enough, or should run more frequently. Some respondents also noted that transit amenities (such as bus shelters) should be improved, especially along Colfax.
Question: "Please tell us about housing options in the East Area by selecting all that apply. The East Area has good housing options for…”
- Families - 81% of 941 respondents agree
- Young professionals - 72% agree
- Seniors - 39% agree
- Low-income residents - 30% agree
- Disabiled residents - 12% agree
Many community members felt that the area lacks affordable housing options for many groups and, further, that housing costs in the area are rapidly increasing. Respondents expressed concern that this would lead to less diversity in the area over time, and that new, higher-density and expensive housing development was affecting the area’s historical character.
Question: "Please tell us your opinion on the businesses in the East Area. The local businesses in the East Area _____ my daily needs."
- Meet most of - 29% of 1,024 respondents
- Meet some of - 49%
- Don't meet - 22%
The community agrees that businesses in the East Area meet “most” or “some’ of their daily needs, and that the area’s local, independent businesses are part of what makes it a great place to live. However, many also expressed concern about certain pockets of Colfax they felt have too many fast food restaurants, too many empty store fronts, and generally a lack of retailers that serve the community’s needs.
Question: "Please tell us how safe you feel in the East Area. I feel safe in the East Area . . . "
- Always - 8% of 1,032 respondents
- Usually - 67%
- Rarely - 15%
While most of the community reported feeling safe “usually” in the East area (67%), many also expressed concern with local crime, drug use in public areas, and panhandling. Many respondents left comments reporting what they felt was an increase in local property crime, and some stated they did not feel safe walking along Colfax.
About the East Planning Area
The East Planning Area includes the statistical neighborhoods adjacent to Colfax Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and Yosemite Street (Denver's eastern city limit), including South Park Hill, Montclair, Hale, and East Colfax. The area contains many great community assets, such as historic parkways, the Rose Medical Center, Johnson and Wales University, and many unique, locally-owned businesses. The area is experiencing some significant changes, such as the 9th and Colorado mixed use project, as well as plans to add Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along Colfax Avenue. Two of the four neighborhoods, South Park Hill and East Colfax, have out of date plans, while Hale and Montclair have no plans at all. The Neighborhood Planning Initiative provides a great opportunity to establish the community’s vision for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in these neighborhoods for decades to come.
Currently, the East planning area is zoned according to the following breakdown:
| 58% | Urban edge context |
| 30% | Urban context |
| 5% | Former Chapter 59 (Old Code) Zoning |
| 5% | Other (Campus, Open space, Urban center contexts) |
| 5% | General Urban context |
To help inform the NPI Strategic Plan, the city developed data-based indicators of planning need at the neighborhood scale. Click here to read more about the indicators.
| Statistics |
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|---|---|
| Regional destinations |
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| Natural features |
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| Key corridors |
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Steering Committee Meeting #1
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 26
East Montclair Community Center, 6740 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Summary (PDF)
Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #2
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 23
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Summary (PDF)
Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #3
6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 28
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #4
6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 26
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Summary (PDF)
Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #5
6-8 p.m., Thursday, November 16
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #6
6-8 p.m., Monday, December 11
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #7
6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 25
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #8
6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 22
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Commitee Meeting #9
6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 22
Montclair Civic Building (The Molkery)
6829 E. 12th Avenue
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #10
6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 26
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #11
6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 24
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #12
6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 28
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Agenda (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #13
6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 26
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #14
6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 23
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #15
6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 27
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #16
6-8 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018
Montclair Civic Building (The Molkery)
6829 E. 12th Avenue, Denver
Agenda (PDF)
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Focus Group #1: Affordable housing, social services, & financial stability
January 8
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Focus Group #2: Small business retention, real estate/transit oriented development, & healthy food
January 9
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Focus Group #3: Mobility & access
January 15
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
South Park Hill Listening Session
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Park Hill Masonic Lodge, 4819 Montview Boulevard
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #4: Green infrastructure, recreation, open space
January 17
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Steering Committee Meeting #17
6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019
Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden Street
Summary (PDF)
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #5: Design quality & character preservation
January 29
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Steering Committee Meeting #18
6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 28, 2019
Montclair Civic Building (The Molkery), 6829 E. 12th Avenue
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
Area-Wide Community Workshop #1
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Park Hill Masonic Lodge, 4819 Montview Blvd
Meeting materials available at online workshop
Neighborhood Workshop #1 – Hale
6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019
Friendship Baptist Church, 880 Fairfax Street
Meeting materials available at online workshop
Neighborhood Workshop #2 – South Park Hill
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Park Hill Masonic Lodge, 4819 Montview Blvd
Meeting materials available at online workshop
Neighborhood Workshop #3 – Montclair
6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2019
Friendship Baptist Church, 880 Fairfax Street
Meeting materials available at online workshop
Neighborhood Workshop #4 – East Colfax
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Ashley Elementary School, 1914 Syracuse Street
Meeting materials available at online workshop
Focus Group #6: Small business retention, real estate/transit oriented development, & healthy food
6-8 p.m., April 2
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #7: Green Infrastructure
6-8 p.m., April 4
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #8: Mobility
6-8 p.m., April 17
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #9: Design Quality and Character Preservation
6-8 p.m., April 18
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Presentation (PDF)
Focus Group #10: Affordable housing, social services, & financial stability
6-8 p.m., April 23
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting #19
6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 25
Montclair Civic Center (The Molkery)
6829 E. 12th Avenue, Denver
Presentation (PDF)
Summary (PDF)
East Area Community Workshop
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 14
9th & Colorado Development Office
1000 Colorado Boulevard, Denver
Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee
Council members Mary Beth Susman and Chris Herndon have convened the Steering Committee for the East Area Plan. All meetings for the committee will be open to the public.
Next Meeting
6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 27
Art Gym Denver
1460 Leyden Street, Denver
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Laurie Bogue | Bellevue-Hale Neighborhood Association |
| Tom Fesing | East Colfax Neighborhood Association |
| Bridget Galati | East Colfax |
| Yoal Ghebrehmeskel |
Street Fraternity |
| Marti Holmes | Historic Montclair Community Association |
| Kyaw Lin Oo | Hidden Brook/Street Fraternity |
| Tracey MacDermott | Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. |
| Monica Martinez | Fax Partnership |
| Tom Meyer | New Freedom Neighbors |
| Hilarie Portell | Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District |
| Merritt Pullam | Mayfair Neighbors, Inc. |
| Rosalyn Redwine | Small business owner |
| Wende Reoch | Cranmer Park/Hilltop Association |
| Andy Sense | Park Hill |
Neighborhoods
Previous Planning
- Stapleton Perimeter Assessment, 2007 (PDF)
- Mayfair Town Center Assessment, 2006 (PDF)
- Park Hill Neighborhood Plan, 2000 (PDF)
- East Montclair/East Colfax Neighborhood Plan, 1994 (PDF)