ROSEDALE HARVARD GULCH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
A regular meeting of the general membership of the Rosedale Harvard Gulch Neighborhood Association (RHGNA) was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Harvard Gulch Recreation Center. Start-up Committee Co-Chair Kim Ritter opened the meeting at 7:20 pm. She welcomed all and introduced the other members of the Start-up Committee who were present.
Kim then gave a progress update on various activities of RHGNA and the Start-up Committee including the first issue of the newsletter, a logo design, the website, the recruitment and training of block captains, work on a set of Bylaws and outreach to the City and County of Denver especially around the zoning code update process.
RHGNA Safety Liaison Terrie Peay introduced Officers Tim Schwindt and Mark Marshall of the Denver Police Dept., District 4. They gave recent (8/9 – 9/5) crime activity statistics for the Rosedale area noting that the highest numbers of crimes (criminal mischief, motor vehicle theft, burglaries, etc.) are committed on Tuesdays from 8 am to 6 pm. They reiterated the need for neighbors to be vigilant, report suspicious activity and keep doors, windows and garage doors closed as much as possible. They addressed questions on graffiti, police patrols, nuisance complaints, and registered sex offenders living in certain areas. Contact numbers for Officer Schwindt: 720/913-0200 or 720/641-1401. Non-emergency police contact at District 4: 720/913-2000. For Neighborhood Watch, contact District 4 (above) and ask to be connected to the officer who heads that up.
RHGNA Block Captain Coordinator Kristin Salada explained the use of a block captain structure to communicate with members regarding meetings, events, and to gather information. She stated that we need more volunteers and defined the block parameters. The goal is to have both a primary and a back-up person for each of the 44 identified blocks in the RHGNA area. Block captain responsibilities include securing a back-up person, distributing flyers and newsletters (4 times per year), getting to know the residents on their block and occasionally seeking information such as the number of elementary school-aged children. An idea was suggested to put block captain information in the newsletter and request that members contact that person with questions or comments.
RHGNA Rosedale School Liaison Pam Pritzel was unable to attend and Terrie Peay reported on her behalf. A meeting was held in September with Denver Public Schools (DPS) officials and members of the community regarding the future of currently closed schools including Rosedale School. There is no plan to sell the Rosedale property and alternatives are being studied for its use. There is potential school overcrowding in the southeast quadrant and there are 4 properties, including Rosedale, available to open during 2010-2011. However, due to its smaller size, Rosedale is probably not the best option. Nothing has been decided as yet and several alternatives are being considered to be recommended to the school board later this fall. It is hoped that Mr. Will Lee-Ashley of DPS will attend the RHGNA General Meeting on Nov. 18
RHGNA Zoning and Development Committee Chair Rick Mendelson, along with member Nicole Nicotera, gave an update on the status of the city’s Zoning Code Update project. Rick gave background and history on the entire project as well as brief summaries of the District 7 meetings held over the summer. Draft #3 of the Code Update and Map are expected in October. It was noted that individual commentary is sought and, in fact, carries more weight than group statements. All are encouraged to go to the Zoning Code Website – www.newcodedenver.org – and make comments on the text of the update as well as the map. Nicole gave some information on how to navigate the website. A question was asked about people who do not have Internet access or experience. They should contact the city’s Community Planning Department or their city council representative.
Kristin Salada, representing Business Liaisons Paul Kosempel and Eric Freisinger, presented information on advertising or sponsorship opportunities for the newsletter and/or website. An idea was suggested to highlight RHGNA area businesses in the newsletter to garner interest.
RHGNA Start-up Committee At-Large Member Bill Block gave announcements on the important upcoming RHGNA meetings on November 18
Jennifer Redies of the office of Denver City Councilman Chris Nevitt introduced herself and gave information on the various ways to contact the office and councilman. Phone number = 720-865-8900; email = Chris.Nevitt@DenverGov.org. She responded to questions on dog parks, allowable hours for construction projects by public or private contractors, city budget cuts
