Katie Mochan with the University Park Home tour. A great outpouring for sponsorship this year. Tickets are $20 now, and $25 on the day of. Tickets are available at the school or online. It takes about 250 volunteer hours on the day of the event; so more volunteers are always welcome. The proceeds are benefit the PTA, and the Principal along with the PTA and a team choose where the funds go.

Allan Wilson, University of Denver Assistant Director Facilities Management & Planning talking about upcoming construction. Field Expansion to the West of the Richie Center. The1900 block of High Street houses on the East side will be torn down since DU already owns them to expand this field. The timeline to complete will be this coming November. 2306 E. Evans, that building will undergo a complete renovation. The school of Engineering 2300 blocks of York behind this will build a new building. Centennial Halls will undergo a kitchen renovation; The Science building will undergo some modernization, a Pool renovation that may take about 8 weeks. Building an indoor golf facility in the Richie Center, and adding a new ribbon board to the stadium. Magnus area is also looking into LED lighting to cut some costs. Water conservation is a big deal, so there may be a few brown spots on the campus. 70% of the students that tour actually enroll, and the beauty of the campus is really helping. A question asked about additional pedestrian help at Evans & University. DU is concerned and knows the volume is too much for this area. They would be interested in partnering with the community for more help from Denver. 29^th of May is the next Good Neighbors meeting at DU – 1921 S. York Street. Another concern is the High School graduation traffic and just a bit more signage and awareness.

Pam Adams presented the slate of Executive Board for 2013-2014

Co- Treasures: June Morgan & Ryan Zorn

Secretary: Traci Samaras

Vice President: Jennifer Schmidt

President: Dana O’Connor

Updates about the potential development on the East side of the 2400 block of University from Pat Cashen. A New York based company owns this property, and has for about 30 years. The current zoning is for 3 stories which is GMX3. The developer is interested in a higher building and the immediate neighbors were opposed as so was the board to any zoning changes. The Denver planning staff has received the letter. The 2010 zoning changes that Denver made, are felt to be fair by the board. Tessler Development out of New York. A comment was received that people would like to see more to this development. Dana would like to table the discussion to a different time with some of the angry residents. Again, this is in the infantile stages. Michael Hicks would like to join the committee.

University Park Community Council Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 9^th, 2013, 7pm

Review and Approve Meeting Minutes (Traci Samaras)

March Meeting minutes will be approved by email.

Updates from the President (Dana O’Connor)

Board Positions Info: Phyllis Ward is the new area coordinator with UPWords delivery. The Nomination Committee is OPEN, President for 2014 OPEN, Sidewalks OPEN, and Mary has stepped down. Discussion about OPEN Board Positions and Dana proposed the following: Moving Sidewalks under traffic and transportation until we get some momentum and make Purple Pages chair a voting board position (have active board members voting, this position asks for money and the voting positions give more credibility) All were in favor for changing both positions voting status. The April Email will try to go out this week. The May General Meeting Agenda was also discussed. YMCA round table with Dana on 4/22/2013 to talk about the idea of improving the entire Upark Harvard Gulch Trail. The logo is complete, thank you to Betsy Welty.

Treasurer Update

The January envelopes in the UPwords have proved to be beneficial to the UPCC. We have received additional funds as a surplus to help with our various events.

Secretary (Traci Samaras)

Garage Sale Traci is helping Pam coordinate, dates are June 7 & 8

Zoning (Pat)

The Fence at 2380 S Clayton is trying re-apply for an 8’ fence. More updates to follow. The 2444 S Steele Variance Granted (all neighbors agreed, this is an atypical street) And finally the 2400 S University Development who is looking to possibly change from G-MX-3 to G-MX-5. The neighbors do not want it to be re-zoned. The board voted to take a position to oppose this re-zoning. Pat will form a letter to send to the city contact.

Traffic & Transportation (James Bettinger (Dana filling in))

The Crosswalk at Adams and Iliff is in but paint and signs are still needed. Upgrade the intersection of Vassar Ave & Adams St to a 4-way stop controlled intersection. Utility Box to go in alley at Fillmore and Asbury on public land in an alley. Information isn’t clear.

Communications/Purple Pages (Paula Smith/Janet Bardwell)

The May UPWords is ready, and Phyllis Ward is now the “Delivery Captain”.

Safety (Steve Hick)

District 3 Meeting was last Thursday, and a huge reminder to close your garage door. Really the neighborhood appears to be doing well.

Legacy and Historic Preservation (Rosemary Stoffel)

The Doors Open Denver scheduled for Apr. 13 – 14, is a great tour.

Open Space and Parks (Diana Helper)

The neighborhood cleanup day canceled. Prairie Park Sign is still in the works. There is a meeting with a naturalist on Wednesday, April 10^th (Weeding/Seeding, Mowing). A fundraiser on April 29^th Moms Club organized, at the Slotted Spoon, Dana will include link in the next email. The sign on Butchel Trail is peeling (plan to check with the City on fixing this). Also a plan to replace/remove/repair the stone memorial at Observatory Park Playground that is missing the plaque, and many ideas were tossed out. Repairs needed on benches at same playground, chain/net on basketball hoop at Observatory Park (was replaced recently, but seems to need one a lot), as well as paint the benches/picnic tables. Hentzel Park was also approved to become a new school. Meeting in May about the community garden near the Observatory. INC is focusing on getting all parks designated as actual parks. Diana would like to write to the parks department to ask for consideration of designation. April 16^th everyone is invited to the INC meeting and May 29^th is the DU Good Neighbors meeting.

Dear University Park Neighbor,

The UPCC would like to inform you that there was a garage burglary between 3am & 6am last night on the 2500 block of Fillmore.  The suspects entered via a garage window but did not enter the house.   The police feel it is likely the suspects will be back to other homes in the neighborhood.

The following are are preventative measures that you can do to help protect your home:

• Lock your doors and windows
• Keep garage doors closed and locked
• Arm burglar alarms
• When your home is unoccupied, make it look like someone is home
• Increase outside lighting around your house
• Trim trees and bushes around your house to limit hiding places for burglars
• Dogs are great deterrents and will also alert us to noises or things we might not hear or see

If you see or hear suspicious activity or persons, such as strangers walking or driving alleys, cars idleing in alleys, strange noises during the night, call 911. There is no shame in reporting suspicious activity.

The following are the additional neighborhood announcements.

• UPCC Purple Pages Looking for Advertisers
  • Do you have a business that is looking for a great place to advertiser?  Learn more.
  • Residents and families can support the Purple Pages by offering a “What I Like About Living in University Park” phrase.  Learn more.
• July 4th, 10am Neighborhood Bike Parade and Pumper Truck Spray. More details.
  • Children’s Parade at 10am, VFW Band provides music and University Park Mothers Club will be providing refreshments, hot dogs and cool treats.
  • We still need a few volunteers to help set up at 9am and take down at 11:30am.  Email events@upcc.us if you can help make this fun event happen.
• Do you like the UPWords delivered to your door five times a year? We need help with delivery on the following blocks.Learn more about the system.
  • 1800 S. Madison
  • 1900 S. Fillmore
  • 2300 S. Josephine
  • 2600 S. Garfield Way
• Observatory Park Community Vegetable Garden is looking for a few volunteers to help weed, water and harvest.  Sign up or learn more.
• Learn about ways you can support the UPCC.

List of Upcoming Neighborhood Events: 

• Saturday, June 15th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more
• Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:30 – 7:30pm proposed Wellshire Nordic Ski Track public meeting.   Meeting at Wellshire Club House. Learn more.
• Saturday, June 22nd at 10am there is a free Home Tour and Energy Workshop in Park Hill. RSVP here.
• FREE Denver Youth Summer Ultimate (Frisbee) kicks off Wednesday July 3rd at Observatory Park for kids ages 9-16. Learn more and sign up.
• July 4th, 10am Independence Day Bike Parade and Pumper Spray. More info.
• Saturday, July 13th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more
• Saturday, August 17th, 5:30pm UPCC Neighborhood Band in the Park.  More to come.
• Saturday, August 17th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more

The University Park Community Council, (UPCC) mission is to promote and enhance the quality of life in the University Park Neighborhood. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dana Strand O’Connor, on behalf of the UPCC Board
president@upcc.us
http://upcc.us

To donate visit http://upcc.us/support.

I hope your summer is off to a great start!  We have some fun neighborhood events coming up.  The Neighborhood Garage Sale is Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th.  If you want to participate or need a Salvation Army pick-up learn how here.  The July 4th Bike Parade and Pumper Truck Spray is 10am at Observatory Park so don your best red, white and blue and join in on the fun.  Late in the afternoon Saturday, August 17th, we will have our Band in the Park followed by Star Gazing at the Observatory. More details to come on that event.

The following are the announcements for June 2013.

• The Neighborhood Garage Sale is Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8.  Additional Details.
  • If you want to participate, be on the map and/or to get on the Salvation Army pick up schedule, email gs@upcc.us.
    • Include the following: name, address, phone, YES or NO for a Salvation Army donation/pickup
• July 4th, 10am Neighborhood Bike Parade and Pumper Truck Spray. More details.
  • Children’s Parade at 10am, VFW Band provides music and University Park Mothers Club will be providing refreshments, hot dogs and cool treats.
  • We still need a few volunteers to help set up at 9am and take down at 11:30am.  Email events@upcc.us if you can help make this fun event happen.
• Prairie Park Updates

• We need you to get involved in our neighborhood. Here are some ways:
  • The UPCC is looking for someone to champion sidewalks in our neighborhood.  Email president@upcc.us to learn more.
  • Do you like the UPWords delivered to your door five times a year? We need help with delivery on the following blocks.Learn more about the system.
    • 2300 S. Josephine
    • 2600 S. Josephine
    • 1800 S. Madison
• Insider Info:  The week of  May 12th, you may have seen film crews in University Park.  The movie being filmed is ”A Remarkable Life.” Learn more about the movie.
• FREE Denver Youth Summer Ultimate (Frisbee) kicks off Wednesday July 3rd at Observatory Park for kids ages 9-16. Learn more and sign up.
• No new confirmed retailers for One Observatory Park (building at Evans & University).  Just Qdoba at this time.
• MY Denver Card provides Denver school-aged students ages 5 to 18 with free, year-round access to city recreation centers and swimming pools. It also serves as a Denver Public Library card. More info.
• Observatoary Park Community Vegetable Garden Updates
  • Thank you to all the helped plant.
  • They are looking for volunteers to weed, watch and harvest.  Sign up or learn more.
• The University Park Elementary 5th graders participated in the Project Citizen.  They worked to address the School Zone Safety. Check out their work.
• Several high school graduations are being held  at DU this week and DU Commencement is June 8.  Watch added traffic.
• Denver Parks and Recreation will offer swim lessons this summer.  Learn more.
• DU students have put in a Xeriscaping project at 1985 S. High Street and have info for residents about xeriscaping.  Learn more.
• The Teacher Development Program is looking for host families for adult Japanese high school teachers from July 27th -  September 7, 2013.  To learn more about the program contact director Kip Cheroutes at 303.382.4054 or lxc2@aol.com.
• The INC provides a nice calendar of City-wide event .  Check out the calendar.
• Learn about ways you can support the UPCC.

List of Upcoming Neighborhood Events: 

• Monday, June 3rd, 5:30-6:30pm, Red Cross Ready Preparedness Workshop  at 444 Sherman Street, Denver.  More info.
• Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2013 University Park Neighborhood Garage Sale. Additional Details.
• Saturday, June 15th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more
• Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:30 – 7:30pm proposed Wellshire Nordic Ski Track public meeting.   Meeting at Wellshire Club House. Learn more.
• Saturday, June 22nd at 10am there is a free Home Tour and Energy Workshop in Park Hill. RSVP here.
• July 4th, 10am Independence Day Bike Parade and Pumper Spray. More info.
• Saturday, July 13th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more
• Saturday, August 17th, 5:30pm UPCC Neighborhood Band in the Park.  More to come.
• Saturday, August 17th at dusk Star Gazing at Chaberlin Observatory.  Learn more

The University Park Community Council, (UPCC) mission is to promote and enhance the quality of life in the University Park Neighborhood. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dana Strand O’Connor, on behalf of the UPCC Board
president@upcc.us
http://upcc.us

To donate visit http://upcc.us/support.

We are sending May announcements a early to give you time to mark your calendars for all the great upcoming events in our neighborhood.  Also, I am aware that April’s email had some bad links and I have talked to our QA team and docked their pay from $0 an hour to $-.01 an hour. I am hoping this will eliminate the problem in the future.

We have sad news to report in that long time neighbor, volunteer and friend Mary Myers passed away last week. She was a true example of giving back to the neighborhood. She championed sidewalks for years, was part of the Buchtel Boulevard Parkway Coalition, she represented the neighborhood on the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation and was part of its Zoning and Planning Committee, she participated in Transportation Solutions citizen council meetings, she distributed dictionaries to students at UPark Elementary, she served as a block captain and area coordinator for the UPWords and was always thoughtful, helpful, smart, and dedicated to improving the neighborhood and the city. She was a dear person who touched many lives in her quiet ways and will be missed.  There will be a service for Mary this Friday morning at 11am at Fairmount Cemetery’s chapel adjacent to the main building

The following are the announcements for May 2013.

• UPCC General Meeting is Wednesday, May 1st at 6:30pm.  Proposed agenda below.  Check back on the website for final agenda.
  • 6:30 – 7 pm – Social Time with Neighbors. Thank You to RoofStar Colorado for providing refreshments.
  • 7 – 7:20 pm – Welcome, UPCC Open Positions, Park Updates, Development Updates, Harvard Gulch Improvement Initiative
  • 7:20 -7:25 pm – University Park Home Tour Details
    7:25 – 7:45 pm – Allan Wilson, University Of Denver Assistant Director Facilities Management & Planning: Pending Construction Projects at the University
  • 7:45 – 7:55 pm – Zoning and Status of 2400 S University Block
  • 7:55 – 8:00pm  – Vote on 2013-14 UPCC Executive Board
  • 8:00 – 8:15pm  – Comments and Questions
• University Park Home Tour & Tour De Classics Car Show is Sunday, May 5th from 11am – 5pm:
  • Buy tickets ahead of time and save money. Buy now.
  • Contribute to the Bake Sale. Sign up here.
  • 25 volunteers are still needed for 2 hour shifts the day of. Sign up here.
• Prairie Park Updates
  • Support the efforts to improve Prairie Park by eating out on Monday, April 29th, 11-10pm at the  Slotted Spoon Meatball Eatery.RSVP here.
    
  • Prairie Park Planners are needed for helping create a neat prickerless prairie, a native plant garden, additional paths, and more! Learn more.
• We need you to get involved in our neighborhood. Here are some ways:
  • The UPCC is looking for someone to champion sidewalks in our neighborhood.  Email president@upcc.us to learn more.
  • Do you like the UPWords delivered to your door five times a year? We need help with delivery on the following blocks.Learn more about the system.
    • 2300 S. Josephine
    • 2600 S. Josephine
    • 1800 S. Madison
    • All of south side of East Yale (can be divided in two)
  • Mary Myers was a Delivery Captain for our UPWords.  She delivered batches of UPWords to block captains (18 homes).  We now need help with this.  If you might be interested in this email president@upcc.us or learn more about the system.
  • Do mistakes in this email bother you?  Get on our QA team and eliminate them!  Email president@upcc.us.
• The only confirmed retailer we are told of for One Observatory Park (building at Evans & University) is Qdoba.
• On Friday, April 26, a 12.1 mile long West Rail Line will be the first FasTracks line to open. RTD will offer free rides throughout the entire light rail system on Saturday.Learn more.
• Community Vegetable Garden in Observatory Park.
  • Saturday, May 18th, at 1:00 p.m., for meeting with the Observatory Park vegetable garden volunteers. South/east corner at Fillmore and Warren
  • Thursday, May 23. 5:30-7pm is planting day.
  • Volunteers are still welcome. Contact parks@upcc.us  or call 303-733-4902 to learn more.
• The Neighborhood Garage Sale will be June 7 & 8.  Box stuff up and hold onto it until then. Additional Details.
  • If you want to participate, be on the map and/or to get on the Salvation Army pick up schedule, email gs@upcc.us.
• Learn about ways you can support the UPCC.

List of Upcoming Neighborhood Events: 

• Saturday, April 27th, 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, Multi-family Yard Sale at Parzival Shield at 2180 S. Madison Street – across the street from the Accelerated School.
• Monday, April 29th, all day, fundraiser for Prairie Park at the Slotted Spoon Meatball Eatery.  RSVP here.
•  Wednesday, May 1st 6:30 – 8:15, UPCC General Meeting. Click for agenda.
• Friday, May 3, 5:00-9:00pm, 11th Annual Ladies Night Out at the Schlessman Family YMCA.Learn more.
• Saturday, May 4th, 9 -noon, Free Mulch Give-Away sponsored by Garden Centers of Colorado.  Learn more. .
• Sunday, May 5th, 2013 University Park Home Tour and Tour De Classics Car Show. Learn more.
• Tuesday, May 7th, 10am, Colorado International School tea . Origin is Dubai.
• Saturday, May 11, 2013, 9 - 11:00 a.m. Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s quarterly Cabinet in the Community Town Hall at Hamilton Middle School located at 8600 E. Dartmouth Avenue, Denver, CO 80231. The objective of this meeting is to help communicate the entire City’s vision and priorities to its residents.
• Saturday, May 18th, at 1:00 p.m., for meeting with the Observatory Park vegetable garden volunteers. North/west corner at Fillmore and Warren.
• Saturday, May 18th at dusk, Chamberlin Observatory if open to public to night viewing. Learn more.
• Tuesday, May 21 is field day at UPark Elementary.  Be on the lookout for kids walking to and from our parks.
• Thursday, May 23, 5:30-7pm is planting day at the Observatory Park Community Garden contactparks@upcc.us for more info.
• Wednesday, May 29, 6-8pm. Good Neighbors meeting at the University of Denver.  More info.
• Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2013 University Park Neighborhood Garage Sale. Additional Details.
• July 4th, 10am Independence Day Bike Parade and Pumper Spray.
• Saturday, August 17th, 5:30pm UPCC Neighborhood Band in the Park.  More to come.

The University Park Community Council, (UPCC) mission is to promote and enhance the quality of life in the University Park Neighborhood. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dana Strand O’Connor, on behalf of the UPCC Board
president@upcc.us
http://upcc.us

To donate visit http://upcc.us/support.

Thank you to all who voted for the new logo for the neighborhood.  You can see the winner in the header of this email and thank you again to neighbor and artist Betsy Welty who created the logo.

The following are the announcements for April 2013.

• University Park Home Tour & Tour De Classics Car Show  is Sunday, May 5th:
  • Buy tickets ahead of time and save money. Buy now.
  • Learn about the Tour De Classics
    
  • Contribute to the Bake Sale . Sign up here.
  • Join in the fun and volunteer the day of. Sign up here.
• The City of Denver is giving away FREE trees to plant on the west side of your home – in front, back, side yards or along the street.  Learn more and apply.
• We need you to get involved in our neighborhood.  Here are some ways:
  • The UPCC is looking for someone to champion sidewalks in our neighborhood.  Email president@upcc.us to learn more.
  • We want to have a band in the park again this summer , but need someone to help organize it.   Email president@upcc.us to learn more.
• Support the efforts to improve Prairie Park by eating out on Monday, April 29th, 11-10pm. The Slotted Spoon Meatball Eatery  (near King Soopers) is hosting a “restaurant night” and will give back 10% of proceeds to the park.  Mention University Park when ordering.
  • Thank you to the University Park Moms Club for organizing the event.
    
  • RSVP here.
• District 3 Police Commander Joe Montoya invites you to participate in a 3 minute DPD survey. Take the survey.
• Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm UPark neighbors are hosting a University Park DPS Articulation Event.
  • Learn about our three DPS neighborhood schools
  • Hear from principals from UPark Elementary, Merrill Middle School and South High School.
  • Contact Chris at schools@upcc.us to RSVP or learn more.
• The UPCC UPWords is being delivered over the next 10 days.  If you do not recieve a copy, or if you’d like to help with distribution, please contact areacoord@upcc.us.
• There are watering restrictions due to the drought .  Fines are steep.  Learn the rules.
• University Park Elementary will be featured in Common Sense Media ‘s (CSM) Digital Citizenship Week celebration on Monday April 22 10:30 am.  UPark was chosen because of their high level of participation in CSM’s Digital Passport program, their enthusiastic parent support and staff-wide dedication to online and social media safety for their students.
• April 13 – 14, 2013 is Doors Open Denver 2-day event celebrating the architecture and design of Denver.
  • Event is FREE
  • There are awesome “expert tours”
  • Theme is “Denver the City Beautiful – Then & Now”
  • There will be a city bike tour
    
  • Learn more.
• SAVE THE DATE:  Next UPCC General Meeting is Wednesday, May 1st .  Click for more info.
• Treat yourself to the 11th Annual Ladies Night Out at the Schlessman Family YMCA, Friday, May 3, 5:00-9:00pm.  This is adonation based evening of “spa-like” services for all ladies of all ages.  Learn more.
• Saturday, May 4th Clean-Up Day has been cancelled.
• Safety Tip of Month:  Be sure to close your garage doors when entering the leaving the house and look out for your neighbor as well.
• Community Vegetable Garden in Observatory Park.
  • Saturday, May 18th, at 1:00 p.m., for meeting with the Observatory Park vegetable garden volunteers. North/west corner at Fillmore and Warren.
  • Thursday, May 23. 5:30-7pm is planting day.
  • Volunteers are still welcome. Contact parks@upcc.us  or call 303-733-4902 to learn more.
• The Neighborhood Garage Sale will be June 7 & 8.  Box stuff up and hold onto it until then. Additional Details.
  • If you want to participate, be on the map and/or to get on the Salvation Army pick up schedule, email gs@upcc.us
• Learn about ways you can support the UPCC.

List of Upcoming Neighborhood Events: 

• Saturday, April 13th from 11:30am-1:30pm Healthy Kids Day at the Schlessman YMCA.  All are invited; you need not be a member.  This event is free to the community!  Learn more.
• Saturday, April 13, 2013 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Denver Parks and Rec Mobile Music Studio Tour Kick-Off .  Learn more.
• Saturday & Sunday, April 13 – 14, 2013. Doors Open Denver “Denver the City Beautiful – Then & Now. “ Learn more.
• Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm First Lady of Denver Bringing Back The Arts Initiative .  Learn more.
• Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 6:30 – 8:30 pm UPark neighbors host a University Park DPS Articulation Event. Contact Chris at schools@upcc.us to RSVP or learn more
• Tuesday, April 19  INC Parks/Rec Committee meeting, 6-8 PM at Heritage Club (Craft Room).  Info at parks@upcc.us.
• Saturday evening, April 20th,8AM – 11AM Institute of Classical Architecture & Art: Columns & Coffee- St. Thomas Episcopal Church , Denver  Register here.
• Saturday evening, April 20th, Chamberlin Observatory Open House .
• Tuesday, April 23rd, 6pm University Park Elementary is hosting an event for parents and their children about online safety and social media usage .  Tips, support, information, and answers to parents questions will be addresses.  Email Mary_Foster@dpsk12.org  to RSVP.
• Monday, April 29th, all day, fundraiser for Prairie Park at the Slotted Spoon Meatball Eatery.  RSVP here.
•  Wednesday, May 1st 6:30 – 8:15, UPCC General Meeting is Wednesday, May 1st. Click for more info.
• Friday, May 3, 5:00-9:00pm, 11th Annual Ladies Night Out at the Schlessman Family YMCA.  Learn more.
• Saturday, May 4th, 9 -noon, Free Mulch Give-Away sponsored by Garden Centers of Colorado.  Learn more. .
• Sunday, May 5th, 2013 University Park Home Tour and Tour De Classics Car Show. Learn more.
• Tuesday, May 7th, 10am, Colorado International School tea. Origin is Dubai.
• Saturday, May 18th, at 1:00 p.m., for meeting with the Observatory Park vegetable garden volunteers. North/west corner at Fillmore and Warren.
• Thursday, May 23, 5:30-7pm is planting day at the Observatory Park Community Garden contactparks@upcc.us for more info.
• Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2013 University Park Neighborhood Garage Sale. Additional Details.

The University Park Community Council, (UPCC) mission is to promote and enhance the quality of life in the University Park Neighborhood. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dana Strand O’Connor, on behalf of the UPCC Board
president@upcc.us
http://upcc.us

To donate visit http://upcc.us/support.

UPWords April 2013

February 6, 2013

Social Time from 6:30-7pm and about 75 people were in attendance.

Meeting opened at 7:00 by President Dana O’Connor.

A reminder that the UPark Elementary Silent Auction is on Monday February 11^th & to save the date for the home tour on Sunday May 5^th. If there is any interest in the Harvard Gulch trails, please contact Dana directly. There are also 2 more crosswalks on Adams around the school and James Bettinger is working on more.

Dana Miller from the Observatory Park Community Garden & Grow Local – Came to promote local foods. The neighborhood has interest in working together on a community garden. They will receive donations for seeds, but as a community we are the caretakers & then we are to take the food to the pantry on University & Asbury. Produce for Pantry is trying to get more fresh & healthy items into food community pantries.

More on neighborhood development with Dana O’Connor. 2 new restaurants opened near Colorado & Yale by King Soopers -Lark Burger & The Slotted Spoon.

At the Colorado Center – Long Bar is in construction. With a soft opening scheduled for the spring of 2013. One Observatory Place is set to open April 8^th, but no retail leases are final. & 5 apartment leases have been signed. The property to the South West of the light rail station is set to begin ground breaking this month. This will be 55+ older residential community.

DU updates – will be at our next General Meeting

Additional field and expand the existing space west of the Richie Center & new engineering building on the south side of the campus near the 2300 block of S. York.

YMCA – Neil Alderson brought the expansion site plans. YMCA is hoping to serve the community better. They have been in our neighborhood for 50 years. Lots of enhancements with a new aquatic center, fitness center, with almost 3x the space and many others to include better parking. Pamphlets passed out with the new ideas & designs on them. The hopeful start date to be late this year with an 18-24month-construction timeline. Costs are 6.5-7million for the project.

Doug Kelley – City Animal & Wildlife Programs Coordinator and Scott Gilmore – Deputy Manager of Parks and Planning. All about Coyotes. There is 1 wildlife officer for the whole city – there are just not enough staff. They need the public to step up and help by making the coyotes unwelcome. “Wildlife Highways” as they call them, all over Denver and provides food, such as gulches, parks, golf course, parks – etc. Coyotes go where the food source is. They are urban wildlife. Hazing & Exclusion are recommended. They are trying to remove those few coyotes that are immune to the hazing. Here are a few more key points:

• Descriptions & Behaviors of Coyotes/Fox
  • Coyotes can be up to 4 feet long and up to 45lbs, great sense of smell, poor vision, and breed 6-9 pups in the early part of the year. Pups run around in groups and play – they often aren’t scared of people. Life expectancy is about 10 years in Denver for them. They eat pretty much anything but are primarily carnivores. They dig dens and often the coyote stool has bones and seeds in it. Their paw prints always have nail marks attached to the paw, which is different from most domestic pets. Coyotes will eat foxes almost immediately. They see the foxes as food competitors.
  • The behavior. Mostly howling noises can be heard from them. Coyotes following and staring is more of them escorting you away from them and possibly their young. They don’t hunt in packs like wolves. They are active in the early AM and late PM – unless they become used to people. As a side note there is more info from Stewart Brek doing who is doing a study on Coyote pattern and movements. He has a checklist for elimnateiton of them.
  • Why they live in our neighborhood – We provide food.
    • Bird Feeders tend to draw more than just birds, they love brush, and berry bushes. Easily accessible trash, pet food, birdbath, compost – etc are also huge attractors. Literally they will eat anything. Looking for the easiest free meal they can. Please don’t feed the wildlife.
    • What you can do to prevent negative encounters
      • Coyotes don’t typically go through dog doors, but raccoons & skunks enjoy them. Locking the dog doors at night can possibly save a pet. Motion lights are great & well as motion sprinklers. Eliminate under deck space that animals can hide in, play talk radio so they think people are near. Other ideas for hazing are to spray with them with a hose, pot and pan banging, spraying with water, throw stuff at them. Make yourself big by screaming and waving arms, a pop can with pennies shaking and throwing it scares them away. Whistles and air horns are huge deterrents too. Please DON’T RUN, or make eye contact and carry your child or pet. If necessary – fight back.

• How can we help
  • This time of year is when the young are leaving the Den and looking for food on its own. If the coyote is being aggressive call 911 or Colorado State Patrol. Scott’s Cell is 303.324.1063.
  • Proactive approach – Soaking rags in ammonia for skunks and raccoons to keep them away too.
  • Removing shrubs where a current den is and hazing them – will get them to leave. Stay on the hazing, don’t give up and change your tactics too. Call 303.391.7227 or 311 to get signs and coyote help. Hazing has been proven and only the community can help.
  • You cannot kill them – they are apart of the city. Killing doesn’t help unless you eliminate their food source. More food keeps them healthy and they breed to the size of the food source.

Channel 31 new was present and taping during the Coyote discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25p

Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 5^th, 2013, 7pm

In attendance: Dana O’Connor, Jennifer Schmidt, John Rogala, Mary Meyers, Janet Bardwell, Jennifer Engleby, Diana Helper, Ryan Zorn, June Morgan, Pat Cashen, Rosemary Stoffel. Steve Hicks, James Bettinger, and Traci Samaras.

Review and Approve Meeting Minutes (Traci Samaras)

January Board Meeting & February General Meeting Minutes approved with changes. The February meeting was possible the most well attended meeting in the past 8 years.  Notes from meeting have been sent to Charlie Brown.

Updates from the President (Dana O’Connor)

There are still open Board Positions. Allison Silver will help with events and Phyliss Ward with UPWords delivery.

The Position Overview Documents are still needed from Bill, Paula and Pat.  Dana is still trying to find a good time to meet with Michael Saap.

• Harvard Gulch Trail
  • Looked at COGO grant but the City has its own queue for these grants and we were not on it
  • Attended a grant writing course this morning for other possible moneys
  • Planning to send a letter to DPR, Public works, and Urban Drainage to get improvements to this trail in the queue.  Aiming for week of 11^th.
  • Working with the following to gain support
    • YMCA
    • Charlie Brown
    • Greenway Foundation

Treasurer Update

The January Campaign was a great success and many new donors. Janet is working on the survey responses and Traci will do the thank you cards.

V.P. Update (Jennifer Schmidt)

The neighborhood Garage Sale will be June 7^th & 8^th and Pam Adams coordinating with Traci Samaras this year. Jen is out of town.

Communications/Purple Pages (Paula Smith/Janet Bardwell/Dana)

May UPWords needs your articles by March 15. What are topics?  Home tour, garage sale, May General meeting, Dana may be doing an article on Harvard Gulch

Logo Discussion

VOTE for neighborhood to vote on via an online survey.  The best tool we have to reach the most people in the quickest amount of time is via email, so that is why the online survey was chosen.

Open Space and Parks (Diana Helper/Jennifer Engleby)

• Prairie Park sign.
  • Placed near the Historic Buchtel Blvd. at Prairie Park sign, S. St. Paul/Buchtel.  This also is the area where the proposed garden would be nearby.
  • 60″ wide x 27″ long standing on a concrete pad
  • Have neighbor/designer donating time
  • Face tilted like a lectern or music stand
  • Text about the history and importance of the prairie, Buchtel, etc. and info about the all-over plan
  • Possible pictures
  • DPR uses I-Zone panels
  • Lead time is 4-6 weeks
  • Design and placement would have to be approved by DPR.
• Vote on UPCC paying if there are additional funds needed for the sign was approved.

 Legacy and Historic Preservation (Rosemary Stoffel)

Doors Open Denver scheduled for Apr. 13 – 14.  A FREE 2-day event celebrating architecture and design. The 2013 theme is “Denver the City Beautiful – Then & Now.

Zoning (Pat)

• Fence at 2380 S Clayton, fence was already built, 8 foot where 6 foot permitted. All board members voted against the variance and so did the City.

 Safety (Steve Hick)

There were a number of car break in on Thurs/Friday Feb7/8^th, please remember to keep your car clean of important items. The District 3 Meeting is coming up. There will be boundaries changing this spring – stay tuned.

Traffic & Transportation (James Bettinger)

A new crosswalk at Adams and Iliff will go in in warmer weather, to help those school children. The board discussed maybe designing a wish list for this area.

INC (Mary/Diana)

June Morgan was a recipient of the ‘Neighborhood Star Award” and the UPCC was the host for INC on Sat., Feb. 9, at the HERITAGE CLUB

Membership (John Rogala)

All the current welcome packages went out in January. It was about 22 packets.

DU Good Neighbors Meeting on February 27th

The following are the notes from Diana. These will be discussed on the April Meeting and Allan Wilson has been asked to speak at the May General Meeting.

• Expansion of the ATHLETIC FIELDS west, taking over the lots along the east side of S. High where DU owns 8 houses (to be razed) The new field will be AstroTurf.  Perimeter will be landscaped.
• NW corner High/Asbury, student project to Xeriscape the yards of first two houses there.
• Redo to “acorn type” cranberry-paint color street lamps for DU Presence on S. High from Buchtel to I think Wesley.  Also improvement of some landscape.
• SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING will be built in the 2400 blk S. York DU bought two apt. Bldgs. to raze.  Design phase is underway.  (Allan reiterates that DU is not expanding, no matter how it seems.)
• ACADEMIC COMMONS (Library) opens March 25.  Take a look esp. at the much-enlarged south side with entrance off garden, patio, cafe, etc.  Oh yes, there are books, nooks & mountain looks.
• MARGERY REED being totally modernized inside, historic elements preserved, bldg. for use by Daniels Biz. College.
• PLAN FOR A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID).  DU is buying available properties along S. University, both sides, from Asbury-Wesley (maybe farther south?) and along Evans (both sides) from Josephine to Franklin.  Plan is to create DU Presence with those acorn lamps, landscape improvements, etc. AND give DU power to say what business may operate there.  This is in very beginning stages.

Diana also noted that INC would like to hear from all of us in regards to the March 13^th city council meeting. In short the request is to swap 9.2 acres of open space in Hentzell Park for a downtown building, and constructing a school on the open space, which happens to be in a flood plain. There are also 12 people signed up for the Observatory Park Garden, but they still need more. There is a Harvard Gulch clean up scheduled for May 4^th.

Thank you to all who shoveled their sidewalks and helped others during these last few snowstorms.  We had a great representative of our neighborhood on the front page of the DenverPost on February 25th shoveling.  Check out the photo of neighbor Nikki Maloney.

The UPCC is in the process of creating a UPCC new logo for the neighborhood and we want your input on the concept.  Please vote for your favorite concept .  Thank you to neighbor and artist Betsy Welty, who is working on this project.

The following are the announcements for March 2013.

• Help the UPCC.  Choose the concept for a new UPCC logo .   Click here to vote.  Hurry,  voting closes this Thursday 3/14/13 .
• Large Item Pick-up will take plan the last two weeks of March.  Check out the schedule .
• Coyotes hazing tip of the month: Take an empty soda can and put rocks or screws in it and cover the top.  Take this can with you on walks and if you encounter a coyote, use it to shake wildly at a coyote.
  • Personal note:  this is also works as a great discipline tool for my dog!
• Prairie Park Improvements
  • Neighbors are working on a Prairie Park Plan in an effort to get Prairie Park (land just north of Buchtel) to the greatness is deserves. Initial priorities include:
    • Making a healthy prairie
    • Creating an informational sign explaining the history and value of the prairie
      • Thank you to Councilman Charlie Brown who as has agreed to fund the sign
  • Next priorities envisioned for this project include:
    • Educational native plant garden
    • Additional paths
    • Benches
    • Possible art piece
  • To learn more or get involved, email parks@upcc.us.
• University Park Home Tour is scheduled for Sunday, May 5th and is looking for sponsors .   Learn more.
• Do you have a cool car you like to show-off AND support your neighborhood while doing it?  The Tour De Classics Car Show will be held in conjunction with the Home Tour on Sunday, May 5th.  Learn how to participate.
• Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm UPark neighbors are hosting a University Park DPS Articulation Event.
  • Learn about our three DPS neighborhood schools
  • Hear from principals from UPark Elementary, Merrill Middle School and South High School.
  • Contact Chris at schools@upcc.us to RSVP or learn more.
• April 13 – 14, 2013 is Doors Open Denver,  a FREE 2-day event celebrating architecture and design of the city. The 2013 theme is “Denver the City Beautiful – Then & Now.” There will also be a city bike tour . parks@upcc.us  or call 303-733-4902 to learn more.

List of Upcoming Neighborhood Events: 

• Tuesday, March 12th, 7pm all neighbors are invited to the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) March meeting . The meeting will be held in the library at South High School. Tours of the historical school will begin at 6 p.m.
• Saturday evening, March 16th, Chamberlin Observatory Open House.

• Thursday, March 21st, 8 – 10:30am, Transportation Solutions is holding a meeting entitled The Road Ahead — Stations Becoming Places .  Learn more.
• Tuesday, April 2nd, 10am, Colorado International School hosts tea. Country is Switzerland.
• April 13 – 14, 2013. Doors Open Denver “Denver the City Beautiful – Then & Now.” schools@upcc.us to RSVP or learn more.
• Tuesday, April 19  INC Parks/Rec Committee important meeting, 6-8 PM at Heritage Club (Craft Room).  Info at parks@upcc.us.
• Saturday evening, April 20th, Chamberlin Observatory Open House.
  
• Saturday, May 4th, 9 -noon, University Park Spring Clean-Up Day.    Additional details.
• Sunday, May 5th, 2013 University Park Home Tour and Tour De Classics Car Show. Learn more.
• Tuesday, May 7th, 10am, Colorado International School hosts tea. Origin is Dubai.
• Thursday, May 23, 5:30-7pm is planting day at the Observatory Park Community Garden contactparks@upcc.us for more info.
• Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2013 University Park Neighborhood Garage Sale. Additional Details.

The University Park Community Council, (UPCC) mission is to promote and enhance the quality of life in the University Park Neighborhood. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dana Strand O’Connor, on behalf of the UPCC Board
president@upcc.us
http://upcc.us

To donate visit http://upcc.us/support.