Growth in a Built Environment
Watch Council Matters Online
What do the words “Colfax Avenue” mean to you?
These are probably two words that invoke a variety of impressions or meanings to Denverites. This major east-west artery of the City borders or bisects five of the 11 City Council districts.
Host Beverly Weaver and
Councilwoman Jeanne Robb representing District 10,
Councilwoman Marcia Johnson representing District 5, and
Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth representing District 8 examine how impressions of “Colfax Avenue” fit the context of growth and redevelopment in Denver’s built environment. The discussion also covers how City Council is dealing with the reputation Colfax has had as being a hot bed of drugs, crime and prostitution, and what do citizens stand to gain by reducing these problems.
Colfax was once designed around the idea of being car-oriented. Auto dealers and repair facilities replaced stately mansions and wide tree-lined sidewalks. A hodge-podge of unrelated retail activity also altered the focus of Colfax’s personality. The Council members discuss the new shift in thinking and planning centering on pedestrian oriented residences and businesses.
How is redevelopment coming to East Colfax?
What are some of the current and planned locations for the much discussed pedestrian friendly redevelopment along East Colfax? What is City Council doing to encourage consistent and valuable redevelopment along with historic preservation? Neighborhood groups are also active in helping to plan development around mass-transit centers along the avenue. And will there be a day when streetcars will once again traverse Colfax?
Colfax may become Denver's newest “Main Street.”
Denver’s zoning code has not been significantly altered since the mid 50s. It is mostly use oriented and doesn’t really address how structures look. City Council recently approved a new zoning classification to be known as “Main Street” or MS-1, MS-2, and MS-3. “Main Street “ zoning encourages a strong mix of housing, office and commercial uses in transit rich places with flexible use requirements. On this edition of Council Matters, several locations are cited as good examples of the type of development suitable for ‘Main Street’ zoning classifications.
Get a full explanation of the new zoning classifications and the planned zoning map change.
Visit Denver's site for all things related to zoning: - construction and use permits, site plan review, and rezoning requests. Also information on the full zoning code, updates, and development reviews.
Get further information and useful links on planning, building and maintenance of an outstanding Denver, including links for historic preservation and neighborhood inspection services.
East Colfax Neighborhood Associations:
Bellvue-Hale Neighborhood Association, 303-399-7101
Historic Montclair Community Association
Mayfair Neighbors Inc., 303-333-2741
East Montclair Neighborhood Association, 720-341-7243
East Capital Hill United Neighborhoods Inc., 303-830-1651
South City Park Neighborhood Association, 303-388-3388
Do you feel safe in your community?
Do Denverites really feel safe where they live, work, play and travel? Voters have approved a new Justice Center, but will it be adequate enough to alleviate jail overcrowding? Council members will discuss what are being called ‘alternatives to sentencing’ but will they be enough to help citizens feel safer?
Community Safety matters to all of us…and it’s the focus of the next Council Matters.