The New Zoning Code

Many people from many interest groups have spent a substantial amount of time working on the New Zoning Code since 2005 and I believe we need to continue to move this process forward.  One of the main responsibilities of City Council is to address case by case zoning concerns once the New Zoning Code is adopted.  I will take on this challenge as your next City Councilperson.  The Zoning Code is a snapshot of the current development of the City of Denver.  It expresses a moment in time and is changing constantly.  Once adopted, the specific zoning of certain areas are subject to and will change.

The New Zoning Code is not perfect and there is room for improvement.  It is, however, better than the antiquated 1956 Zoning Plan that we are currently using to plan future development.  An updated comprehensive zoning plan for the City of Denver is essential for the future of the City and District 1.

There have been, and will be, challenges in the discussion of the rezoning of neighborhoods.  I think that we need to find a balance.  It is important to me, and the residents of Northwest Denver, to maintain the character and community aspect of District 1.  It is also important to me to support change and development in parts of the community where that development makes sense.  Open communication, listening and public discussion are key to finding solutions that work for the majority of the residents and business owners.  There is no easy or perfect answer but the New Zoning Code is a step in the right direction.

Zoning and Economic Development

There is a close relationship between zoning and economic development.  The type of zoning in any given area ties directly to an area’s future economic development.   I think the New Zoning Code realizes and attempts to address this relationship.

The goal behind the establishment of Transitional Zoning next to Main Street Zoning is to increase the potential for economic development along the Main Street by creating enough density nearby to ensure those businesses have enough customers to survive.  It is important when analyzing the New Zoning Code to understand the power and consequences zoning has on economic development.  For instance, the zoning of the St. Anthony Central campus will have a direct and immediate impact on the potential viability of that campus and the surrounding neighborhood.  The proposed zoning of the Campus is “Campus – Healthcare.”  Campus zoning is inconsistent with both the St. Anthony Central Redevelopment Task Force and the neighborhood’s vision.  The marketability and future development of the Campus is limited by the Campus –Healthcare zoning classification.

One area of the New Zoning Code that reflects the vision set forth in Blueprint Denver is the Main Street Zoning section along Tennyson between 38^th and 43^rd.  Blueprint Denver called for a Town Center in this area and Main Street Zoning promotes that development.

One area of concern is the zoning and economic development of West Colfax.  A priority of my office will be to focus on this area of the District and make sure we are proceeding as quickly as possible to attract and retain good, sustainable businesses and residents who want to live, work and raise a family along this unique and wonderful corridor.

Federal Boulevard

We can address the challenge of transforming Federal Boulevard by working together to attract and retain businesses and building community-centered initiatives that will draw support for the planning and infrastructure needed to return Federal Boulevard to its place of historic importance.  Again, I would listen to the Partnership and the community that lives, works and plays along this stretch of Federal.  I would then work with Councilman Lopez and Councilwoman Montero to assist the Partnership and the community with creating a vision for this stretch of Federal.  Finally, I will work with all interested parties to implement this vision.

Parking

Any parking solution for Northwest Denver’s embedded commercial districts must assess, analyze and consider zoning and density changes while determining the use and availability of current parking places.  We need to continue to look at different forms of transportation and encourage the use of public transportation.  Particularly, I support the zoning of these areas to encourage walkability and a pedestrian friendly atmosphere.  Many of the embedded commercial districts attract local, neighborhood residents.  We should encourage and foster walking, biking and other forms of transportation.  One easy way to do this is add pedestrian crosswalks and yield signs along Tennyson and around 32^nd and Lowell.

Conclusion

It is extremely important to me to listen and understand the concerns of the residents and business owners in District 1.  I am in the process of reaching out to many of the residents to understand their thoughts and positions on the New Zoning Code.  I will listen to their concerns and then make the best decision I can to represent their interests in the future of the New Zoning Code.