Briefly describe the single most urgent issue facing the city of Denver and how it should be addressed.
The most urgent issue is the safety of streets. Over 300 people have died or suffered serious bodily injuries on Denver’s streets every year since 2013. It can be addressed by improving sidewalks, improved lighting, reduced speeds and traffic calming designs on the streets that make up the high injury network.
What should Denver leaders do to address the city’s lack of affordable housing?
Approve multi-unit zoning in all residential zone districts. It will allow different housing styles, such as up/down duplexes, accessory dwelling units and even small fourplexes in areas that can absorb lower density developments. It will not end single unit residences, but provide flexibility for housing options.
Do you support redevelopment at the Park Hill golf course property? Why or why not?
Yes, based on what I know now. More golf courses have closed than opened since 2006, according to several reports. PHGC has been closed since 2018. PHGC can supply public open space and about 5% of the 50,000 needed housing units. The number of temporary construction jobs, permanent maintenance jobs and park-related jobs is a benefit is too large to ignore, plus, the proximity to three transit lines benefits the environment. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that land surrounding the PHGC will be developed.
What should Denver leaders do to revitalize downtown Denver?
I think every infrastructure upgrade should be performed while downtown is relatively empty. It’s somewhat fortuitous that the 16th Street Mall is being reconstructed. I imagine it will be completed ahead of schedule because of easier access.
Otherwise, Denver administration can lead by requiring all office workers to be in the office five days per week. I believe private sector employees will eventually absorb vacant office space as they grow. Denver can provide permitting assistance with conversion of office space to residential units.
What is Denver’s greatest public safety concern and what should be done about it?
Traffic safety. Over 300 persons have been killed or suffered serious bodily injuries in crashes every year since 2013. That is an unimaginable loss to their loved ones that can also devastate a household’s finances. Designs to improve walking, rolling, biking and driving safety can be implemented as Denver Deserves Sidewalks funds begin to flow. Speeds on arterial streets should be reduced, sight lines improved and video surveillance for traffic violations implemented along the high injury network.
Should neighborhoods help absorb population growth through permissive zoning, or do you favor protections for single-family neighborhoods?
Single-family design can exist while accommodating more persons. I lived in a six-unit Victorian-style house in Minneapolis that looked like every other Victorian house in the neighborhood. Minimum lot sizes per type of unit can also accommodate population growth while preserving single-family character. Allowing various housing types will allow flexibility as the real estate market expands and contracts.
Should the city’s policy of sweeping homeless encampments continue unchanged? Why or why not?
No. Several court cases have stated that a jurisdiction must provide an alternative location if the policy prohibits sleeping in public areas. Denver, RTD, the state and Colorado have acres of land around the metro area to provide a place for rest for the unsheltered. Services and protections can be better delivered to identified locations rather than to sites that are, for good reasons, untracked throughout the city and the region.
Should Denver change its snow plowing policy? Why or why not.
I believe the best-in-the-business meteorologists in Denver should weigh in on this. Denver should change its snow plowing policy if the majority say with confidence that weather patterns will change. I expect residents will be ready to move their cars so plows can clear the streets. Also, a brigade of snow shovelers needs to be engaged to clear curb ramps and cross walks so people who do not drive have full access to the public right-of-way.
What’s your vision for Denver in 20 years, and what would you do to help the city get there?
My vision for Denver is a city where residents are able to take care of their housing, educational, social and mental needs without the aid of city services. I recently heard one of the top ranking public safety officials say that he would like to see a city where the police are not needed. That’s my vision.
How better can city officials protect Denver’s environment — air quality, water supply, ground contamination? And should the city take a more active role in transit?
City officials can protect air quality, water supply and ground contamination by taking a larger role in transit. Brake dust, tailpipe emissions, engine fluids and debris from crashes contribute to degradation of the environment. Denver can better support efforts like the Montbello Connector throughout the city to provide “first mile/last mile” access. Building safe sidewalks to EVERY transit stop is also taking an active role in transit.
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