City and County of Denver, CO

08/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2024 17:23

Community events to kick off neighborhood plans for Southwest Denver

Community events to kick off neighborhood plans for Southwest Denver

Published on August 20, 2024

Residents, local business owners, neighborhood groups and community organizers throughout southwest Denver are invited to help build a local, long-range vision for the future of their neighborhoods, starting this month. The Southwest and Far Southwest Area Plans, which will be first ever neighborhood plans in much of this corner of the city, mark the start of the third phase of Denver Community Planning and Development's Neighborhood Planning Initiative. Since 2017, the initiative has expanded the areas of the city with a neighborhood plan in place, created in collaboration with the community, to help guide city decision-making there for the next 20 years.

"The residents of Southwest Denver have patiently waited for this moment, and we are deeply honored to work alongside them," saidCommunity Planning and Development Executive Director Manish Kumar. "This is a chance for the community to help shape its future by working with our planning team members, who are dedicated to listening closely and understanding the unique needs, concerns and visions of the community. Together, we can create a plan that truly reflects the values and aspirations of its people."

"Southwest Denver has always had a family-friendly focus," saidCouncil Member Kevin Flynn (District 2). "We need those voices to speak out now to ensure that the growth and change that inevitably comes to this corner of the city is consistent with our character and with the overall guidance for our welcoming suburban neighborhoods in Blueprint Denver."

"The launch of the Southwest and Far Southwest Area Plans represents a significant milestone for our communities," saidCouncil Member Jamie Torres (District 3). "Many of these neighborhoods will now have a dedicated, long-range vision crafted with input from residents, businesses, and community leaders. The area plan process empowers our communities to shape the future and improve their quality of life."

"It's imperative that we hear from the community, as this plan will guide our next steps for decades to come. The voices of District 7, and Southwest Denver residents are crucial in shaping a future that reflects their needs and aspirations," said Council Member Flor Alvidrez (District 7). "Community input is vital to ensure that the plan addresses the specific challenges and opportunities in our neighborhoods. Whether it's enhancing public safety, improving walkability, increasing access to parks, or any other aspect of daily life, ideas and feedback shared directly from residents will help us create a plan that truly supports an inclusive and sustainable future for all who live and work in these neighborhoods. By participating in this process, residents have the opportunity to directly influence the development of our community and ensure that it grows in a way that aligns with the vision and values of the people of District 7 and Southwest Denver."

The Far Southwest Area Plan will start with a community kickoff event Tuesday, August 27. The plan will cover the neighborhoods of Bear Valley, College View, Fort Logan, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South and Marston. These are the neighborhoods within Denver's city limits that are south of Jewell Avenue and west of the South Platte River.

Far Southwest Area Community Kickoff
6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Church of All Saints, 2559 S. Federal Blvd.
Details atDenverGov.org/farsouthwestplan

The Southwest Area Planwill follow with its own community kickoff event Wednesday, September 11. It will cover the neighborhoods of Athmar Park, Mar Lee, Overland, Ruby Hill and Westwood. The bulk of the area is bound by Sheridan Boulevard on the west, Alameda Avenue to the north, Jewell Avenue to the south and the South Platte River to the east. Additionally, the Overland neighborhood extends further south from Mississippi Avenue to Yale Avenue, between the river and South Broadway.

Southwest Area Community Kickoff
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Westwood Community Center, 1000 S. Lowell Blvd.
Details atDenverGov.org/southwestplan

Attendees at both events will hear from city planners on what to expect during the planning process and will get a chance to review and provide feedback on draft ideas and opportunities for each area.

About the Neighborhood Planning Initiative

The Neighborhood Planning Initiative is a commitment to provide area-specific planning guidance for every Denver neighborhood. While Comprehensive Plan and Blueprint Denver establish a citywide vision for an inclusive, connected and healthy city, area plans empower communities to implement that vision at a neighborhood level and address the challenges and opportunities of their corner of the city according to its unique character and needs. Plans are developed over an 18-month community process, at the end of which, they are reviewed and voted on by the Denver Planning Board and City Council.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY: Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) is responsible for visionary city planning and ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable building. CPD regulates planning, zoning, development and maintenance of private property in Denver. We're working hard to make Denver a great place to live, work and play! Visit DenverGov.org/CPD, and follow us on Twitter at @DenverCPD.