Speculators and developers have bought a number of houses on the west side of the 2100 block of Cherokee and REALLY want to turn it into high density brownstones. Perhaps you are thinking, “Oh, that’s six blocks or ten blocks away from me, so why should I care”? Why? There is already a three story behemoth at Cherokee and Yale that is just now being completed. Go look at it, and imagine having it across the street from you. Now imagine an entire block of high density brownstones across the street from you. Development on Delaware is one thing, ruining the personality of a quiet and friendly neighborhood is quite another. Our new city councilman will be at the ONA meeting this month. Please attend and support your neighbors against this proposed (blight) development. And then rest assured that when the speculators and developers come sniffing around YOUR block, we’ll be there to help you fight them!

By Liz

Behemoth?

#1: The City of Denver told me that the new bldg. at Yale has always been allowed under the zoning codes.

#2: I talked to the builder and saw some of his other stuff nearby, like 2738 So. Delaware. It could the nicest looking building in the neighborhood. It sold for $370,000 which is also the highest price ever in the neighborhood. Excuse me, but I don't see a problem here, since new construction is certainly improving the neighborhood, not ruining it.

#3. How many new, young families have bought in this neighborhood lately? Very few. That's why the neighborhood school, Rosedale, was shut down. No ''customers''. Will a new, more desirable housing stock help bring back families? If so, then I'm all for it. Will the reopening of Rosedale benefit the neighborhood and improve quality of life?

Homes, not high density

The neighborhood definitely needs some renovating, there's no doubt about that. Young families would likely be more attracted to houses and single family homes than high density row houses with no yards. People who want high density have MANY other neighborhoods to choose from. We should keep the single family character of our neighborhood.

middle ground

I may be in the minority with homeowners in the neighborhood, but I also made an investment with my family by buying here 4 years ago. I have to admit I was happy, and a little confused by the 500k price range, of the property being built at Cherokee and Yale. I am at Acoma and Harvard, so it is 2 blocks from me. I think we all want to see this neighborhood thrive in our own way. And I respect the worries of those on Cherokee who see that progress is coming with a price. You asked if I would want that bldg at Yale and Cherokee across from me and the answer is yes. There are so many foreclosures in this neighborhood now, and so many homes that have been unkept for so long. I think there has to be a neighborhood blueprint these builders are seeing to make them a profit. By building the kinds of homes they have at So. Cherokee and Yale and then not be able to sell them, makes no sense. But I am cautiously optimistic because I just do not see someone spending 500k to live on this side of Broadway yet. I worry about these new homes sitting on the market for so long and turning into section 8. but I say that not being as in the know about what is going on as you and Kevin are. I have been working later hours thursdays over the whole summer so will now try and make the mtgs to get more informed. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in...not anonymously...and say I agree with ''anonymous comment #2''. We have to make this neighborhood more attractive to families. we do not have a school and one is not likely to open up for quite awhile. But we do have some great neighborhood schools in Asbury and McKinley Thatcher. So where as I respect the desire to want to keep the neighborhood as it was. I admit I bought in this neighborhood with the idea that I loved the diversity AND the potential of what it could be. And that I could not afford the size house I have now on the other side of Broadway. I cannot see someone spending 500k for one of those homes and not caring about this neighborhood. We may end up with some very proactive neighbors who want to see their investment pay off. Am I too optimistic and wearing rose tinted glasses...maybe.

By michelle