44th Annual Carnation Festival see pages 6-11
38th Avenue– What Do You Think? see page 12
Golden Spilling into Wheat Ridge see page 16
Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
Wheat ridge | edgewater | JuLy 17 – auGuST 13, 2013
council Oks $50k ‘Streetscape’ Study for 38th avenue By J. PaTrick O’Leary
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heat Ridge City Council approved a $49,905 supplemental budget resolution for the next phase of the 38th Avenue plan, over the objections of council members Mike Stites and Joseph DeMott, at its June 24 regular meeting. As a result, design consultant Entelechy was selected to prepare a 38th Avenue Streetscape Concept Design to provide guidance for the future construction of the streetscape element to the corridor. Council adopted the Corridor Plan in October 2011, and amenities and roadway reconfiguration in April 2012. Purchase and installation of banner poles were approved this spring. “I do not think we should spend any more money on 38th until we get done with the test on this thing,” said District III Councilman Mike Stites, adding that he doesn’t believe it’s working. He also noted that “Four of us won’t be on council” next year and that the decision should be left until then. “I just think this is a bad investment,” said District IV councilman Joseph DeMott, saying that the money is being spent “in
the wrong place” instead of “incentivizing” programs, such as business district grants and bubble loans from Wheat Ridge 2020, to “jump start” businesses. The majority of council disagreed. District III’s George Pond called it a “reasonable investment” even in light of traffic studies and data received last month on the 38th Avenue “Road Diet.” He called the planning necessary to be “ready to go forward” with the next steps, and pointed out that the study would investigate some of the contentious aspects of the plan. In answer to Mayor Jerry DiTullio’s query on whether the Design could be “tweaked” if the city chose to change the number of traffic lanes, staff said the design will give “a theme, irrespective of the road diet,” and that number of lanes would be immaterial to the design. City staff said that no changes will be made to the eastern end of the 38th, and the overall design will incorporate those existing elements and concept, in response to a question by District II’s Kristi Davis. District II’s Joyce Jay, referring to the “mish-mash” appearance of improvements Continued on page 12
The chiLi WaS cOOkiN’ at the 2012 Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival’s Third Annual Chili Cook-Off. In this photo from last year’s cook-off, Ron Rau (right), who took second place in the green chili category, dishes up his chili for a taster. All chili awards are people’s choice. Got a great chili recipe? Come prove it at the 2013 Cook-off. Signup details on page 8. For a complete rundown on what to do at the 44th annual Carnation Festival, Aug. 16-17, in Anderson Park on 44th Avenue., please see the special pullout insert on pages 7-10 of this issue for schedules, maps and the latest festival info available. PHOTO BY BLU IRON PHOTOGRAPHY
Long-term Outlook key To easing Wheat ridge Water Woes By maTTheW J. LiLLey
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erald Wheeler surveyed his lawn on Eaton Street. The summer had taken its toll. While not yellow by any means, the lawn, like his neighbors, lacked the healthy green vitality that he would prefer. “This has been a bad year; a very bad year,” he said. After 50 years in Wheat Ridge, in the same house watering the same lawn, Wheeler has experienced a dry spell or two. The drought of the last two years is on par with some of the worst, he said. “This terrible hot summer, each day the heat just beats every one’s yard to pieces.” The good news is a wetter spring this year has Denver Water slightly easing its watering restrictions, now allowing watering three days a week instead of just two. For this Wheeler expressed some relief, “I’m glad I can go for three days now instead of just two.” While local water utilities distribute water to Wheat Ridge residents, that water is supplied by Denver Water, and they set the rules, according to Barry Hudson, of Wheat Ridge Water District, one of the three providers in Wheat Ridge. Valley Water District and the private Consolidated Mutual Water Company are the other two. After a very hot and dry 2012, Denver Water — which provides water for 1.3 million residents in the Denver area — adopted stringent water usage rules in April 2013, but a wet spring has helped replenish water stores. “Our customers have responded very well to the call to use even less water, and we can finally be confident that enough water from the late-season snows has reached
our reservoirs to bring them to reasonable levels,” said Greg Austin, president of the Denver Board of Water Commissioners in a press release. “While the drought is not over, conditions have improved enough that customers may water a third day, if their lawns need it. We all still need to do our part to protect against the possibility of another dry winter, and we ask everyone to continue to use even less.” Wheeler and his yard might be getting some relief, but the Denver area and much
of Colorado are still in a serious drought and the need to conserve is not diminished. “Reservoir storage is only one indicator of drought, and our reservoir levels can drop quickly when we don’t get much rain and snow,” Denver Water CEO Jim Lochhead said in a press release. “If this summer continues to be hot and dry, we will be vulnerable if there is low snowpack in 2014. To manage our water supply, we must consider the long-term outlook.” That long-term outlook includes
moderate restrictions and suggestions with consumer fines adding some teeth. While there are no restrictions on watering gardens and trees and shrubs, lawns can only be watered three times per week, for instance. Watering times are important as well. During the heat of the day water mist from watering quickly evaporates, which is why watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. Continued on page 5
Wheat ridge Business: a caring community By cyNDy BeaL “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela
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ore than 200 children in Wheat Ridge need assistance with nourishment on the weekends and local businesses are stepping up to the plate. In Wheat Ridge there are three public elementary schools and one junior high that have a high percentage of students on the free or reduced breakfast and lunch programs. On Sunday, July 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., members of Wheat Ridge Business Association (WRBA) are having a Summer Gala for the Feed The Future Backpack Program. The event will feature appetizers, music, door prizes and a cash bar. The entire community is welcome. The Feed The Future Backpack Program
provides food and snacks for school students on the weekends in backpacks. The Summer Gala fundraiser and community event will be at the newly opened West 29th Restaurant • Bar at 5560 W. 29th Ave., now open nightly for dinner at 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. All ticket proceeds go towards the Feed the Future Backpack program. “We need to help children. They can’t speak for themselves, “said Loretta DiTirro, board president of the WRBA. DiTirro said she isn’t doing this alone and wanted to express her gratitude and thanks to all of the individuals, businesses and organizations who have donated time, resources and are participating in this event, as well as to all those who support and volunteer for the Feed The Future Backpack Program. Those interested in attending the event must RSVP by July 19. To purchase tickets to the Summer Gala or to donate to the Feed the Future Back program, and for additional event information, go
to www.wheatridgebiz.com or contact Loretta DiTirro at 303.594.1520, or e-mail president@wheatridgebiz.com.
10Th aNNuaL WheaT riDGe BuSiNeSS aWarDS Know of a business or two in Wheat Ridge that exceeds your expectations? Now is the time to recognize and vote for your personal favorites. The City of Wheat Ridge and the WRBA are requesting nominations for the 2013 Business Appreciation Awards. In 2012, three local businesses received these awards from the city. This year the city and the WRBA have combined their awards and events. Awards fall into two categories, Business of the Year and Reinvestment Award. Descriptions from the city of Wheat Ridge and the WRBA for both categories are as follows: Continued on page 15