All about Cherry Creek North Neighborhood

Crime in Cherry Creek

Published by Debra Rickard on October 30th, 2008 under Uncategorized. | 3 Comments »

CCNNA received this message from an individual visiting a CCN restaurant
and thought you should be aware and be careful.

My name is Rick Carlson and I live on Roslyn Street . Last night my wife
and I went out to dinner at Cucina Colore in Cherry Creek. This was
around 8pm.

When we returned to our car, which was parked in the restaurant lot, we
found that the passenger window had been broken and the glove
compartment had been emptied. I usually don’t keep anything of value in
the glove compartment and even keep my insurance card and registration
someplace else to limit an identity theft problem.

When we got home, we discovered 2 police cars at our driveway and that
our home had been burglarized. Apparently, the thieves had found, I’m
guessing a car repair receipt, with our address on it (this is what they
were looking for) and came to our house while they knew we would be away
for an hour.

The thieves broke the lock on the back yard gate and then jimmied open
the patio door.

Fortunately, and this is th e moral of the story, we had a monitored
alarm system which we had armed. Even though we had an ADT Alarm sign by
the gate, the thieves still took their chances that the alarm might not
be set. If we had not set the alarm they could have had free reign in
the house and things would have been a lot worse. As it was, with the
alarm going off, they ran up to the Master Bedroom and grabbed all of
the jewelry and some other small items, before taking off.

A couple of things worth mentioning. When (not if) you get an alarm
system, make sure you get the necessary paperwork to obtain a permit
from the City of Denver . You need to pay $25 EVERY YEAR for this
permit. MAKE SURE you follow-up with the alarm company and give them the
permit number. Then, call the alarm company AGAIN and verify the permit
number they have matches what is actually on the permit from the police.
My alarm Company, ADT gave them the incorrect number when they called in
the alarm and Denver would not dispatch the police because the numbers
didn’t match. Fortunately, the thieves didn’t know this, and assumed
that the police were on the way. The person on my call list arrived at
the house and saw the broken gate and called 911, but its’ not a good
situation when the first person on the scene is a pedestrian.

Without an alarm, this situation would have been much worse and I can’t
overemphasize the need for a monitored alarm system.

The officers on the scene, who were great by the way, said that this was
the first time they had heard about an intrusion happening in this
manner. However, when he called dispatch, they informed him that 2 more
cars had been broken into, this time a the Cherry Creek Grill lot, and
again, the only thing missing from the cars was paperwork. No word on
the outcome of those situations. Some lessons here as well.

Like I said this could have been much worse and so we’re thankful that
the situation didn’t get very far.

Regards,

Rick Carlson

Safety in CHerry Creek

Published by Debra Rickard on October 16th, 2008 under Police Activities, Neighborhood Disruptions. | 2 Comments »

Safety

Even though this has not happened in CCN, Commander Kroncke at Denver Police District 3 would like to make you aware of the latest home break-in tactic used by criminals in the areas surrounding Cherry Creek. For homes for sale with a lock box, the criminals are breaking the lock box to extract the house key and then rob the home. If you should have neighbors or friends selling their home, please make them aware of the problem.

Commander Kroncke also mentioned that the primary criminal on these house break-ins has been arrested using DNA evidence, but it is always best to be aware of any stranger lingering around any house in your area and call the police on suspicious activities. In addition, if you will be away during holiday times for an extended period, the police will make additional trips along your street, if you notify District 3.

For any questions, the phone number for District 3 is 720-913-1300.

CCN Resident Parking Permit Program, Do we need it?

Published by Debra Rickard on September 9th, 2008 under News, Neighborhood Disruptions. | 1 Comment »

BID Questions Need for CCN Resident Parking Permit Program

Resident Parking Survey Being Conducted

The CCN neighborhood resident parking permit program was initiated several years ago due to the implementation of the Business Improvement District (BID) kiosk parking ticket system. The primary purposes of the BID kiosk system were to free parking spaces for retail customers by preventing BID employees from using the spaces and to generate parking revenue for the City. To prevent the BID employees from using neighborhood parking and to protect parking for resident use, the CCNNA Board worked with Councilwoman Robb and the BID to create the CCN resident parking permit program.

Presently, parking on the west sides of the streets from Columbine to Madison and from 2nd / 3rd Avenues to 6th Avenue as well as the north sides of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th parking have restricted CCN resident permit parking from 8 AM to 7 PM. The east and south sides of streets and avenues have 2 hour restricted parking for anyone. Residents are also allowed 2 visitor passes per address that can be used in resident permit areas for guests and service. Additional temporary visitor passes can be obtained from Councilwoman Robb’s office.

Since the reserved neighborhood permit parking spaces are not fully utilized during the day, the BID staff have been discussing with Councilwoman Robb’s staff possible changes to the CCN Resident Parking Permit Program. It is not clear if the BID is proposing the elimination of or a modification to the parking program so resident parking can be used for BID customers, visitors, and / or employees.

In order to know clearly how residents feel about the resident parking program, a short parking survey is being conducted. To take the survey, just use the following link.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AWPP9sIUuSuidhHgcBNdBw_3d_3d

Your input, ideas, and suggestions are critical! Please take the short time to participate.

Support for Post Office in Cherry Creek North

Published by Debra Rickard on July 11th, 2008 under Business. | No Comments »

Post Office Email Support

As was mentioned in an earlier post office update email, the recent meeting with the post office officials on the closing of the CCN post office was most disappointing.  The USPS officials did not appear interested in maintaining a post office in CCN.  Even with Rep. DeGette’s insistence that the absence of CCN post services was not an option for USPS, there does not seem to be any support from USPS.

Today it was learned that another meeting will be held in Rep. DeGette’s Washington office with additional USPS representatives next week to discuss the CCN post office situation.  The CCNNA Board feels that it is time that all CCN residents sent their support for a CCN post office and/or services to both Rep. DeGette and Councilwoman Robb.

Please take a minute to send your email to thank Rep. DeGette and Councilwoman Robb for their support and to continue to fight to preserve our postal services.  The email addresses are as follows: Read the rest of this entry »

Cherry Creek Post Office

Published by Debra Rickard on May 14th, 2008 under Business. | No Comments »

As you know, the owner of the building that houses  the Cherry Creek North post office on Columbine is not renewing the post office’s lease after September 30.  Over the last week many contacts have been made, and the following is an update on the situation with the post office.

1.  Post Office Relocation - Since the post office does not need or use all of the present space in its current location, another CCN location may be possible.  There are certain parking space, loading dock, and other requirements that may need to be met.  A new location has not been found at this time. 

2.  Service Contract - The postal service can contract with another business to provide specified services.  It is our understanding that Send ‘Em Packing next door to the post office has been contacted about providing some additional individual post office box space and possibly other services, but Send ‘Em Packing would not confirm any arrangement.  There may be USPS requirements that would prevent some businesses from being able to provide full retail postal services, so some post office boxes and services may need to be relocated to the Glendale post office.

3.  City Council, Congressional, and USPS Contacts - Contacts have been made to Councilwoman Jeanne Robb and US Representative Diana DeGette about assisting us with this important CCN post office location matter.  Councilwoman Robb has contacted Congresswoman DeGette’s staff and is in the process of setting up a meeting with the US Postal Service to discuss ways to preserve a CCN postal service location.  A contact has also been made to the Denver USPS Consumer Affairs Director to provide assistance with this matter.  The CCN BID is also as concerned as we are about the loss of postal services to the CCN businesses.

What can you do?  Since many residents have contacted Councilwoman Robb and Representative DeGette, both are very aware of the CCN post office situation.  Councilwoman Robb is working diligently to assist us, so it is suggested that we wait on the results of this meeting with the USPS officials.  We are hoping that a suitable location in CCN can be found, and that some minimal lease extension can be negotiated to provide time to relocate without a loss of service.  CCNNA will be represented at the meeting and will keep you informed.

If you should have any questions, please let us know.  Wayne

Cherry Creek Spring Open House! April 3rd

Published by Debra Rickard on April 3rd, 2008 under Local Events, Real Estate. | No Comments »

Thursday today from 4:30 -6:30 pm

Refreshments Bring a Friend Read the rest of this entry »

Cherry Creek Photographers’ Gallery

Published by Debra Rickard on April 3rd, 2008 under Business. | 1 Comment »

Photographers’ Gallery
April 2008 One Person Show

Title:  “Colorado in Black and White”
Artist:  George Vago, Cherry Creek North Resident

Show runs: April 1-30
Artist’s Reception: Friday April 4; 6-9pm

Photographers’ Gallery One Person Show: “Colorado in Black and White” the images of George Vago, an award winning, large format photographer. By special invitation for the Photographers’ Gallery April show, George Vago is presenting black and white images of the Colorado landscape.  Vago has printed each silver gelatin image personally in his traditional (wet) darkroom, using archival techniques.  He presents the images in the dramatic style he is known for – in the West Coast style.  Read the rest of this entry »

Cherry Creek North

Published by Debra Rickard on April 2nd, 2008 under Business. | 1 Comment »

CCN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSEMBLIES

YOU ARE INVITED - COME EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS

This notice is to inform you of two pending cabaret licenses in Cherry Creek North.  The Houston’s setting across from Little Ollie’s does not pose to be a problem for CCN residents.  The Clayton Lane residents are encouraged to attend the Ocean’s assembly at 4 PM, since there could be noise, hours, and traffic issues to be addressed with the owner.  Any interested CCN resident is welcome to attend.

(1). Hillstone Restaurant Group has applied for a standard cabaret license (musical

entertainment, but no patron dancing allowed) for the future Houston’s Restaurant

at 303 Josephine. A Hillstone representative will meet with interested neighbors todiscuss the application on

Thursday, April 3 at 3:00 PM at the Cherry CreekGrill at 184 Steele Street. The official public hearing will be on April 9 at 9:00

AM.

(2). Ocean Restaurant at 201 Columbine has applied for a tavern liquor license and

a dance cabaret license (musical entertainment with patron dancing allowed). The

owner of Ocean will discuss this application with interested neighbors on

Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 PM at 201 Columbine. The official public hearing willbe on April 14 at 9:00 AM.

__._,_.___

General Resident Meeting March 25th 7 pm

Published by Debra Rickard on March 10th, 2008 under News, Neighborhood Disruptions, Local Events, Real Estate. | No Comments »

   General Resident Meeting

Tuesday, March 25th - 7 PM  - Daniels Fund Building

Presentations and Speakers

UC Health Science Center Development - With the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center relocated to Aurora, the Health Science Center’s previous location between 8th Avenue and 11th Avenue on Colorado Boulevard will be redeveloped into a major residential and retail business community.  Marcus Pachman of Shea Properties will give a visual presentation on the plans to create multi-levels of residential living as well as the preservation of several important historic buildings. 

Fillmore PlaceFillmore Place encompasses the entire block from 2nd Avenue on the north, Milwaukee Street on the east, 1st Avenue on the south, and Fillmore Plaza on the west.  The first redevelopment of this block is the former Tattered Cover Book Store site with the addition of Pura Vida health club / spa and West Elm retail store.  Bob Mattucci of The Sturm Group will present the next phase of Fillmore Place redevelopment – the addition of condominiums above the parking garage and the enclosure of alcove space along Fillmore Plaza. Read the rest of this entry »

Fillmore Plaza Update from the BID

Published by Debra Rickard on February 23rd, 2008 under Business, Neighborhood Disruptions. | No Comments »

At Wednesday night’s Cherry Creek Steering Committee Meeting Julie Bender, the CEO of the CCN Business Improvement District (BID), gave a brief Fillmore Plaza (FP) development update, and several issues were discussed.
 
The firm, Design Workshop, was selected and will work with CommArts, the original firm that created the garden district plan for the business district and FP.  Since the BID has spent a significant amount of money on design work with CommArts, it makes sense that the two firms should be working together to create an improved development plan for the entire BID as well as FP. 

Since Western Development is presently constructing Phase III of North Creek on the west side of FP, the construction will be tearing up the western parts of Fillmore Plaza, and Western Development has offered to remove all of the FP concrete surface at the same time.  Even though it was not clear what would happen after FP surface demolition, several ideas of temporary planted grass, artificial grass, or some other type of surface were discussed to replace the removed concrete surface until a final design plan is approved and ready for implementation.   Read the rest of this entry »