MCA Meeting Recap: July 2021
This month’s MCA meeting covered a variety of topics ranging from community issues, such as street racing and parking on residential streets to dogs off leash and weeds; an executive board post; pools and aquatics, and more.
Current Community Issues
Illegal street racing continues to be a nuisance to individuals living along 56th Avenue and surrounding blocks, as well as other parts of the Central Park community. At today’s delegate forum, the MCA’s Executive Director, Keven Burnett, made clear that this is a City of Denver issue, and while the MCA is sympathetic to concerns of residents it is outside its jurisdiction.
That said, Keven has reached out to Councilman Chris Herndon and others in city government and law enforcement, and residents who are affected by this issue are encouraged to do the same. As Keven stated, “Central Park is open by design, and road issues are routed through the City of Denver.”
As the North End’s Community Delegate (John B. Holt, District 11), I too have contacted the Denver Police Department (DPD) on several occasions over the past six months, and can confidently say that officers are doing all that they can with the resources available to them, and the problem extends across the state, and the country at large.
Vacated Board Seat
Willow Park East & Wicker Park Community Delegate, Hope Miller, has filled a vacant seat on the MCA’s Board of Directors, joining President, Dana Elkind, Secretary & Treasurer, Amanda Dorotik, and Directors, Christie Spilsted, Shalise Hudley-Harris, and Claudia Saez.
Pools & Aquatics
Aquatics Director, Paula Deorio, shared a number of positive data points regarding the community pool system, highlighting that approximately 500 kids are actively engaged in the swimming program, and 21 lifeguards are currently on duty with 18 junior lifeguards coming aboard next year. Paula also noted that 14,000 pool passes have been sold this year, far outpacing the expected number of 10,000, and that nearly 1,000 lap swimmers have signed up.
With regard to reservations, Paula added that there is a two-week window, and that group reservations for private pool parties, e.g., birthday, after-hours events, etc., will return in 2022. The reason this feature was not offered in 2021 was to give as many people access to the water as possible while COVID-19 cases dropped from last winter’s high.
Finally, Paula announced that there will be a community naming campaign for the North End pool, Filing 54, this fall. So, start brainstorming ideas, for it was reported today that community involvement will be welcome.
Programming & Events
Community Director, Diane Deeter, announced that neighborhood yards signs touting the MCA’s message of neighborhood inclusivity will be available, free of charge, at the pools. There are currently 250 signs available, and more will be ordered as needed. The goal is for residents to place them in their yards, making a positive impression on others.
Diane also announced an African Market is coming in September, as well as the Denver Arts Festival, so check the MCA website regularly for more details.
Parks & Parkways
There was a brief mention of parks and parkways in which it was noted that trees are replaced seasonally, and orders are made in advance, hence dead tree sometimes linger for weeks or months before being replaced.
Covenants & Violations
A. Recreational Vehicle Parking
Keven Burnett noted that recreational vehicles (RV) are one of the leading complaints in the neighborhood at large, and while the MCA does not systematically drive the community looking for violations, it is obliged to respond to complaints as they come in via the official website. As the community ages, e.g., within two to three years of building completion, streets are transitioned from MCA control to City of Denver control, and as this happens the cost of violations, and any further penalties that may follow, increase substantially. Again, the MCA does not drive around the neighborhood, but relies on complaints routed through the official website.
B. Weeds: Front & Rear Yards
Another top concern is weeds, which are a problem throughout the community. If weeds are growing in your front yard, or behind your home in a communal alley, please proactively pull them up and dispose of them properly lest you be cited. While the MCA will not patrol inside peoples yards, it most certainly will respond to tree lawns, which owners are responsible for, front yards, visible side yards, and communal alleyways.
C. Dogs of Leash & Pet Waste
Off-leash dogs are a major concern for residents, with many complaints flowing into the MCA website regarding irresponsible owners. To be clear, this is a finable offense, one that the City of Denver will cite individuals for, along with errant pet waste. If you notice an individual letting his or her dog run off leash, please contact Denver 311 (720-913-1311) and report the offending party with photo and or video evidence if at all possible. The same holds true for dog owners who allow their pets to defecate in public places without picking up the waste. Not only are such actions a violation of community standards, but they also run counter to City of Denver laws.