City Park Golf Course Stormwater Detention Proposal


Initial letter from Attorney Aaron Goldhamer regarding Proposed City Park Golf Course Stormwater Detention Project

Legal Issues re: Proposed City Park Golf Course Stormwater Detention Project

The following letter and documents were sent to City Attorney Scott Martinez by Attorney Aaron Goldhamer on behalf of his client former Colorado Secretary of State, J.D. McFarland —regarding the legality of the proposed storm water detention facility at the City Park Golf Course. Goldhamer cites legal precedent, the Denver City Charter, and the Denver Zoning Code as reasons why the City may be enjoined from constructing the project, which is estimated to cost more than $150 million and may necessitate a raise in Denver residents’ storm drainage fees. The letter notes public outcry concerning the City’s approach to the

 

 

We are pleased to announce that on November 21, 2016, a Denver District Court judge, denied a motion by the City of Denver, to dismiss a lawsuit brought by J.D. MacFarlane, Plaintiff and CPFAN Board Member, represented by Attorney Aaron Goldhamer, asking the court to stop the City of Denver from constructing an “industrial-level storm water managment project” in City Park Golf Course. Read the ruling here. The lawsuit will now proceed. If you’d like to help fund the lawsuit, go to https://www.coloradogives.org/ditchtheditch.

DOCUMENTS

2014 Mountclair OSP

Plaintiffs Response To Motion For Summary Judgment W Attach

 

Information

Position statements

A yellow and black logo for the save city park golf course.Sign our petition to stop Denver Mayor Michael Hancock from destroying an historic public park to put in an industrial storm drainage sump. Click the button at left to see more and sign the petition.      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                   

Save Denver Latino neighborhoods from flooding and pollution.  Watch the video for additional information.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Details

Information about the proposed storm water drainage project prepared by Georgia Garnsey, a CPFAB Board member.

Stormwater Detention Pond Proposed for City Park Golf  Course

The City of Denver is proposing to bulldoze 45 acres in the NW corner of  City Park  Golf Course (1/3 of the course) in order to install a  stormwater detention pond. Up  to 280 trees will be cut down to  accommodate the 10 ft. deep pond.  The Bogey’s Clubhouse will be razed  and relocated along with the parking lots. There will be a new entrance  created off of 23rd or 26th Avenues. The golf course will be re-contoured  for the remaining 2/3 of the course, minus the new clubhouse, parking lots and driveways.

 Why is the Storm water Detention Needed?

For a Fact Sheet and maps provided by the city and the North  Cornerstone Collaborative, go to:

https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/70 5/documents/projects/stormwater-systems/StormwaterSystems- Fact-Sheet.pdf  

The Fact Sheet maintains that stormwater detention ponds are needed to protect North Denver from a 100 year flood event. At community meetings, the Public Works project manager, Jennifer Hillhouse, has stated that the ponds will provide no protection for Park Hill and  minimal protection for the Cole and Whittier neighborhoods.

What parts of Denver will receive the most benefit?

The detention pond will provide major protection for the proposed I-70 construction project that calls for creating a lowered, partially covered section of highway (40 feet deep and 20 feet below the water table) between the Swansea and Elyria neighborhoods.

It seems protection will be provided for the new Western Stock Show project.

The detention pond will also provide major protection for the North Cornerstone Collaborative – a 23 mile stretch of open land between Union Station and DIA that Mayor Hancock hails “a corridor of opportunity†for development.  For more information on the North Cornerstone Collaborative:       

https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/mayors-office/programs-initiatives/north-denver-cornerstone-collaborative.html

What are the alternatives and Why the Rush?

Citizens in the neighborhoods surrounding the City Park golf  course, as well as golfers are requesting the City of Denver to  provide alternatives to a detention pond at the course. The only  other option presented since November, 2015, when the project was  first introduced to the public, was to demolish 50 homes in the Cole  neighborhood to create the pond.  Both options are opposed by neighborhood groups. There are many other options available and the city needs to take the time and set aside the resources to explore them.

For more information:

*Contact Jennifer Hillhouse, City Project Manager, Public Works, Senior City Planner:  Jennifer.hillhouse.org or 720-865-3158.
*Contact Milehighmayor@denvergov.org
*Contact happy.haynes@denvergov.org
*Contact albus.brooks@denvergov.org
*CONTACT NORTH DENVER CORNERSTONE COLLABORATIVE THROUGH MAYOR’S OFFICE: Milehighmayor@denvergov.org or 720-865-9000
*Fill out online form to give your opinions by Feb.28:
http://northcitypark.org/2016/02/15/officials-ask-for-feedback-on-city-park-golf-course-stormwater-detention-proposal/


I would love to hear from you and welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback. You can email me directly,
lplachowski@gmail.com.

Warmest regards,
Louis Plachowski
President, CPFAN