Happy spring, Denverites! Spring is always one of my favorite seasons. The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, which means more walks with my dad — who you know as your city council District 10 representative, Chris Hinds.
Unfortunately, when we get a big snowstorm like the one we saw in late March, it can be difficult for Dad and I to navigate around our neighborhood because of un-shoveled, or poorly shoveled, sidewalks, ADA ramps and pedestrian crossings. You can help keep our sidewalks accessible to everyone by following the below rules and guidance:
• If you own a residential property: Residential property owners have 24 hours after the snow stops falling to clear an accessible path.
• If you own a commercial property: Commercial property owners need to start clearing snow as soon as it stops falling.
• If you are a residential renter: Check with your property management company to ensure they know the rules.
• If you see un-shoveled or inaccessible sidewalks or curb ramps: Report it online to pocketgov.org or call 3-1-1. Make sure you have an associated address and if possible, take a picture to share with inspectors.
April marks the start of two annual Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) work programs that make city streets safer and cleaner for all modes of travel. They are street sweeping and paving.
Street sweeping takes place from April to November, and serves a critical role in removing pollutants from our city air and waterways that can impact our physical and environmental health. Did you know that in 2020, Denver street sweeping crews swept 163,385 lane miles and collected 57,479 cubic yards of dirt and debris? That’s a lot of material that would otherwise be floating in the air we breathe or flowing into our water supply. To maximize the sweepers’ ability to collect debris, it is essential that people who park their cars on the street relocate their vehicle on or before the designated sweeping day. The city offers opt-in service reminders that can be customized for your specific street so you can avoid those doggone tickets and help improve our air and water quality! Find relevant street sweeping schedules on pocketgov.org.
After being cooped up for more than a year, dogs and people alike are ready to walk, bike and roll outdoors — whether in a park, on a shared street or along the future route of the 5280 Trail. Luckily, the District 10 office still has plenty of yard and window signs available — featuring yours truly — to remind people to “Drive Like Your Dog Lives Here.” To collect your free sign, email district10@denvergov.org.
Speaking of the 5280 Trail, the Downtown Denver Partnership recently launched phase three, the Trailblazing Effort of the visionary project. This phase is the first step toward identifying the 5280 Trail route as a neighborhood asset, creating placemaking features that are unique to each of the neighborhoods and locations on the route, and marking the route for active travel. For more information about this 5.280-mile trail proposed around Denver’s urban core, visit 5280trail.com.
During the past year, I’ve missed seeing my friends and meeting new people at city council meetings, neighborhood block parties and District 10 coffee and happy hours. I hope I’ll get to see more of you this year while Dad and I are out and about in our perfect district.
Until then, stay perfect.
Porthos is Denver City Councilmember Chris Hinds’ service dog. Hinds represents District 10. He can be reached at district10@denvergov.org.
