The resident survey has once again named the Neighborhood Gazette the highest-rated source of information for Wheat Ridge residents, with 74% of respondents saying they rely on the Gazette to stay informed. As always, word of mouth is still number one, which simply means neighbors are still sharing the news, the rumors, and the rants with one another.
We love our readers, business owners, city staff members, and everyone else who interacts with us. The relationships are honest, respectful, and at times even strained—especially between friends. It’s the true test of any relationship.
It’s exciting to look at City Council’s efforts to connect with neighbors across the four districts. Mayor Stites has been jumping from event to event, doing his very best to connect, communicate, and create opportunities to better understand what residents are loving—and where they’re hoping for change—whether it’s roads, schools, or the services the City provides. The various meetings, walks, and activities are being used not only to connect but also to gauge the appetite voters have for the various construction projects ahead of us.
One important project for District 3 is the acquisition of Kullerstrand Elementary. As a neighbor to the school, I’m was concerned about the lack of transparency from my councilors regarding who will ultimately take over the building. As neighbors, our best-case hopes include a daycare, senior center, or perhaps a sports gym. Of course, worst-case scenarios as you may imagine, aren’t nearly as rosy and could have many of us voting against it altogether. But I am confident that our city officials understand our neighborhood and what would fit in.
It was refreshing to hear Councilors Ohms, Larsen, and Quinn remind their fellow councilors that the pushback against the $100,000 dollar Equity Audit wasn’t necessarily about equity or being against immigrants as the signage bullied participants at city council meetings. It was about the out-of-budget dollars and recognizing the reality that many residents are still struggling to fill their gas tanks and grocery carts. Imagine how many of the homeless population we can help with $100,000 dollars.
Perhaps that’s also why support for funding a new Anderson Pool has dropped so much. Again, residents aren’t saying they don’t want to replace the pool. It’s an important part of our community—but maybe not for $17 million dollars.
I really love the 2J plans for 38th Avenue on the west side of town, from Kipling to Youngfield, as well as the new City Hall plans. No doubt it will be a great space that brings City staff together under one roof, alongside the new Police Department. I know it’s a huge bill, but that’s what growing cities eventually face. I especially love the design of the new City Hall. It has a touch of the old world while using today’s materials.
Change is difficult indeed, and it brings out all kinds of opinions and reactions from our residents. Sometimes politicians become convinced they know what’s best and simply push a policy through. Sometimes construction disrupts the recovery of businesses along Main Street 38th. Sometimes regulations leave residents scratching their heads—like not allowing roosters to crow while dogs can bark, or not allowing the feeding of neighborhood cats that naturally help control mice, rats, and rabbits in our gardens. I’m mostly just surprised these topics even make it onto the agenda.
I am excited and hopeful for the future of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Committee. With Councilor Okada taking over as the Council liaison and the addition of Val Nozler, I trust that we will finally have a committee that truly represents every voice in our community.
“This is a time for heroes” like our departed friend Dom and the ever-hard-working Joe DeMott, who brought us the first annual Peach & Honey Festival last week. As well as Paige Piper and her super-friends from Localworks who continue to create new and exciting opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate Wheat Ridge. Bring on the Carnation Festival!
As always, thanks for reading
Guy Nahmiach, Publisher, Neighborhood Gazette
