It’s Almost August – Have You Registered Your Short-Term Rental?
Remember back in February when Wheat Ridge City Council adopted an ordinance allowing and regulating short-term rentals? Well, anyone operating an STR in Wheat Ridge must be licensed with the city by Aug. 1. An STR is a dwelling unit, or portion of a dwelling unit, that is used for lodging for less than 30 consecutive days. They are commonly listed on web-based platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Expedia. To limit the number of STRs in residential neighborhoods and their concentration in one area of the city, the new rules include a limit on the overall number of whole house rentals to 2 percent of the total number of dwelling units in each Council District. But that won’t take effect until Nov. 1, after the initial registration process. Registration information can be found at: ci.wheatridge.co.us/STR
Heritage Day, Ice Cream Social Await At Wheat Ridge Historical Society
Join the Wheat Ridge Historical Society on Aug. 14 for its Second Saturday Social at the Baugh House, 44th Avenue and Robb Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they celebrate Heritage Day. The society will have dozens of vintage quilts on display from its collection, and its quilting experts will be glad to discuss the finer points of the craft. The heat of summer won’t faze them, as they have scheduled an old-fashioned ice cream social, a delight for kids and adults alike on a hot day. Enjoy live music, history talks and plenty of socializing. By the way, if you haven’t toured the Historical Park at 4610 Robb St. lately, plan a visit before Labor Day for easier access (Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Starting in September, hours will be reduced, and it will only be open Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., until further notice. The WRHS board will restructure the dues categories in the fall, and with that will come an increase in rates. Become a member or renew your membership now! Those who join now will enjoy membership from July 2021 through December 2022. That’s six free months on an annual membership! For more information go to wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org, email wrhistorical@gmail.com, call 303-421-9111, or stop by the Red Brick House at 4610 Robb St. Be sure to like them on Facebook.
More Art On The Way This Summer At Lakewood Arts Gallery
Lakewood Arts Gallery is offering art exhibits and classes this month and next. The 6731 W. Colfax Ave. gallery will host Colorado’s Best show from through July 30, and a Field Journaling class with Gigia Kolouch at Hudson Gardens on July 24 – another is set for Aug. 21, 9 to 11 a.m., at Cherry Creek State Park. In August patrons can view works by Lakewood Arts Council members in the Acorn Gallery, Neha Thakurdesai on the President’s Wall, and Kathleen Brandes Douglas on the Community Wall. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go to lakewoodarts.org or call 303-980-0625 for more information.
Only YOU Can Prevent Traffic Accidents This Summer
Recognizing the increase in summer driving activity and potential safety issues, the Wheat Ridge Police Department offers these tips to help keep motorists and pedestrians safe this summer:
- Minimize cell phone use while driving and use only the hands-free function to answer and place calls
- Don’t text and drive, keep eyes on the road at all times
- Watch for motorcycles, especially at intersections
- Cross only at crosswalks and make eye contact with approaching drivers
- Stay calm if encountering aggressive drivers and avoid confrontation
- Give cyclists a wide berth when passing and share the road
- Children are out riding bikes and scooters and playing out of doors – slow down around playgrounds and obey 25 mph speed limit signs in neighborhoods
