Last Chance To Pipe Up About Redeveloping Lutheran Medical Center
On Sept. 22 Options for the redevelopment of the Lutheran Medical Center Campus are narrowing and getting more specific, and the public will have one last chance view and comment at a final public meeting in Council Chambers, Sept. 22 at Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be an in-person, open-house format to review final recommendations, according to an Aug. 12 memo from city planning manager Lauren Mikulak. Following that, public hearings on the final master plan document will take place at planning commission and city council meetings on Oct. 7 and 25, respectively. SCL Health broke ground at Clear Creek Crossing for a new hospital to replace Lutheran Medical Center. Hospital operations at the current site will end in mid-2024, with only the hospice program remaining at the current “legacy” campus. Last fall city council decided to create a master plan for the legacy campus, and hired a consultant, MIG, to seek community input and come up with a “preferred concept” for the property after the hospital moves. At an Aug. 3 public meeting, three concepts were presented, each with a different blend of housing types, offices, retail, dining and open space. Among the public’s concerns were the height of homes along the edge, and a lack of commitment to preserve historic buildings, such as the chapel and Blue House Tea Room. (And one city councilor took issue with rude and disrespectful behavior toward city staff.) Those concepts were then presented to the planning commission and city council at their Aug. 12 and 19 meetings, and are available in their meeting agenda packets on the city website. Based on public, commission and council feedback, MIG is now drafting its final plan.
For more information, visit: whatsupwheatridge.com
Planning Commission, Council Move To Rein In Big, Noisy Backyard Playgrounds
As the Neighborhood Gazette went to press, the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission was set to take public comment at its Sept. 2 meeting on proposed changes to the city code to regulate backyard playgrounds – and one skateboard park in particular. The proposed ordinance “regarding outdoor recreational equipment on private property” is the result of two city council study sessions studying the impact of a pandemic-prompted increase in personal recreational equipment – “everything from trampolines to basketball hoops, swimming pools to swing sets” – according to a planning commission memo. However, the memo (and comments at city council study sessions) also points a finger at “a specific homemade half-pipe that exceeds 1,000 square feet in size in a residential backyard” as a reason for the action. Under the proposed code, any permanent recreational equipment or structure greater than 120 square feet cannot exceed 400 square feet in footprint or 12 feet in height, and must be set back a minimum of five feet from the property’s sides and back, in addition to the proper front setback for the zoning district it is in. All existing equipment or structures will have to be brought into compliance by April 15, 2022, although homeowners can ask for an exception through a variance application.
For details, check out the Sept. 2 Planning Commission meeting agenda on the City of Wheat Ridge website: ci.wheatridge.co.us
Dunk A Vet And Keep Animal Health Care Affordable
At Wheat Ridge Community Pet Fair, Sept. 12 Nonprofit veterinary clinic Planned Pethood International will host the Wheat Ridge Community Pet Fair, Sunday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 4595 Harlan St. The event includes face painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a “Dunk the Doc” dunk-tank fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A virtual auction fundraiser segment began Sept. 5 and will conclude at 6 p.m., with a staff appreciation party. “Our goal is to raise $10,000 so we may supplement our low-income and homeless clients’ cost for care as well as updating some of our outdated equipment,” said Planned Pethood International Development Director Marjorie Marshall Baier. The shelter – known to fans through Animal Planet’s “Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet” – aims to end economic euthanasia by significantly reducing pet overpopulation and suffering of companion animals, said Baier. “We are a full-service, affordable quality care clinic for companion animals and believe that everyone should be able to afford medical care for their pet.”
For more information on Planned Pethood International, visit: https://plannedpethoodinternational.org/ For event details phone 720-951-4511 or email mtncreatures@gmail.com.
‘Charlie And The Girls’ Opening Oct. 1
At Lakewood Arts Gallery Lakewood Arts Community Center and Gallery, 6731 W. Colfax Ave., will mark the opening of “Charlie And The Girls” with a reception during the First Friday Artwalk, Oct. 1. from 5 to 8 p.m. The celebration will include live music, refreshments and art demos. The exhibit features the work of Lakewood Arts’ co-op members and has been a tradition for over 10 years. Until then, patrons can view the Mountainside Art Guild National Miniature show in the Acorn Gallery, photography of Ashley Watkins on the President’s Wall, and works by the Colorado Art Guild 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.
Crank Out Apple Cider And Sauce At Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s Second Saturday Social, Oct. 9
Join the Wheat Ridge Historical Society for an old-time favorite Second Saturday Social, Apple Cider Day, on Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Historical Park, 4610 Robb St. Bring your own apples, some clean containers and a donation, then watch the magic: as you crank, the apples (cores, bruises and all) disappear in the hopper and come out as golden cider. Or bring stewed apples in a container and watch them transform through the large sieve into applesauce. Listen to or sing along with local musicians, enjoy craft demonstrations, and challenge kids with various lawn games. We’ll also have a food truck for snacking or lunch and plenty of bottled water. Come socialize with neighbors and WRHS members and learn a little local history! Currently, the Historical Park museums are open only on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., until further notice. If you hurry on over, you can still fit in a visit to the Soddy, one of Colorado’s oldest sod homes before it closes for extensive repair work inside. Become a member now or update your membership soon. The WRHS board will restructure the dues categories in November, and with that will come an increase in rates. Those who join now will enjoy membership from October 2021 through December 2022. That’s two free months on an annual membership!
For more information go to our website at wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org, email us at wrhistorical@gmail.com, call 303-421-9111, or stop by the Red Brick House Fridays at 4610 Robb St. Be sure to like us on Facebook.
Wheat Ridge Taking Applications For Green Business Grants
The City of Wheat Ridge Green Business Grant Program is offering project-related matching funds on a reimbursement basis to commercial businesses in the City of Wheat Ridge, according to a recent release from the city. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects that increase the environmental sustainability of business practices, building(s) or property. The program will be offered annually and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, as funding allows. The application will remain open until available funding has been allocated. Eligible projects include sustainability upgrades and services that support resource conservation and environmentally sustainable business operations including energy efficiency installations, water conservation projects, and waste reduction initiatives. Operating and/or staffing costs are not eligible for reimbursement.
To apply, read the Green Business Grant Program Overview, then complete the application and attach a project budget. Contact Kayla Betzold at sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2841 for more information.
Learn About Benefits, Connect With Resources
At West Metro Veterans Fair, Sept. 16 More than 40 organizations that serve military veterans and their families will be available at the West Metro Veterans Fair, on Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lakewood Elks Lodge #1777, 1455 Newland St. Free to the public, the fair provides resources and information for anyone who has served in the military and their families to learn about benefits, counseling, employment, health care and housing options. Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations and hepatitis screenings will be available at no cost. There will also be opportunities for one-on-one discussions with exhibitors at the fair and a free barbecue to enjoy.
For more information, visit Lakewood.org/VeteransFair.
