Cherry Knolls Park
Welcome to the City of Centennial
12/09/2011
You have to love this. Centennial moving toward sustainable transportation alternatives for its residents.
Centennial permits the use of low-speed electric vehicles on City streets with a speed limit of less than 35 mph subject to numerous state and federal regulations. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-1-102 (48.6), low-speed electric vehicles:
· are self-propelled utilizing electricity as the primary propulsion method;
· have at least three wheels in contact with the ground;
· do not require handlebars to steer; and
· exhibit the manufacturer’s compliance with federal regulations or display a vehicle identification number (VIN) in compliance with federal law.
Because low-speed electric vehicles are encompassed within the statutory definition of “motor vehicle,” all regulations pertaining to motor vehicles must be met. The specific requirements such as taxes, fees, titling, plates, insurance and registration are outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42. For example, low-speed electric vehicles must be plated with the standard green and white passenger license plates and must display current month and year stickers. To be legally operable on City streets, low-speed electric vehicles must also have the required safety equipment such as head lamps, turn signals and mirrors. Additionally, state law mandates that a triangular slow-moving emblem be displayed on the rear of all low-speed electric vehicles driven under 25 mph.
Low-speed electric vehicles are also regulated on the federal level under the Code of Federal Regulations and must confirm with applicable federal manufacturing equipment standards. Low-speed electric vehicles must exhibit the manufacturer’s compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations or display a vehicle identification number (VIN) as provided in the Federal Regulations.
06/11/2011
Protect. Connect. Enjoy. – Arapahoe County Open Spaces
Arapahoe County distributes $11.6 million for open space, park and trail projects
Littleton, CO — Thanks to the generous citizens of Arapahoe County, the Board of County Commissioners Thursday distributed $11.6 million in Open Space sales tax revenues and awarded the South Suburban Park and Recreation District and the South Suburban Park Foundation with the Our Progress Takes Flight Stewardship Award during a ceremony at the Aurora Reservoir.
Grants and awards were distributed to local cities, towns and special districts during the County’s Open Spaces Shareback and Grant award ceremony, which is held each June.
“Protect. Connect. Enjoy. These three simple yet powerful words celebrate the true nature of Arapahoe County’s Open Spaces program,” said Commissioner Rod Bockenfeld, who serves as Board Chair. “With the help of our cities, towns and special districts we are protecting our most treasured resources and connecting a network of trails for our residents to enjoy today and forever.”
Funding for these projects is made possible by the generous citizens of Arapahoe County through the voter-approved Arapahoe County Open Space Sales and Use Tax, which is dedicated to preserve open space, enhance parks, build trail connections and protect our heritage areas.
The South Suburban Park and Recreation District and South Suburban Park Foundation were presented with the Our Progress Takes Flight Award, which recognizes an individual, local government or organization that displays outstanding leadership, cooperation and stewardship to ensure the conservation and protection of the great outdoors.
As this year’s winner, the District and Foundation have been outstanding partners and leaders in efforts to preserve and enhance our regional waterways while serving on various working groups from the South Platte River to the High Line Canal, and continue to provide residents with award-winning programs and services.
Open Space Shareback Awards
In November 2003, Arapahoe County voters approved a countywide quarter-cent sales and use tax for the preservation of open space in Arapahoe County. This tax is equal to 25 cents on every $100 purchase. Tax collection began Jan. 1, 2004 and is set to expire in Dec. 2013 unless citizens vote “yes” to continue the program on a future ballot question toward reauthorization. Fifty percent of the annual tax revenue is returned to incorporated cities and towns to enhance local parks, trails, recreation and open space.
More than $66 million from the Open Space Fund has been distributed to municipalities since the program’s inception. This year, Arapahoe County distributed nearly 9.1 million in shareback funds, which was divided among the following cities and towns, based on population:
· Aurora $5.2 million
· Bennett $5,805
· Centennial $1.86 million
· Cherry Hills Village $121,196
· Columbine Valley $25,022
· Deer Trail $10,949
· Englewood $622,700
· Foxfield $15,193
· Glendale $90,700
· Greenwood Village $294,862
· Littleton $767,798
· Sheridan $115,244
Arapahoe County Open Space Grants
In addition to Shareback funds, 12 percent of the annual tax revenue is set aside for competitive grants to eligible special districts and municipalities with almost $16 million in grants awarded since 2004 for 90 projects throughout the County. On June 9, Arapahoe County awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants for 16 open space, park and trail projects. Recipients are required to raise dollars of their own to use as a funding match.
New this year, was the introduction of three grant categories: standard, small and planning grants. Planning grants emphasize the importance of project planning, helping agencies prepare construction projects to be “shovel ready,” and thereby increasing their chances to receive additional grant funding for future project phases. Offering three categories also allows for similar projects to be evaluated against each other. This has encouraged smaller agencies with smaller budgets to apply. The 2011 projects receiving funding include:
Arapahoe Park and Recreation District – Lowry Trailhead: Grant: $246,000 Match: $115,400
With this grant the District will build at trailhead at the northwest corner of E-470 and East Quincy Avenue. The future regional park at this site will serve as a significant amenity for County residents.
Arapahoe Park and Recreation District – Spring Creek Nature Trail: Grant: $210,000 Match: $100,500
The District will use this grant to build a trail with boardwalks connecting Spring Creek Park Trail to Aurora’s Unnamed Creek Trail, completing a vital missing link to the larger trail system.
City of Aurora – Carson Park Playground and shelter: Grant: $200,000 Match: $201,000
This grant will be used to build a playground and picnic shelter at Carson Park located near the intersection of Smoky Hill Road and Quincy Avenue.
Town of Bennett – Antelope Hills Park Plan: Grant: $5,000 Match: $3,000
This planning grant will be used to design the 2.5 acre park with input from the local community.
Town of Bennett – Kiowa Bennett Trail Link: Grant: $168,000 Match: $78,400
Last year Bennett received a grant to develop a regional trail plan for their community. With completed plan in hand, the Town will use this grant to design and build 1.6 miles of trail along Kiowa Bennett Road to connect Antelope Hills to Kiowa Creek North Open Space Park.
Byers Park and Recreation District – Master Plan: Grant: $15,000 Match: $1,800
As a first time grant recipient the District will use this planning grant to produce a master plan that evaluates existing recreational resources, identifies the community’s future needs and prioritizes recommendations for future actions.
City of Centennial – Centennial Regional Trail Link Phase II: Grant: $200,600 Match: $322,600
This grant will complete the new east/west trail by extending the planned Centennial Regional Trail Link for an additional 1.3 miles (from Colorado Blvd to Holly Street along the Caley/Arapahoe Road corridor).
City of Centennial – Piney Creek Trail Improvements: Grant: $250,000 Match: $115,200
The City will use this grant to complete a key section of trail and a water crossing to close the last remaining gap along the Piney Creek Trail system.
Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District- Cottonwood Trail Bridge Replacement: Grant: $50,000
Match: $28,000
Their planning grant will allow the District to complete the plans and engineering to replace two “tear-away” pedestrian bridges that cross Cottonwood Creek west of Peoria and north of Caley Avenue.
City of Cherry Hills Village – Quincy Farm Resource Assessment: Grant: $46,000 Match: $10,000
In 2008 Catherine Anderson made a generous life estate donation of her property to Cherry Hills Village with a conservation easement to Colorado Open Lands This planning grant will allow the City to complete a resource assessment that will become the basis for a future management plan.
East Smoky Hill Metro District – Trail Ridge Open Space Plan: Grant: $49,800 Match: $10,000
As a first time grant recipient, the District will use the funds to complete a plan that will identify park and trail improvements and connections that will provide students safe access to school.
City of Englewood – Centennial Park Trail Loop Renovation: Grant: $237,100 Match: $157,700
With this grant, Englewood will complete improvements including: replacing and widening the concrete trail around Centennial Lake, replacing a bridge for greater American with Disabilities-accessibility and more.
City of Englewood – Riverside Park Planning: Grant $50,000 Match: $84,600
This grant will be used to complete a development plan for Riverside Park along the South Platte River next to the Broken Tee Golf Course. Concepts include a park pavilion, playground, American with Disabilities-access to the river, kayak exit point and trailhead.
City of Littleton – Littleton Community Trail Phase II: Grant: $250,000 Match: $581,500
Littleton will build 1.2 miles of trail to increase access to valuable open space in the heart of Littleton, including the historic City Ditch and wooded riparian areas.
South Suburban Park and Recreation District – Cornerstone Park Ball Field Improvement: Grant: $250,000 Match: $466,000
This grant will be used to renovate dugouts and backstops, increase American with Disabilities-accessibility, build a covered playground, shelter and more.
South Suburban Park and Recreation District – Sheridan Community Park Field Renovation:
Grant: $250,000 Match: $676,500
The District will use this grant to enhance player safety by replacing ball field lighting and irrigation, installing enclosed dugouts, pitching/batting cages and much more.
To learn more about Arapahoe County Open Space, visit www.co.arapahoe.co.us <http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/> and download the 2011 Community Guide 150 Ways to Enjoy Open Spaces and/or sign up to receive the Arapahoe County Open Space e-newsletter <http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/Departments/PW/OpenSpaceProgram/OpenSpaceMain.asp> .
06/05/2011
Some big news for burger lovers! The Denver Post Reports that Steak ‘n Shake is coming to Centennial, Colorado!! I discovered Steak ‘n Shake in South Bend, IN of all places, and can’t wait to see if Colorado’s first Steak ‘n Shake offers the same high quality. This is going to require many, many more walks. Can you say, “New Shoes”?
Steak ‘n Shake soon may break ground in Centennial
BY ANN SCHRADER THE DENVER POST –
SAT, 4 JUN 2011 01:00:00 -0600
A Steak ‘n Shake franchise could open in Centennial as soon as early September, becoming the first of what could be five of the restaurants in the metro area.
Centennial officials have been working on the restaurant proposal for the Quebec Village Center at 8271 S. Quebec St., with franchise owners Tom and Connie Caruso.
“This has been kind of an ordeal,” Connie Caruso said Friday, though she’s hopeful the process is almost over and ground can be broken in late June.
Two land-use issues remain for the restaurant that carries a near-cult status for its premium milkshakes and steakburgers.
On June 20, the Centennial City Council will consider a request to operate the drive-through and diner- style sit-down eatery around the clock, along with the final development plan.
“If everything goes perfectly, it will likely open early fall of this year,” said Centennial spokeswoman Allison Wittern. Required building and construction permits already are under review.
The first Steak ‘n Shake opened in 1934 in Normal, Ill. The chain has grown to more than 500 restaurants, primarily in the Midwest and South.
About 400 of the restaurants are company-owned and the remainder are franchises. Sardar Biglari, chief executive of San Antonio-based Biglari Holdings Inc. that owns the chain, said last year at the shareholders meeting that his goal is to open about 1,500 new franchise sites in the coming years.
Caruso said she and her husband hope to open a total of five Steak ‘n Shake restaurants in the metro area over the next several years.
“It’s been hard finding locations,” she said. “We have lots of ideas and were hoping to take over buildings vacated by other businesses,” but they have run into snags such as prohibitions on being open 24 hours.
The 3,200-square-foot Centennial restaurant will be built with the chain’s new design that is 1,000 square feet smaller.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
01/01/2011
Centennial Update, 30 December 2010
Wow, I can’t believe I let a whole month go by without an Update! I’ve got plenty of news but not a whole lot of upcoming dates. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Now I’m wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. And on to the news. Andrea
~*~*~*~*~*~
Andrea Suhaka, 303-770-0058
PS. As always, if you do not care to receive this newsletter, just send me an email.
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26 Dec. – 9 Jan., Christmas Tree Recycling
South Suburban Parks & Rec. will recycle Christmas trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 9. Residents can dispose of trees at the Willow Spring Service Center located at 7100 S. Holly St. Trees will also be accepted at the Corner-stone Park parking area.
Lights, ornaments, tinsel and stands must be removed. Flocked trees, leaves, branches or other refuse will not be accepted.
Recycled Christmas trees can serve as mulch. Free mulch will be available shortly after the recycle process begins. Residents may obtain mulch Mon. – Fri., 7 am – 3:30 pm, at each the two drop off sites. Call 303-798-5131 for more information.
In addition, visit www.recycleyourchristmastree.com to view Christmas tree recycling locations throughout the metro area.
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3 January, Lane closures on University Blvd. between County Line Rd. and C-470
Starting Mon., Jan. 3, there will be lane closures on University Blvd. between County Line Rd. and C-470 as part of a Colorado Department of Transportation project to reconfigure the turn lanes from northbound University Blvd. to westbound C-470. Construction will be underway between 9 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri. next week. The northbound to westbound turning movement will be closed at University/C470. Traffic will be detoured west on County Line Rd. to Broadway in order to access westbound C-470.
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5 January, 7 PM, Centennial Airport Community Roundtable
This groups meets the first Wed. of the month. If you have concerns about flights over your home, this is the group to whom you can make comments. The website below will give you the agenda for a meeting and allows you to verify that there will be a meeting in a given month.
www.centennialairport.com/Noise-Roundtable
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18 – 21 January, Blood Screenings at South Suburban Facilities
Fitness Resolution Assistance Tops
South Suburban’s Gift List
Did you resolve to become more fit in 2011? Have you been hesitant to use the elaborate strength-building and cardiovascular fitness-enhancing equipment at your local recreation center? If so, South Suburban has the help you need. In Jan., 3 of South Suburban’s rec. centers: Buck, 2004 W. Powers Ave.; Goodson, 6315 S. University Blvd.; and Lone Tree, 10249 Ridgegate Cir., will be offering FREE orientations on state-of-the-art fitness equipment. At various times from January 5-27, professional, experienced staff will be instructing small groups of individuals on equipment use. Class sizes are limited to increase individual attention, pre-registration is required at www.sspr.org or 303-347-5999 for these 1 hour-15 min daytime & evening sessions.
For an inside look at your fitness, comprehensive blood screenings conducted by staff from the University of Colorado Hospital will take place from 7 to 9:30 am at the following recreation centers. Make a reservation for a blood screening at the phone numbers listed below:
- 18 Jan., Tues., Lone Tree, 10249 Ridgegate Cir., 303-730-4610
- 19 Jan., Wed., Goodson, 6315 S. University Blvd., 303-483-7082
- 20 Jan., Thurs., Buck, 2004 W. Powers Ave., 303-708-3514
- 21 Jan., Fri., Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria St., 303-708-9500
This high-quality laboratory screening with rapid turnaround of results consists of 30 tests, including a lipid profile. Test results will be sent directly to your home. Participants must be at least 18 years old and 12 hours of fasting are recommended before blood is drawn. Fee is $40 per person. Supplemental tests can be requested for an additional cost. For other South Suburban wellness activities visit www.sspr.org
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21 April, “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest for 7th & 8th Graders
The City of Centennial encourages 7th and 8th grade students to enter the “If I Were Mayor…” essay contest sponsored by the Colorado Municipal League (CML) and COLOTRUST.
This year Colorado Supreme Court Justice Greg Hobbs is the contest’s honorary chairman.
Four winners will be selected from across Colorado and will receive a certificates of achievement, $500 to establish a scholarship account with CollegeInvest and the opportunity to attend the 2011 CML Conference in June to receive their award and present their essays during the Elected Officials lunch.
“I would love to hear from Centennial’s youth on what they feel the role of their Mayor should be. I am sure they have a lot of great and innovative ideas. I hope to see a lot of participation from students in Centennial, says Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon.”
Many youth are unaware of the valuable services that their cities or towns provide such as bike paths, police officers, street lights and cross walks. Participants should consider if they were mayor, how would they explain the importance of municipal government to kids in their community?
· The contest is open to all Colorado students enrolled in the 7th or 8th grades during the 2010-11 school year. Students who are home schooled are also eligible.
· Essays should be a minimum of 400 words and a maximum of 600 words.
· Only one essay may be submitted per student.
· Essays will be judged by a committee made up of CML and COLOTRUST officials in the following areas:
o Essay relation to contest topic
o Creativity
o Displayed knowledge about the role of a mayor
o Legibility and proper use of grammar
· Students must include their first and last names, school and teacher’s name at the top of their essays. The official entry form must also be submitted with all entries.
· Essays must be received by Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Winners will be notified during the middle of May 2011.
· Teachers should submit all of their students’ essays with the entry form. (Only one entry form is needed to submit all essays.)
The official entry form can be found on the CML website at www.cml.org.
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Volunteers of America’s Snow Buddies program
This link is for seniors who may need help with snow removal this winter.
Below is the link for information on VOA’s Snow Buddies Program.
www.voacolorado.org/Services/WeCare/SnowBuddies/tabid/8815/Default.aspx
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Centennial ranks safest city in Colorado for 6th year
For the sixth consecutive year, Centennial is ranked as the safest city in Colorado with a population of more than 75,000. In a news release today, CQ Press announced the release of its annual publication City Crime Rankings 2010- 2011: Crime in Metropolitan America. Centennial ranks 23rd of 400 cities.
“I am proud that Centennial has once again made the list as the safest city in Colorado. Thank you to our Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office for continuing to keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Cathy Noon. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a great community.”
Other Colorado Cities and their rankings include Arvada (65), Longmont (72), Boulder (105), Westminster (107), Thornton (138), Fort Collins (141), Greeley (154), Lakewood (211), Colorado Springs (226), Aurora (230) and Denver (260).
The crime rate rankings of the cities and metropolitan areas are calculated using six crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. These categories have been used for determining city crime rate ratings since 1999. The rankings include all cities of at least 75,000 residents that reported crime data to the FBI in these categories.
City Crime Rankings is one of five annual reference books published by CQ Press that analyze and rank states and cities in various categories.
City Crime Rankings is one of five annual reference books published by CQ Press that analyze and rank states and cities in various categories.
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Partnership with Centennial earns national honors
The National Council for Public-Private Partnerships recognized the City of Centennial, Colo., and CH2M HILL with one of its coveted 2010 Public-Private Partnership Awards during a dinner at the NCPPP annual meeting Nov. 17 in Arlington, Va.
The partnership for public works services – one of the largest of its kind in the nation – has been selected in the Service Award category, one of only six awards presented.
“Public-private partnerships are at the heart of what we do, so it’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by experts in the field,” says Elisa M. Speranza, president of CH2M HILL’s Operations & Maintenance Business Group, who accepted the award with Centennial public works director Dave Zelenok. “From the beginning, Centennial established a vision to be an ‘intentional’ city – lean, with limited staff, outsourcing key activities where ever possible. CH2M HILL is proud to help the city realize that vision and better serve its citizens.”
Incorporated in 2001 with more than 100,000 residents, Centennial contracts for services such as law enforcement, allowing the city to be cost-effective and efficient with resources. In fall 2007, however, Centennial decided to launch its own public works department, citing a desire for improved services.
After evaluating its options to either bring operations in-house or outsource them, Centennial chose to partner with CH2M HILL and on July 1, 2008, began delivering public works services. Under the partnership, the city retains direct operational control with CH2M HILL acting as an extension of the city. Services range from transportation planning and traffic engineering and operations to infrastructure maintenance. Two strategic subcontractors, AECOM and Terra-care Associates, support the partnership’s success. Two other consultants, Short Elliott Hendrickson and Merrick & Company, provide capital improvement program management and quality assurance/quality control services, respectively.
CH2M HILL also created a 24-hour call center to serve as a single point of contact for all citizen concerns, not just public works. Calls are translated into priority-ranked work orders and tracked through completion, and citizens receive status updates.
“Our assessments show the partnership is a resounding success,” says Centennial Mayor Cathy A. Noon. “Citizens have noticed a significant improve-ment in service and responsiveness to their needs. The award-winning 24/7 call center illustrates the dedication we have to our community and customer service, and is a huge part of the success of the city’s public works program. I have been highly impressed with CH2M HILL.”
The NCPPP awards recognize exemplary projects and services that illustrate the best practices and innovative approaches in the use of public-private partnerships. The partnership award winners have effectively combined the strengths of each sector for the most cost-effective delivery of services and infrastructure, while maintaining an appropriate level of public control.
“Award recipients are selected through an extremely thoughtful process by a committee of leading authorities in the field of public-private partnerships and this year’s competition was especially formidable,” says NCPPP Executive Director Rick Norment.
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Andrea: All residents of Arapahoe County will pay 14.949 mills in county property tax.
Arapahoe County adopts $328.4 million budget
2011 budget controls growth in operating expenses without impacting services
The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners on 14 Dec. adopted a structurally balanced $328.4M operating budget that continues core services in 2011 and controls growth in operating expenses without impacting services.
The 2011 budget, which was unanimously approved, continues to fund senior transportation, homemaker services, community development block grant funds, employment and workforce development through Arapahoe/ Douglas Works! and weatherization services at the same levels as in 2010.
Throughout 2010, our departments and elected offices worked together to help prepare a structurally-balanced budget, said Rod Bockenfeld, who serves as Board Chair. As has been our practice for several years, we have closely monitored our budget, tightened our belts and exercised great discipline to make sure we do not spend more than our revenues. As a result, we have been able to control the growth in our operating expenses without impacting services to the citizens of Arapahoe County.
The budget includes $9.4M for capital projects, of which, $800,000 will be set aside for the I-25/Arapahoe Rd. interchange project; $600,000 to improve Quincy Ave. from Kiowa to Strasburg; $350,000 to improve the Dayton/ Peakview intersection; and $900,000 to add a training track and parking lot for the Sheriffs Office at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds & Regional Park.
In 2011, Arapahoe County also will resurface and expand the parking lot of the Justice Center campus in Dove Valley, as well as improve security and expand the lobbies of the two court buildings.
During the last several years, the Board of County Commissioners has focused on maintaining a balanced operating budget by continuing to find ways to become more efficient and effective; using fund balance for one-time budget needs and capital projects instead of ongoing operations; and limiting growth of the Countys general fund operating budget.
And, moving forward, Arapahoe County remains cautious in light of an uncertain economy and the results of the 2011 property revaluation, which could impact revenues for the Countys 2012 and 2013 budgets.
The 2011 budget will include 1,975 employees, which is down roughly two positions. The mill levy for 2011 will be 14.949 mills, remaining below the TABOR constitutional revenue limitations.
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Transition of Coyote Management Services
After two years of public outreach about how to live with coyotes, the City of Centennial will no longer have a Coyote Management Technician on staff. This program was created due to citizen concern for public safety. Throughout the last two years, Centennial has focused on public outreach and raising aware-ness of how to live with coyotes and respond to coyote conflicts.
As of Jan. 1, residents should contact Centennial’s Animal Services Division to report coyote sightings, observations, encounters and incidents. Animal Welfare Officers will complete a Coyote Incident Report based upon a caller’s experience in order to maintain regular reporting. The City will use this information to provide a quarterly map to illustrate the location of sightings, observations, encounters and incidents as has been done for the past two years.
Citizens may direct questions and/or concerns about wildlife as follows:
* Centennial Animal Services 303-325-8070 to report coyote interactions or for general questions about living with wildlife for wildlife sightings, observations, encounters and incidents
* Colorado Division of Wildlife 303-291-7227 for a human safety concerns caused by wildlife
* Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office 303-795-4711 or 911 for an emergency
To view frequently asked questions, resources and learn how to coexist with coyotes, visit the “Living with Wildlife” section of the City’s Web site at www.centennialcolorado.com.
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Open Space purchase connects residents to Cherry Creek Trail
Arapahoe County buys 13 acres for new trailhead along Cherry Creek
Plans are underway to provide a new trailhead with access to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and opportunities for wildlife viewing now that Arapahoe County has purchased land for open space in Centennial.
On Dec. 15, Arapahoe County bought approximately 13 acres at 15200 E Arapahoe Rd., adjacent to the Cherry Creek Soccer Complex for $735,000 using Arapahoe County Open Space funds. The vacant land consists of 3.5 acres historically used as a private tree farm and 9.5 acres of Cherry Creek that features diverse vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Opening a regional trailhead at this location will fill a strategic gap in the Countys trail network, expand connectivity to Cherry Creek State Park and serve several nearby communities including Aurora, Centennial and Foxfield, said Arapahoe County Commissioner Jim Dyer. Its just one of the incredible projects being pursued by the Cherry Creek Basin Working Group.
With 20 jurisdictions from Denver to Douglas County, the Group is working to beautify and enhance the regional trail corridor by adding open space buffers and closing gaps in the Cherry Creek Trail.
The purchase is part of the Countys master plan for developing an inter-connected system of open space, parks and trails, protecting water resources and conserving prime wildlife habitats.
To learn more about the Countys Open Space program, visit www.co.arapahoe.co.us and sign up to receive the Open Space newsletter.
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Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
ELDER WATCH BULLETIN
Don’t be tripped up when traveling
www.co.arapahoe.co.us/citizeninfo/EWTravel2010.pdf
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Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
CRIME TREND
Residential Burglaries
www.co.arapahoe.co.us/citizeninfo/CrimeTrend1210.pdf
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I receive a monthly Colorado Senior Lobby newsletter that talks about senior issues in the legislature. If anyone would like to receive a copy of this PDF file, please email me.
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Names are a changin’
Throughout the last few years, the Planning & Development Dept. has transitioned to manage more diverse community programs. Therefore, to encompass more of what the department does, the Planning & Development Dept. is now called the Dept. of Community Development.
The following divisions are part of the Dept. of Community Development and provide the following services to the community of Centennial:
§ Animal Services
§ Building
§ Current Planning
§ Engineering
§ Long Range and Open Space Planning
§ Code Compliance (formerly Code Enforcement)
“This is yet another example of Centennial being different from the rest. This new name illustrates the different governmental functions interrelated in this department. Community Development better reflects the emphasis of community and quality of life within Centennial,” says Jacque Wedding-Scott, Centennial City Manager.
“The addition of open space, code compliance, and animal welfare over the past couple of years has broadened the department’s focus beyond just planning and development,“ says Wayne Reed, Community Development Director. “With all of these changes and the wide range of services provided, the name Community Development is a better descriptor for this department overall.”
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Wow, this Update ended up so filled with news that I don’t have any space for the Transportation section. I promise it will be back in my next update toward mid-January. Andrea
Happy New Year to All !
MyTownCryer 