Centennial #13 on Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live in America
Rankings up from #47 in 2012
Money Magazine revealed its prestigious Best Places to Live in America list, and Centennial ranks #13 of 50. Money ranks communities based on economic opportunity and jobs, housing affordability, education, crime, health, arts and leisure, ease of living and diversity. The rankings also take into account intangible factors, such as a sense of community.
Centennial debuted on the list at #47 in 2012. In the Best Places to Live listing, Money ranks cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000 every other year.
Money reporters visited Centennial to interview residents and get a glimpse into what the community had to offer. In addition to the data collected, the list considers all the qualities that draw residents to Centennial. Centennial’s award-winning schools, beautiful parks and open space, accessible trails, high-tech business environment, growing job market, vibrant shopping and dining developments, and popular Centennial Center Park, make it a desired place to live.
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About Centennial
Located in the south metro Denver area, the City of Centennial is home to 103,743 residents. As one of the safest cities in Colorado, Centennial has something for everyone, offering open-space, distinctive recreational activities and advanced business opportunities. The award winning Littleton Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District are the top school districts in the state and serve the residents of Centennial. In 2014, USA Today and Money Magazine ranked Centennial among the “Best Places to Live” in America. Visit the City’s website at www.CentennialCO.gov.
Hello Readers,
Well, it’s been a while since my last Update. In the effort to not send you a lot of email a few what you may have taken for important dates have gone by. I’m frustrated that I often don’t even get 2 weeks’ notice of some meetings. But here’s another set of dates and information for you.
I hope you’re all enjoying this great fall weather and that you’ve battened down the hatches for this coming week.
I wish everyone a lovely, thankful Thanksgivine with important family and/or friends nearby.
Sincerely,
Andrea
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Andrea Suhaka
303-770-0058
http://www.asuhaka.com
@astandy
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4 Nov. & 8 Dec., Arapaheo County Invites You to Coffee with a Cop
Monday, 4 November, 9 – 11 am at IKEA, 9800 E IKEA Wy
Saturday, 7 December, 8 – 10 am at McDonald’s, 8241 S Holly St.
Do you have questions about crime, traffic, or quality of life issues in your neighborhood?
If the answer is yes, then come have coffee with members of the ACSO in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
There are no agenda, no PowerPoints, just you, a uniformed officer, and a cup of hot coffee.
For more information, please contact the ACSO Community Resources Unit at 720-874-3892, visit us at http://www.arapahoesheriff.org, or follow us on Twitter: @arapahoeso.
If you need assistance, please let us know. Contact Joe Takayama, Human Resources Manager, at least 3 days in advance. He can be reached at 720-874-4118 or by email at jtakayama@arapahoegov.com
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5 Nov., Join the Centennial Election Commission for an Election Night gathering and fellow citizens for an Election Night gathering
Join the Centennial Election Commissionand fellow citizens for an Election Night gathering
Tues., 5 Nov.
6:30-9 pm
Centennial Civic Center
13133 E. Arapahoe Rd.
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6 Nov., Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits
May Library, 2-3 pm
1471 S. Parker Rd., Denver, 80231, May Room B
Filing for disability benefits can be a lengthy, frustrating endeavor. Receive guidance and tips to aid you in the process. Presented by McDivitt Law Firm.
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6 – 11 Nov., RTD Board of Directors to Host November Telephone Town Hall Meetings
Forums give the public opportunities to ask questions, participate in polls
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors will host a series of live telephone town hall meetings with constituents between Oct. 24 and Nov. 13.
Residents in each of RTD’s 15 districts will be called at random through an automated system and invited to take part in the public telephone forums. Those who choose to join in can learn the latest about bus and light rail service, RTD’s FasTracks transit expansion program and other projects. The dial-in number for all of the meetings is: 1-877-229-8493, PIN No. 112070.
“The response to our telephone town halls in the past was very positive,” said Board Chair Lorraine Anderson. “Not everyone can come to a public meeting, so this allows us to tap into technology to go straight to the people in the comfort of their homes.”
These interactive calls will reach out to some 450,000 people across the Denver metro area and allow board directors to converse with community members. Residents simply stay on the line after answering their phones and will be connected to the meeting automatically.
Anyone who doesn’t receive a call, but wishes to participate, can dial into the toll free number listed above. During the session, participants can ask their elected board member questions and use their keypad to answer live polls.
The schedule for the 2013 telephone town hall meetings is:
• Nov. 6, 6:15 p.m.—Director Angie Rivera-Malpiede, District C, which includes northwest Denver and parts of southern Adams County and eastern Jefferson County.
• Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.—Director Jeff Walker, District D, which covers parts of Bow Mar, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Littleton and Sheridan.
• Nov. 7, 6:15 p.m.—Director Gary Lasater, District G, which includes parts of Aurora, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree and Parker and adjacent portions of Arapahoe and Douglas counties.
• Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.— Director Kent Bagley, District H, which includes all or parts of Englewood, Littleton, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Columbine Valley and Lone Tree.
• Nov. 11, 6:15 p.m.— Director Claudia Folska, District E, which includes east Denver, western Aurora, eastern Greenwood Village, part of Centennial and parts of unincorporated Arapahoe County.
• Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.—Director Tom Tobiassen, District F, which includes Aurora and part of Centennial in Arapahoe County.
Andrea: I’ve edited this list to just have the ones that concern Centennial.
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13 Nov., Deadline for Thanksgiving Food Drive
Centennial Youth Commission Sponsors Thanksgiving Food Drive
The Centennial Youth Commission is partnering with Endeavor Academy for the 26th Annual Thanksgiving SHARE Basket Projec .This food drive is currently underway and ends Wednesday, November 13. To participate please bring non-perishable foods to the Centennial Civic Center located at 13133 E Arapahoe Road and place them in the bin.
Donated food will be distributed to 228 needy families in the SafeHouse Battered Women’s Shelter, Developmental Pathways, the Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, the outpatient cancer clinic at University Hospital, the National Kidney Foundation, local houses of worship, needy families with children in the Endeavor Academy community.
Items needed: canned fruit, meals in a can, black olives, canned tuna or salmon, peanut butter, chocolate chips, shampoo, toothpaste, and any other non-perishable food item.
The SHARE Project began in 1988 and has provided food to 5,591 hungry families so they could enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. This project has no overhead. Every penny spent buys food, non-food items and baskets in which to put them.
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Through Nov.: Construction Update RTD FasTracks 1-225 Rail Line
Week of Oct. 21 Construction Activities:
Nine Mile to Iliff Station
• E. Harvard Ave. – ongoing closure and detour through Nov.
Iliff Station to Exposition Ave.
• Iliff Ave.
◦ Abilene St. intersection – be cautions as crews work in center median and northwest corner of intersection
• Abilene St.
◦ Intermittent lane restrictions as crews perform survey and utility pothole maintenance
◦ Mississippi to Iliff Avenues – permanent southbound right lane closure
◦ Exposition to Mississippi Avenues – temporary southbound right lane closure
2nd and Abilene Station to Toll Gate Creek Bridge
• 6th Ave.
◦ Northbound I-225 on/off-ramps and eastbound right lane of 6th Ave. – intermittent lane restrictions throughout week
◦ Be cautious as crews work in center median and intersection ramps
For more information……..
Encourage your neighbors and co-workers to sign up for I-225 Rail Line Construction Alerts.
Get More Information:
Website: I-225 Light Rail Line
Email: I-225@rtd-fastracks.com
Construction Information Line: 720-863-8505
* Construction activity updates reported are weather dependent and subject to change during the design/build process.
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Through Nov.: Construction Update RTD FasTracks 1-225 Rail Line
Weekend of Oct. 26/ Week of Oct. 28 Construction Activities:
Segment 1 – Nine Mile to Iliff Station
• E. Harvard Ave. – ongoing closure and detour through November
Area A – Iliff Station to Exposition Avenue
• Iliff Avenue and Abilene Street intersection lane closures 3 a.m. Oct. 27 to 5 a.m. Oct. 28; police directing traffic:
◦ Eastbound Iliff Ave. – 2 far right lanes closed
◦ Westbound Iliff Ave. – 2 far left lanes closed
◦ Southbound Abilene St. – left turn lane closed
◦ Northbound I-225 off-ramp – 2 far right lanes closed
◦ Intermittent brief full closures of intersection
◦ Travelers advised to use alternate routes
• Iliff Ave. – Northbound I-225 off-ramp – closure of far right turn lane Nov. 1
• Mississippi Ave. – northbound I-225 off-ramp nighttime full closure Oct. 29
Area C – 2nd and Abilene Station to Toll Gate Creek Bridge
• 6th Avenue intermittent lane restrictions throughout week:
◦ Northbound I-225 off-ramp to eastbound 6th Avenue – closure of far right lane
◦ Northbound I-225 on-ramp – closure of far right turn lane
◦ Billings St. to northbound I-225 on-ramp – closure of westbound left lane; be cautious as crews work in center median
For more information……..
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Through Nov.: Construction Update RTD FasTracks 1-225 Rail Line
Week of Nov. 4 Construction Activities:
Segment 1 – Nine Mile to Iliff Station
• E. Harvard Ave. – ongoing closure and detour through November; flaggers directing traffic north of Harvard Ave. throughout week
Area A – Iliff Station to Exposition Avenue
• Iliff Ave.
◦ Northbound I-225 off-ramp to eastbound Iliff Ave. – closure of far right turn lane Nov. 5-7
Area C – 2nd and Abilene Station to 6th Avenue
• 6th Ave. intermittent lane restrictions throughout week:
◦ Northbound I-225 off-ramp to eastbound 6th Ave. – closure of far right turn lane
◦ Northbound I-225 on-ramp – closure of far right turn lane
◦ Billings St. to northbound I-225 on-ramp – closure of westbound left lane; be cautious as crews work in center median
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23 Nov., Holiday Tree Lighting at Centennial Center Park
There is no information available on this, yet, but save the day! For more information, in about 2 weeks go here
http://www.centennialcolorado.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=3048&month=11&year=2013&day=23&calType=0
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30 Nov. Deadline, Arapahoe Library Food Drive Benefitting the Denver Dumb Friends League
Lend a helping hand to our furry friends in need by donating items for this year’s Arapahoe Library District Holiday Drive, benefitting the Denver Dumb Friends League. Top needs include distilled water, towels and blankets of all sizes, cat treats and dog treats. For a complete list of items needed, visit the Dumb Friends League Wish List.
Drop off items in the collection box at your library November 1 – 30, and we’ll deliver them to the Dumb Friends League.
Please note: ALD will not accept monetary donations; however, monetary donations can be made directly to the Dumb Friends League. In addition, dog and cat food are not needed at this time.
– See more at: http://arapahoelibraries.org/2013-holiday-drive#sthash.cO8IbhW7.dpuf
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Reminder: 2 Dec. Deadline: Centennial 101
Discover how our City works (www.centennialcolorado.com/centennial101)
Centennial invites you to Centennial 101, a free program to discover how our City works. In just 7 weeks participants will understand how Centennial is unique, learn about how our tax dollars are used, experience a mock court trial and find opportunities to get more involved in our community. Classes cover a range of topics related to the City of Centennial (see 2014 schedule below).
Apply for Centennial 101 Class of 2014
Applications for Centennial 101 will be available online November 11 – December 2, 2013. Thirty Participants will be accepted for the inaugural class of Centennial 101.
Applications available: November 11, 2013
Application deadline: December 2, 2013
Participant notification: mid-December 2013
Class information:
• January 30 – March 10, 2014
• 5:30 – 9:00 PM, Thursdays (Graduation on Monday) – dinner provided
• Attendance at all sessions is required
Schedule:
Session 1: Introduction/History, January 30, 2014
Session 2: Taxes/Budget, February 6, 2014
Session 3: Development/Planning, February 13, 2014
Session 4: Street Infrastructure, February 20, 2014
Session 5: Laws/Courts/Council, February 27, 2014
Session 6: Intergovernmental Relations, March 6, 2014
Graduation: at City Council Meeting, March 10, 2014
You may be interested in Centennial 101 if:
• You have an interest in your City and community and want to learn more.
• You have already been involved in the community – or if you haven’t been involved at all but are curious how the City works.
• You are new to Centennial – or have lived here since before it was a City.
• You pay taxes and want to know how that money is being spent.
• You love local politics – or hate local politics.
• You like to meet new, interesting people.
• You want to peek behind the scenes.
See the flyer: http://www.centennialcolorado.com/DocumentCenter/View/11100
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Via Twitter, @DRCOGorg: Is the world prepared for an aging population? – The Denver Post denverpost.com/ci_24259220/is… @denverpost
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Centennial breaks ground on new Public Works Facility
The City of Centennial celebrated the groundbreaking of its first owned public works facility this morning with its public works service provider, CH2M HILL.In Sept. 2012, the City purchased an abandoned 9.2 acre lumber yard at a cost of $2.75M, one-quarter of its original market value to become the City’s first owned public works facility. Since Centennial’s incorporation the City has contracted public works services and rented facilities, through its contracts, for these services. Currently CH2M HILL rents office space and a maintenance building at 2 separate locations in the City. With the completion of this new facility all public works services will be centrally located at one site along with Centennial Animal Services, Code Compliance and the City’s 24/7 Citizen Response Center.
This property, located at 7272 S. Eagle St., includes a 14,550 sq.ft. office building, a 12,500 sq.ft. warehouse building, a 15,000 sq.ft. shed and an existing concrete yard covering approximately 5-1/2 acres. The renovations to this site will allow the City to maximize its full potential by creating a 24/7 facility, building a Traffic Operations Center (TOC), incorporating accommodations for Centennial Animal Services, providing a multi-purpose/community room, ensuring continuity of City operations during emergency situations and increasing the efficiency of public works operations.Council budgeted $2.791M to complete these renovations. Saunders Construction is the general contractor for the site improvements that are anticipated to be complete by year end.
“This site is ideal for the City’s Public Works Facility. Owning this facility instead of renting allows the City to be more efficient in providing services at a lower long term cost,” says Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon. “Acquiring this site is another example of Centennial being a smart government and seizing opportunities that provide the best value for our taxpayers.”
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Via Twitter, @DRCOGorg: Urbanized suburbs are the future, experts say denverpost.com/business/ci_24… via @denverpost
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The Jones District Receives Council Approval
The Jones District is comprised of nearly 42-acres located west of Interstate 25 between County Line and Dry Creek Rds. This project received approval for Urban Center zoning which provides the framework for up to 1,866,000 sq.ft. of development in Centennial.
Learn more about the Jones District project by viewing the public hearing documents. October 7, 2013 Discussion Agenda Item 10.a.i.
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Andrea: Here’s a piece on the value of our Ballot question 2G (which I wholeheartedly support).
Sonic disrupts 1 Gbps fiber pricing model with $40 business offering By Sean Buckley
Sonic.net, a competitive broadband provider, is putting network facilities in place in Santa Rosa, Calif., to offer a 1 Gbps-capable fiber to the premises (FTTP) and hosted PBX service bundle for $40 a month.
The new service, according to a report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, will be supported by 3.5 miles of fiber being laid at a local business park south of Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa and along the Highway 101 corridor. It expects to begin offering services by November.
Dane Jasper, CEO and founder of Sonic.net, confirmed with FierceTelecomvia Twitter its plans, saying that “basically it’s free Gigabit access (1000/100) for business when bundled with Hosted PBX at $39.95 a seat.”
In addition to serving businesses, the service provider said it will extend the fiber-based services to area residential at a later unconfirmed date.
Sonic.net is no stranger to delivering low cost higher speed fiber-centric broadband services. In 2011, Sonic.net launched its 1 Gbps FTTH service for consumers who reside in its Sonoma County service footprint. Earlier, it signed an agreement to manage and operate Google’s (Nasdaq: GOOG) FTTH project on the Stanford University campus.
Under its initial 1 Gbps plan, consumers could pay $69.95 a month with two phone lines and unlimited long distance calling, while the 100 Mbps speed tier will cost $39.95 a month with one phone line and unlimited long distance voice service.
Offering lower-cost 1 Gbps-capable FTTP-based services has become the latest competitive heat in the broadband race. Two municipal FTTH providers– Utah’s UTOPIA and Chattanooga’s EPB Fiber–recently announced they were cutting the price of their 1 Gbps service to $65 and $70 a month, respectively.
For more:
– Santa Rosa Press Democrat has this article
– Broadband DSL Reports has this post
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Upcoming Business Seminars
November 18: Successful Business Fundamentals**
Essential Strategies for Starting a Business
Cost: $25 – 10:30-11:30am
South Metro Denver Chamber @Streets at SouthGlenn (2154 E. Commons Ave, Ste 342, Centennial 80122)
November 20: Business Plan Basics*
Steps to Writing a Successful Business Plan
Cost: No Charge – 6:30-8:30pm
Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce
562 Castle Pines Pky, Suite C-1
Castle Pines, 80108
November 20: Lender’s Panel
Learn and Ask Questions about Funding Your Business
Cost: $10 – 6 – 8pm
South Metro Denver Chamber @Streets at SouthGlenn (2154 E. Commons Ave, Ste 342, Centennial CO 80122)
December 9: Business Start-Up Basics*
Learn the Steps to Starting a Business
Cost: No Charge – 6:30-8:30pm
Lone Tree Library (8827 Lone Tree 562 Pky, Lone Tree, 80124)
Successful Business Fundamentals**
December 16 : Successful Business Fundamentals**
Essential Strategies for Starting a Business
Cost: $25 – 10:30-11:30am
South Metro Denver Chamber @Streets at SouthGlenn (2154 E. Commons Ave, Ste 342, Centennial 80122
*Start-up clients must attend 1 Basics workshop prior to consulting
**Required workshop prior to consulting
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And now for some information about TRANSPORTATION
Via Twitter, @DRCOGorg: Colorado toll roads cracking down on scofflaws – The Denver Post denverpost.com/news/ci_239743…
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Via Twitter, @SusanShepherdD1: INFO: from @DenPublicWorks on winter bicycling routes and tips for bicycling in the snow ow.ly/q1JyO @BikeDenver
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Via Twitter, @DRCOGorg: Denver, the most walkable city in the country? @WalkDenver thinks it can be done: bit.ly/15MC8Uf
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Via Twitter, @DRCOGorg: Get out of your SOV* and walk, bike when possible RT @nytimeshealth: Well: Commuting’s Hidden Cost nyti.ms/1gU9uYv h/t @ericmbudd (* Single Occupancy Vehicle)
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AND MAKE SURE TO VOTE! It’s too late to mail ballots, they must be dropped off. City of Centennial is a drop off location.
MyTownCryer 