Just what we need... another homeless shelter...

Anyone else out there think Cole, Whittier, Five Points, Curtis Park, etc., have done our share in terms of hosting social services facilities? Anyone else think it's time they start building these facilities, though important, somewhere else in Denver?

Anyone out there aware of the Bo Matthews Center project to build a large residential facility for the homeless and ex-cons in our neighborhood?

You're likely not, because they (and the city) have been working on this project since last summer, without actively involving those that will be affected most by the project--The residents.

While it's true that the Bo Matthews Center is already operating social services at the site, (ex-con transition programs, I think, and transitional residences, I think) and they claim they will just be able to better house and serve the existing "customers" but won't be increasing the scope of their operations, in my opinion building a fancy new facility will just mean they'll be here forever--When I am hoping to see facilities like this begin to disappear as the neighborhood continues to change.

It's still a bit fuzzy what exactly happened--But it sounds like The Matthews Center was awarded approval for city funding last summer to build a 28- to 30-unit residential facility for the homeless and ex-cons, where their current center is at 3030 Downing. The facility currently has housing for veterans and recent releases from the department of corrections. This project allows them to build a proposed three story building at Downing and MLK--And better yet, with $$$ from the city!!!

How is this going to affect the revitalization of the Downing corridor? Think it will attract new businesses and residents? Yeah, right.

I attended a public meeting with the organization this past Saturday, and it was quite heated. Why? Because the vast majority of the folks in the room seem clear that nothing short of a net decrease in these types of facilities will be progress in the area. This are has long been the "dumping ground" for social services, and I have to say, I was excited to hear that I wasn't the only one that says ENOUGH.

The good news is that it sounds like they need to get a signed neighborhood agreement in order to obtain the city funding--Which at this point I don't know if they'll get. Additionally, I'm happy to say that it appears that our city Councilwoman Carla Madison didn't initially sign the approval for this property when it came up for discussion. Additionally, she has made it clear that she too opposes any new social services coming to her district.

Why we didn't hear about this sooner is still a mystery...

Want more information on the project?

matthewscenter@msn.com

And be sure to voice your opinion on the topic to our City Councilwoman, Carla Madison:

carla.madison@denvergov.org

And finally, be sure to contact the leaders of your neighborhood association to be involved in any future meetings...

Not just Blackberries, "Club Dynasty"?

Just found an article by Westword on the business(es) going in at the "old" Kiva and Tosh's building on Downing Street:

http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2008/10/from_toshs_hacienda_to_kiva_to.php

Interesting doesn't do it justice...

Also a good history of the building...

Kiva Restaurant is now Blackberries Bar and Grill

A friend stopped by our house today mentioning that he thought he saw some new "happy hour 4-7" signs on Kiva's building.

Wondering what the heck was going on, I headed over there tonight--To find the parking lot packed (at least Kiva packed). Bass rattled the windows of the normally serene Kiva dining room--And it was only 6PM. Yup, something had changed.

Still Kiva signs outside, but when you walk into their foyer, you see a "Blackberies Bar and Grill" menu where there used to be a Kiva one. Walk up the stairs, and you're greeted with a strobe light and a dance floor where the Kiva dining room once was. I bore right (as usual at Kiva) and headed for the bar.

Again, pretty crowded (at least Kiva crowded) and really, really loud (just like Kiva, turn the freakin' music down a little bit!!!) Sat at the bar and after a couple minutes began chatting with Deidre, the bartender.

Turns out Marty, the owner of Kiva (and Exdo), as I had heard he hoped to, had sold the building. Voila! No more Kiva, but something (potentially) better (we'll wait and see). Had no idea things would move this fast. Turns out tonight was their first night open.

Interesting menu--Bar food: Chicken fingers, Shrimp Tempura, Wings, etc., etc. A couple salads. Burgers. Fajitas. We'll wait and see what the final menu is like and how the food quality is.

I ordered tempura shrimp, but then learned they hadn't prepped any. So, Deidre offered me a free order of calamari. Though, OK, I guess...

It was a bit of a wait, but heck--First night, of course they're figuring things out--the calamari came out piping hot, of adequate quality (especially for their first try) and the marinara sauce on the side tasted above grade for what you typically get at bars, with a nice garlicky bite.

I left after that point, around 6:30 PM. Wondered how dead the place was going to get once the cheap drinks expired at 7PM.

Interesting to see what happens with this place. They're affiliated with Blackberries Coffee over on Welton. Have heard lukewarm things about that place, but never went there myself so don't know if that place was any good.

They're clearly ambitious, like Kiva--Open 10:30 AM every morning, and it appears they're going to try to attract a late night crowd with the dance floor. In Cole? Good luck...

Happy hour is decent. $2 domestics; $3 wine and wells, $5 Long Islands. Will have to see how the food quality stacks up, the service is, and of course, how deep the owners' pockets are to weather the storm necessary to get some momentum and profitability here.

Will I go back? Heck yes. We need businesses like this here. I'll give them my business and loyalty just like I did Kiva. Here's hoping their vision, and their sustainability eclipses that of their predecessors.

Please--Give 'em a try, and tell your friends of our newest local restaurant.

Just an observation...

Anyone else notice that the same locals here that can't afford a lawnmower to keep the weeds down, can't afford water to keep their trees from dying, and that don't care that their home is in a perpetua state of deterioration, can find money to pimp out their homes extravagantly for Halloween?

Downing Super Closing?

Just got wind of a rumor that the Downing Supermarket (or the "Down And Out Super" as I call it) might be closing!

This could be great news for the neighborhood if it's true! That is assuming someone else would move in... which I would think someone would have to...

I think the Cole Neighborhood Association is actively working on some sort of commerce feasibility study to help attract new businesses... Sure would be nice to see a Sunflower Market (probably dreaming here) or at least a King Sooper or something there. If you're excited about this prospect, I recommend contacting the CNA to make your voice be heard.

Folks in this neighborhood deserve better selection and prices than that store offers. Here's hoping the rumor is true.