Today's Recommended Reading

Here are a couple of interesting articles that might be of interest to Cole residents.First, I found an article that is the best account of the recent history of Cole I've seen. Read it here.Second, my wife passed this article along about the emerging trend of reurbanization in America. Speaks very well for the future of Cole, and our investment here.Enjoy.

More On Big Dogs in the 'Hood

Owning big dogs in the 'hood
Just moved to the 'hood and starved for conversation? Feeling lonely? Get a big dog or two. My wife and I can't take our dogs for a walk a block away without getting some sort of interesting comment from folks in the neighborhood.Here are some gems:
Are they spaded?
Got any puppies?
Can I buy your dogs?
Them Rockwilers? (They are in fact Rottweilers)
Them is some big-ass dogs!
You must be pretty important, to have protection like that!
Them Pit Bulls?
Are they mean?
Do they bite?
Pretty much people either are deathly afraid of them, or want to buy them, or often both. Hard to convince them that we treat our dogs like people, and have carefully socialized them to be good neighbors and ambassadors for the breed.
We have "halties" or no-pull trainers for them, which people immediately think are muzzles. To which I say "No, they could still bite you if they wanted to..."
It's a shame that so many people here have only been exposed to big dogs that aren't socialized. Even though our dogs wouldn't bite anything but a pork chop, people immediately assume they're voracious man-eaters. Not that I complain about our house being known by the bad guys as the one with the two big dogs. Or that the occasional person that makes us feel a bit uncomfortable will cross the street rather than pass our dogs on the same sidewalk.
We actually finally got a security system for our home a few months ago. The next day a couple police officers were on foot patrol on the block and stopped by to say hello--They saw the security system yard sign and said "You guys don't need a security system with dogs like this!"
It is refreshing, however, that the neighborhood kids love our dogs. A walk doesn't go by without a crowd of kids (Cole has the sweetest kids, at least until they grow up and get polluted by the pervasive negativity here) gathering around the dogs, petting them, and asking all kinds of questions. They often can't believe that our dogs are like family, and even sleep with us in bed. Guess they're again used to dogs used only for protection, and left chained to a pole in the back yard.
I hope that at least in some miniscule way we're helping these children come to know that many big dogs are sweethearts.

At Least We Don't Have Cranes

Is it just me, or have there been like eleventy-billion crane accidents in the last couple years?I'm watching Fox News right now and they're talking about yet another crane accident, this one in Dallas, Texas. Think American cars are unreliable, what about our cranes?In fact, crane accidents are apparently so frequent that there is a website devoted exclusively to 'em. Forget Alaskan crab fishing; forget logging; I smell a reality show here (and yes, it stinks).So what does this have to do with Denver's Cole Neighborhood? Not a whole heck of a lot, honestly. But while we might have crackheads, gang bangers, and hookers, at least we don't have cranes. And based on the recent frequency of crane accidents, it seems like we should be pretty grateful for that fact. Be careful LoDo and Ballpark neighborhood residents! There are cranes everywhere downtown right now!Thanks for reading.

Good news for Cole

I'm sure most of you have already seen this, and I'm late in posting, but here is a recent article highlighting our own Cole Neighborhood in Denver.It's great to see the progress we've made over here be recognized, though in a very basic way.More meaningful posts to come. Promise.

I'm baaaaack...

After a six month hiatus, the Cole Neighborhood Memoirs is back.It's 11PM and I type as this speak as yet another crack head leaves the house across the street from mine.I took this blog down a few months ago because I grew tired of the constant criticisms from civil libertarians, whiners, and others that in my opinion take things far too seriously, portraying me and my views as narrow minded, racist, and overly negative about my Denver block and the Cole neighborhood in general.What I didn't anticipate was the word-of-mouth feedback that I have since responded and made it clear that I had more of an audience than I thought--And that I'm not the only one that simultaneously sees beauty, tragedy, potential, and humour in being a white resident in a largely black and hispanic, gentrifying neighborhood in urban Denver.Let's get some things straight for starters--I'm white and a college graduate (though I use that term loosely, since I hold a "degree" in liberal arts, which doesn't guarantee me any job but one at Starbucks or doing door-to-door sales for the local cable company) and I don't claim to have all the answers. I don't know what it's like to be a black or a hispanic in today's United States of America. I believe that while racial profiling and discrimination still exists today in Denver's police department (and elsewhere), I firmly believe that most of our police officers try to do their best in a very difficult job and an equally complex political environment. So if you're one of those folks that thinks that the Denver Police Department as a whole is a racist organization, don't bother posting comments, and move on to another site--You and I will never see eye-to-eye.I also see the future of Cole as one of cultural and economic diversity--That means we need more affluent residents to take an interest in and invest in Cole to make it a safer, more vibrant neighborhood.What is the purpose of this blog? Quite simply, to portray what living in this neighborhood is like for a resident of my "demographic". In the previous iteration of this site I admittedly found myself pandering hopelessly to those of opposing viewpoints--I didn't know whether I should speak my mind, convey current events in the neighborhood, or simply say what the "masses" thought should be said.No more. I'm happy to say that the Cole Neighborhood Association has enjoyed a regenesis of late, and as such, if you just want to become involved in the neighborhood, or learn what is new here, you have another source of information. What you'll read here is just my two cents, right or wrong. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, often useless, but it will always reflect what I see as the most accurate portrayal of life here from the eyes of a white guy from rural Michigan.Will I say some controversial things? Guaranteed I will. Don't like it? You don't have to read it. Have a comment? By all means share it, I may learn something from you. But if you're just out to be negative, or to flame me for having an opinion, don't bother.Like my point-of-view or not, I am invested in and committed to this neighborhood, and ensuring its progress. For those like me, and for those unlike me, but that are responsible and similarly committed to making it a great place to live (more on that later).Thanks in advance for reading.

Cole Neighborhood Association Holiday Party

...is this Thursday Nov. 29th from 6:00-8:00 at 3280 Downing Street in the US Bank Community room.

Anyone interested in more information about the CNA can contact Sarah Schultz, snschultz@gmail.com.

Also sounds like the next actual CNA meeting will be January 31st, in the same location and same time.

Crime data at Denvergov.org

Folks,

I've mentioned numerous times the great crime data that is available from the Denvergov.org website, and they've now taken it one step further, providing real-time (24 hour) updates, and the ability to zero in on your neighborhood and block and see first-hand where, when, and what type of crimes are occurring in your area.

Be sure to check it out!

And thanks again for reading, and for caring about Cole.

What WE can do NOW

I was thinking more about the comment that came into this site recently claiming that "the best way to fight crime in Cole is to oppose illegal immigration", and thought that I should elaborate on my point that there are many things we can do NOW to fight crime and improve the situation in Cole. Again, I agree that illegal immigration is a HUGE issue right now, and at the root of many of Denver's and society in general's various ills. But I think that ones energies can be much more productive by getting involved in your neighborhood TODAY with something very simple rather than waiting for Washington (or even the Denver State Capitol) to figure that complex issue out.

So, for what it's worth, here are my Action items for anyone living in a gentrifying, redeveloping urban neighborhood like Cole:

1. Get to know your neighbors! No matter how good the police in your area are, they can't watch your block 24/7. Only your neighbors collectively can do that. While I haven't been able to get enough of our block unified to create a neighborhood watch, I know at least 9 of our block households by name. How many of you can say that? Likely not many, because honestly, I wasn't good about doing it myself for over a year here. Do it sooner rather than later. Your neighbors and you might not see eye to eye on some things, but at the bare minimum you should be able to be on good terms with them and look out for each others' properties.


2. Get to know your police officers. Whether it's your neighborhood police officers (We have great ones in Cole, email me for their contact information) that can handle ongoing, chronic issues, the District 2 direct non-emergency number (720.913.1000) or just the Denver non-emergency dispatch line (720.913.2000) we've got a tremendous asset in terms of a police force that is active, approachable, and willing to assist residents with the issues that are important to them (us).


3. Befriend your neighborhood kids. It's a shame, but 99% of the crap that happens in our neighborhood I think is perpetrated by kids; in particular graffiti, vandalism, and just the stuff that kids do (as I did) like throwing rocks through windows and stuff. If they're not doing it, they probably know who is. Not only are you selfishly building relationships that could potentially again protect your "stuff", many of these kids unfortunately clearly don't have a supportive, loving home environment. Just saying hi to them by name, being friendly, and pumping up their football when they need it is making a positive contribution to their lives and to your block.


4. Clean up your block! If you wait for your neighbors to clean up their portion of the street, your block will always be dirty. I know it sucks picking up others' trash, but it's part of living in the city I've come to understand. And I don't care what the civil libertarians say, I've seen first-hand that if you pick up trash on your block, it sets a positive example for your neighbors and others in the area--Others will be less likely to throw trash, and less likely to commit more serious crimes simply because it's clear someone cares about and is watching over your block. I've seen it make a difference first-hand. Will it entirely fix the problem? Of course not. But it all helps.


5. Same thing with Graffiti. Contact Cole-Whittier Against Crime for dumpster paint or worst case scenario report the graffiti to the City of Denver and get that crap covered up as soon as you see it. Again, if you leave that crap up, the losers that put it there will learn which block they can do the deed without getting caught, or on which blocks they can tag where it stays up the longest.


6. Get involved with your neighborhood in a more global sense. (Here's where I've fallen short as of late due to a hectic home/work schedule and an unexplained apathy relative to "meetings") Participate in your local neighborhood association, crime prevention group, or neighborhood watch meetings. Cole and Whittier each have active neighborhood associations (http://whittierneighborhood.org/, Cole doesn't have a website yet that I know of) and of course there is Cole-Whittier Against Crime. There's no doubt we have to get more involved to ensure the success of our neighborhood than the average suburbanite--But I think that's a good thing.
7. Keep your eyes open and don't be afraid to call the city. See someone selling crack up the street? Call the police. Abandoned house becoming a nuisance, or just overgrown with weeds? Call neighborhood inspection services. Or, as C-WAC writes today, notice that your corner store is catering to the bad guys by selling crack pipes? Talk to them about it, or call your neighborhood police officer to get their take and/or assistance.

But more than anything, do what you can, even if it's just one of the above points. The recent positive changes in this area aren't happening by accident--They're due to a growing number of engaged residents, and allies at the police and city, that are working hard to forge the future in Cole. If we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem.

Cole-Whittier Against Crime Meeting Wednesday, November 7th, 6PM, Mitchell Elementary

For those of you that have been asking for more neighborhood "news" and opportunities to be involved, here's your chance.

C-WAC, in my opinion, has made great strides in cleaning up this area, while increasing the cooperation between (reasonable) residents and the police department.

That having been said, they need more residents to be involved, and speak up about their concerns and needs.

So, please join them tomorrow, Wednesday, November 7th 2007 at 6PM at Mitchell Elementary in Cole.

New life for the Cole Neighborhood Association?

I got an encouraging email that I thought I should share on this site--It's from one of the new leaders of the Cole Neighborhood Association. I have been involved with the association in the past, but over time grew a bit frustrated at the lack of action--We always seemed to be long on talk about what we "should do" but never actually organizing any sort of true action. At some point I determined that I could get more done spending that hour on the phone with the city inspectors and/or police department to handle some action items in the neighborhood, than attending the meetings. A shame, but true. No doubt I should have stuck it out and been a more vocal and active member.

Now just to backtrack--A lot of credit for the association has to go to Loralie Cole, who used to run the association. Even as a busy mother and teacher, she poured countless hours into the organization. I know first-hand that it is a thankless job leading an all-volunteer organization, and she deserves a tremendous amount of credit for keeping the association alive.

I just think that with any organization, new blood is lifeblood, and am thrilled to see that there are new, equally engaged people participating. Hopefully Loralie will still be involved in some way to finally realize the fruits of her long, largely unrecognized labors. Thanks again, Loralie.

It will be interesting in what direction the association heads now. In the past, it seemed very conflicted about "the mission statement" and goals of the organization. Pro or anti redevelopment? How much effort should be spent trying to get largely apathetic neighborhood residents to participate? Can decisions that affect the entire neighborhood be made when the only active Association members are largely white middle-class residents?

Regardless, this email is very encouraging, and I hope it speaks for a new direction for our neighborhood. Sounds like it's time for me to plug in again. So here's the info:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to inform you that the Cole Neighborhood Association will be holding a mid-month planning meeting on Nov. 8 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at 3280 Downing, US Bank Community Room. The main purpose of the meeting is to set a Strategic Plan for the CNA. EVERYONE is invitied and encouraged to attend!! This is an ideal opportunity and an exciting time to get involved; share your voice and help shape the future of the CNA. If you haven't come to a meeting in awhile, we'd love to see you on the 8th!

We decided to schedule this meeting because during our regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. we will be having the CNA Holiday Party . More about the party at the end of this e-mail.

Details regarding the Strategic Plan:
(The first hour of the meeting will be dedicated to the Strategic Plan)

At our last meeting on Oct. 25, The Economic Development subcommittee presented a Strategic Planning questionaire consisting of the following questions:

1. Why do we exist?

2. What is our vision for Cole Neighborhood?

3. What is our mission statement?
We decided that the goal for the planning meeting would be to answer these questions, after we all answer them for ourselves at home prior to the meeting. Now, all of you can do the same. In addition to these questions, we would like to address the Needs, Goals and Strategies for the Cole neighborhood.
What needs do we see in our community that we would like to address?
What are our goals in light of those needs?
What strategies do we need to develop to accomplish our goals?
For these questions, we'd like to begin brainstorming by writing down any and all ideas that come to mind. Then, at the Holiday Party, we'll ask everyone to help prioritize the list so that we can set a plan of action.
Please start brainstorming today and bring your thoughts and ideas to the meeting on the 8th. A Microsoft Word document with the questions is attached.
Details about the CNA Holiday Party, Nov. 29th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
(after a quick break, we'll use the last 20 min of the mtg to plan the party)

Again, we'd like as much participation as possible so that we can make our Holiday party a success. Items to be planned:
Food and Drink
Content for a flyer
Flyer Distribution
Activities for the evening, etc.

We hope to see everyone, and your neighbor, at both of these events. Start spreading the word today!

Best,

Sarah Shultz
Communications Subcommittee
Cole Neighborhood Association

Tagged

I went out to the dumpster in our back alley this morning to find several dumpsters and the back of three residences (including ours) tagged with gang-related graffiti. I don't know (nor do I care) what exactly it all meant but is was some "East Side Tre Tre" bullshit. What a bunch of losers.

I've already painted over most of it, but I just wish these guys had better things to do than deface a freakin' back alley.

Does this mean there is new gang activity in our neighborhood? Who knows, it's been pretty tame lately, I know that. I don't think this activity was due to a few "wannabes" like one of our neighbors (who hasn't removed the similar graffiti from her house, despite the fact it showed up around three months ago) thinks.

But it's not like we're unique in our gang problem. I traveled this summer to Montreal and Vancouver and saw a lot of gang graffiti there. There was even a gang-related shooting in downtown Vancouver the night I was in town. Canadian gangs? I guess they exist too, eh.

Winterized

So our neighbors' house that went into foreclosure sold at auction--For $125k, much less than the $170k they owed on it. The low sales price at least makes me hopeful that someone will see an opportunity to fix and flip the house, since it will give them plenty of margin to invest in renovations, which it will need many of.

A guy came by today and winterized the place, so it doesn't look like they're going to be diving into any renovations any time soon, however. Guess we'll have to wait until spring to see what happens next.

Oh, the suburbs

Don't miss this hilarious blog poking good-hearted fun at the grandiose names being assigned to cookie-cutter suburban housing developments.

After reading this, I thought of some good options for Cole should we decide to re-name it, taking into account some of the local history and flavor of the area:

1. "The Resort at Industry Meadow Acres"

2. "The Sanctuary at Smelter Edge Gardens"

3. "The Haven at Vacant School Landing"

4. "The Manor at Squirrel-Infested Heights"

5. Or, perhaps "The Enclave at Stray Cat Crossing"

The possibilities are endless...

The tipping point?

Driving home the other night my wife and I passed a new art gallery over on Walnut Street, in a formerly abandoned and typically sketchy block. The house with tons of potential across the street has gotten some steady traffic, as has the home in foreclosure next door. Two historic-yet-neglected homes nearby have the huge, drive-up dumpsters in front of them, signifying a complete remodel (or "gutting"). Kiva Restaurant on 30th and Downing, while they're certainly not out of the woods yet, is hanging in there and seems to be getting at least marginally busier each time we visit.

Residents that were here before us seem to be taking a bit more pride in their homes, and the trash problem on our block is a fraction of what it was two years ago.

Two white guys drove by today in a BMW M3 Coupe and waived at me as I was chilling on the front porch--Not sure what to gather from that as I didn't know them...

Things seem to be changing FAST lately in Cole. Whether you think the change is positive or not, have we reached a tipping point?

Quiet night!

My wife and I spent the entire evening last night on our front porch--How quiet it was! No police helicopter, no sirens, no drug buyers or sellers, no hookers, no "drama", nothing! I don't even think we saw a police car all night.

Quite a change from what our block used to be like, and very welcome progress. And to be this quiet on a Friday? Amazing. I hope the evening was similarly quiet and safe for other blocks in the area.

Heck, it was way louder and sketchier than this over in Highlands (where we couldn't afford to buy a house)!

An interesting discovery

In grabbing a cup today for my morning coffee, I noticed something funny: On the inside of the cabinet door (one of the few remaining fixtures in the house from the previous owners) I found gang graffiti--The "E/S" (East Side?) moniker that residents of Denver are all to familiar with.

I guess it shouldn't surprise me, as we knew the house was previously owned by a drug dealer, but finding graffiti inside my kitchen cabinets still seems strange!

Another new resident in Cole

What a great day yesterday.

There has been an amazing little kitten hanging around our block the last couple weeks. She's tiny--Likely 3 or 4 pounds, black and white, and the kind of coloration that we non-creative humans often name things like "socks" or "boots". She is also incredibly sweet and friendly, approaching pretty much any person that comes by.

Well, as my wife will tell you, I'm one off those weird "animal people" that would take in almost any animal rather than turn it away knowing it will likely get euthanized. However, "there's no room at the inn" at this point as we've already got our hands full with two dogs and two cats, so we knew we couldn't keep her, no matter how fast we were becoming attached to her.

But some things have a way of working themselves out I guess. No sooner had I started asking neighbors if they knew anyone that wanted a cat, my friend from across the street said he'd take the kitten. As soon as I handed the kitten to him, I knew it was a good thing. He's a bit of a lonely older guy, not in the best of health anymore, but incredibly friendly and kind hearted. And his mother, bedridden, lives with him, and likely could use a little company like only a good cat can provide. I can't help but think that Marion, as I named her (he's going to call her Midnight), will make as much difference in their lives as they will in hers.

Homes for sale in Cole Neighborhood, Denver

OK, just to be up front, this is a completely selfish post, blatantly trying to sell real estate in Cole. No, I don't own any of these properties, nor do I stand to gain anything from their sale except hopefully adding another responsible neighbor to the area. But that's enough for me.

I just can't get over how many properties are for sale over here! Yet again, I found a home for sale in our Cole neighborhood this week. It's over on Marion Street, and appears to be very similar to our home--A late 1800's Victorian that has been largely refurbished. Asking price is in the ballpark of fair assuming it is as nice as they make it out to be in the listing, though I am at least a little skeptical because of the used-car-salesman-esque descriptions of the home in the listing ("This is truly the best...").

It does appear to be somewhat updated, and have some original moldings and nice wood floors. While the house could use a fresh coat of paint and landscaping, it certainly has good Victorian charm. (Far more charm than this more mundane listing a couple blocks away.) At least three other homes have been renovated on this same block over the past two years, so it is certainly changing more rapidly than some over here.

One could certainly find a cheaper home over here, but if you're like we were when we were looking and don't want a fixer upper, this might be a good one to look at.

I think it definitely has more to offer than this longtime resident on the MLS. I'm no expert, but after six months or so you might re-take your property photo so that it isn't so obvious that the home has been on the market at least since last winter. Oh, and there's another home on this block that's currently in foreclosure--It looks like a real fixer-upper, but I don't think anyone will be biting on it anytime soon, as it looks like the bank is asking $170,000 for it--When it seems more like a $125k property to me based on how much work will be necessary to get it fixed up.

I also found a couple rental properties on Marion, but I can't believe the asking price after looking at them, at least from the inside. Like $282k for this Vic-converted-into-apartments. There is also yet another residence, a duplex, for sale on this same block, though I can't find a listing for it.

Still shocking to me how expensive homes are over here given how far the neighborhood still has to come. It's not hard to realize why so many find it hard to buy a home. (Heck, we know first-hand, as we barely were able to purchase our own.)

With the yet-inflated prices over here, what must be wrong with this little home to be only 46k?

Anyway, thanks for reading, and come look at some homes in Cole, Whittier, Curtis Park or Five Points. We'd love to have you over here!

Momentum in Cole

I met a nice new neighbor we now have around the corner of the house. A nice woman about our age, renting out a newly-fixed up home on Bruce Randolph. She's super friendly and another important addition to the neighborhood. She's been in the house under a week and it's already clear she takes pride in her place.

There's a duplex up for sale on our block, and I'm wondering if there is a pending sale on it as there have been work crews patching up the fence and performing other small touch-up repairs this week.

The residents of the duplex next to it, that moved in over the summer, continue to improve their place, now painting it.

And there is a cute folk-Victorian on our block that is now up for sale. The asking price seems a bit high, but it has a ton of potential as it has exceptional character.

Add that to the house next door that is tied up in foreclosure, and potentially soon to be sold to a flipper or new family, and we seem to be experiencing some very positive momentum. Things are certainly changing around here, for the better.

Enough is enough

Great and encouraging news. The two problem houses on our block, that I write about often, have each improved dramatically recently.

The first, a house on the corner of Bruce Randolph and Marion, has been a consistent nuisance since we moved into the neighborhood. Mostly because the owners have left the home vacant, and haven't aggressively policed their property from the frequent drug users and dealers that have used that house, and the street corner adjacent to it, as their home base.

How this house cleaned up is simple--The police finally adopted a zero-tolerance policy for individuals illegally hanging out on the property, as well as frequently contacting individuals loitering in front of it. In these two actions, they not only arrested numerous dealers and users, but have set a precedent in the area that it is no longer "safe" to hang out and buy or sell drugs there. What used to be a magnet for criminal activity now is safe for the rightful residents of the neighborhood to pass by unharassed and unsolicited, as well as wait safely for the RTD buses.

The second house to show improvement is the one that I've described that houses a motley collection of brothers, sisters and cousins all living free in the home of their aging and failing mothers. I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying this, but the reasons why the residents have cleaned their act up I think is a perfect illustration of some of the principles evangelized by George Kelling and one of his key disciples, William Bratton (formerly chief of the New York City Police Department, now chief of the LAPD) in the Broken Windows theory. Namely, that if troublemakers realize that their disorderly and criminal behavior is no longer acceptable in a neighborhood, they'll either clean up their act or just move on.

Why do I say this? First, because the presence by the police has been so great on the block, the drug-dealing son has almost comletely moved his "operation" somewhere else--The end result being a dramatic reduction to the formerly ubiquitous stream of buyers coming by their house at all hours of the night. It was still happening over there, but very infrequently, instead of all the time.

But since day one, and even with the recent increased pressure by the police, the one straight son that we know of at the house, a guy that is in general a really intelligent, neighborly fellow, has looked the other way as his other family members buy, sell, and use illegal drugs and bring the criminal element into his yard and house.

But a couple weeks ago, as I was out watering the grass, I waived and greeted him as normal, and he came over to me to chat. The nature of the conversation was very interesting. Basically, that he had reached his breaking point and had told some of his family members "enough is enough". He sounded as tired as we were of the almost daily occurrence of drunken shouting matches, strangers coming by at all hours, family members bringing drug addicts over, and his family being arrested.

What had caused him to reach this crossroads? A family friend had come by one day and told him "Man, your mother's house is a nuisance." That apparently hit home for him, that their house--His mother's house--was viewed that way. And the fact that the city could take the house away from his mother, if it continued to be such a problem. The neighborhood had changed, and what used to be acceptable behavior on the block, was no more.

"I can't tell you what to do, because that's your business..." he said he told them, "but you're not going to do it here anymore, not in my mama's house."

Which is all we've ever wanted. Just law-abiding neighbors, that's all. Black, white, Hispanic, whatever. Just take care of your home and don't perpetuate the neighborhood's history of drugs, crime and violence.

He's always been a diamond in the rough of that household. He's super friendly, intelligent, and has welcomed us since day one. And I'm glad to have him as a neighbor, and friend. And 100% happy now that he's drawn his own line in the sand.