Ballot Measure 2O — What’s next?
I have mixed feelings about the Park Hill Golf Course ballot measure as it presents both potential benefits and drawbacks for the neighborhood. On one hand, I believe that the addition of a grocery store and a sports complex would bring new opportunities and amenities to the community. On the other hand, I am deeply concerned about the issue of gentrification and its potential impact on the area.
One issue that I am particularly passionate about is the need for access to healthy and affordable food. As someone who previously lived in an area that was designated as a food desert, I understand the difficulties that come with living in an area where access to fresh and healthy food is limited. In my previous neighborhood, I often found myself having to drive several miles just to reach the nearest grocery store, and I know that this is a struggle that many residents of Park Hill also face.
Given this, I believe that the addition of a grocery store in the neighborhood would be a major benefit, and would help to address the issue of food insecurity in the area. It would provide residents with access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food, and would also create new job opportunities in the community.
In addition to the potential benefits of having a grocery store in the neighborhood, I am also supportive of the proposed sports complex. I believe that the complex could provide a range of benefits for the students of Denver Public Schools, who are in need of quality recreational opportunities.
Given the high quality of school options in the area, I believe that it is important to provide students with access to quality recreational opportunities that will help them to develop important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and a sense of community. The proposed sports complex could help to achieve this, and would provide students with access to a range of different sports and recreational activities.
However, as mentioned earlier, I am also concerned about the issue of gentrification and the potential impact that this could have on the community. Given the recent trends in urban development across the city, I am not convinced that the proposed development will result in true affordable housing for all residents. Unfortunately, history has shown us that gentrification often leads to displacement of long-time residents and a rise in housing costs, making it difficult for them to remain in the community. This is a serious issue that must be addressed and considered when making decisions about the future of Park Hill.
Another area of concern for me is air pollution. Urban areas are often associated with high levels of air pollution, and I worry about the potential health impacts that this could have on residents, especially those who are already vulnerable. In addition, I believe that it is important to consider the long-term environmental impact of any new development, and to work towards creating sustainable and livable communities for future generations.
In regards to green space, I believe that it is crucial to preserve and protect open spaces within urban areas. Park Hill has a rich history and is known for its natural beauty, and it is essential that any new development takes this into account and seeks to maintain and enhance the existing green spaces. Green spaces provide many benefits, including improving air quality, providing habitats for wildlife, and offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation. I support efforts to maintain and enhance the existing green spaces in Park Hill and to create new ones where possible.
If the ballot measure for the Park Hill Golf Course does pass, I believe that the developers have a responsibility to work closely with the community to co-create a solution that truly meets the needs of all those who will be impacted by the changes. This includes ensuring that the grocery store is accessible and affordable for all residents, and that the sports complex is designed in a way that is inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community.
Additionally, if the vote does not pass, I believe that it is incumbent upon the community to come together and work towards finding a solution that will address the pressing issues of a food desert and the lack of recreational amenities in the neighborhood. This may involve exploring alternative options for addressing these challenges, such as community-led initiatives or partnerships with local organizations.
Regardless of the outcome of the vote, I believe that it is important for all members of the community to come together and work towards finding a solution that meets the needs of everyone. This may involve some difficult conversations and compromise, but I believe that it is worth the effort to ensure that our community remains vibrant and equitable for generations to come.
In conclusion, while I support the idea of having a grocery store and a sports complex in the neighborhood, I believe that it is critical to consider the broader implications of such developments. I hope that the decision-makers will take into account the concerns raised here, and work towards creating a plan that benefits everyone in the community, now and in the future.
Auon’tai Anderson, Vice President of the Denver School Board
