Challenges
Denver Blueprint 2000
Near Northwest Neighborhood Planning Initiative
The City of Denver has published the Blueprint Denver 2000 which sets forth planning for the Sunnyside neighborhood within the Near Northwest Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
This initiative would change zoning that would set height limitations on most of the industrial buildings within the Sunnyside neighborhood.
What is an Innovation District?
Driven by broad economic and demographic trends, cities around the world are witnessing the emergence of innovation districts. Denver too has its innovation district; the Sunnyside Innovation District. Learn more from the Global Institute on Innovation Districts.
Additionally, the Sunnyside Innovation Laboratories invites participation in the establishment of the Energy Oasis℠ within the Sunnyside Innovation District, in Denver, Colorado.
The goals of the Energy Oasis℠ are to:
- Reduce the use of fossil fuels
- Build/Generate sustainable energy systems
- Advance Climate Technologies by teaming with other companies demonstrating how to bridge the Innovation Gap
- Continue ET Squared® Rent laboratory time to companies to conduct their experiments
- Reduce utility costs in the Sunnyside neighborhood
- Build Urban Farms providing fresh produce – work with food banks
- Enhance the local economy
- Career training programs/day care
- Avoid gentrification
Clean Air
COLORADO CLEAN AIR REGULATORY COMMISION RULE 28
The Colorado Clean Air Regulatory Commission has adopted Rule 28 that imposes mandatory reductions in building emissions for all buildings of 50,000 sq.ft. or greater in size.
West 47th Avenue Bridge
The Sunnyside neighborhood and Globeville neighborhood are divided by a rail yard with limited access for people, stores and jobs.
The City of Denver has stated an intent to extend West 47th Avenue east over the rail yard.
Energy
The cost of energy places a burden on everyone within the Sunnyside neighborhood, particularly individuals and families of lower income.
The cost of energy places a constraint on redevelopment of the Sunnyside neighborhood which may make the difference between whether any particular project is economically feasible.
The source of our energy, a choice between fossil fuel and alternative energy, is a key issue in the stewardship of our planet.
The redevelopment of the Sunnyside neighborhood may create a greater use of energy which may not be met by existing suppliers.
Jobs
Education
Job training of the highest quality is needed to assure workers can maintain employment and advance their careers while providing businesses with the highest level of productivity.
Entertainment / Recreation
Key to a live/work/play community is a variety of entertainment and recreational venues that are local, safe and match the culture of the community.
The Aztlan Recreation Center may be expanded to provide more and a greater variety of services.
Community
The Sunnyside neighborhoods needs to come together as a community and build a brand as it competes for jobs, businesses and government funding with other communities across Denver, the State of Colorado and the United States.
Transportation
Live / Work / Play / Transport
Although the Sunnyside neighborhood will benefit from working towards a live/work/play design, it is recognized that it will still be necessary to move people and goods in and out of the neighborhood.
The transportation challenge is one of fitting the transportation to the need, contributing to the local economy, elevating safety and reducing the impact on the environment.
Gentrification
Property prices are rising within the Sunnyside neighborhood threatening to make both residences and business tenancies unaffordable.
Proposed development to upgrade buildings within the Sunnyside neighborhood will add pressure to move property prices upward.
Theoretical physicist