Stuck and perplexed on York Street
What were the city planners thinking with the York Street reconfiguration? What once was a four-lane thoroughfare with traffic flowing is now a two-lane road with endless backups. If you live in City Park West, forget about even turning right, let alone thinking about turning left.
The traffic is backed up for blocks in both directions, trying to squeeze two full lanes of traffic into one. Just can’t imagine the thought process that went into this disastrous planning. Going north on Josephine Street, where it merges into one lane in York, is so much more dangerous than it was, as it is just a major accident waiting to happen.
Why in the world would someone think this is better? There is absolutely nothing better or safer or quicker or easier with this new design.
Same thing with the myriad roundabouts going up where there were no traffic issues before. And what is the point of all the standing poles everywhere? Bikes are blocked, as well as cars, and cars are swinging out further into oncoming lanes when making a turn. Horrible!
It makes you wonder what the incredible amount of funds that these truly stupid changes must have cost could have done to help the homeless situation.
Hoping for better use of our tax money.
David Anderson, Denver
Lakewood victim assistance to the rescue
I want to give a big thanks to the volunteers and staff at the Lakewood Police Department’s Victim Assistance Unit. A wonderful friend of mine who is 80 years old had her front license plate stolen sometime late in January. When she discovered it, she reported it immediately to the Lakewood police.
A short time later, she got a bill in the mail for $300 worth of express lane violations, and if she didn’t pay it on time, the amount of the fine would double! This was a shock and very upsetting.
However, when my friend telephoned the Victim Assistance Unit in the Lakewood Police Department, she found the help she needed in a timely manner. They not only secured the police report she needed, but they also followed up with a phone call asking if all was going well in her effort to show she was not responsible for the violations. They offered to support her should she need to appeal.
Thank you to the Victim Assistance Unit for changing what was a nightmarish situation for my dear friend into a manageable situation in which she got the support she so desperately needed.
Carol Ayars, Littleton
Move elections to even years to improve turnout
In 2020, Denver County boasted an impressive 85.90% voter turnout. Yet our municipal elections struggle to achieve half that participation. This glaring disparity isn’t just disappointing — it’s a deliberate affront to democracy.
Why do we persist with off-year city elections when we know it depresses turnout? The answer is clear: Our city council clings to an outdated system that suppresses voter engagement.
It’s time Denver joined cities like Los Angeles and Portland, Ore., and move municipal elections to even years. Off-cycle elections disproportionately silence young voters, workers, and marginalized communities. By contrast, even-year elections, especially those coinciding with presidential races, significantly boost participation among these groups.
Let’s call this what it is: voter suppression by scheduling. We wouldn’t tolerate poll taxes, so why accept a system that achieves similar results through timing?
Arguments against change are weak. Concerns about local issues being overshadowed or logistical complications pale in comparison to the benefits of increased voter participation.
To the Denver City Council: You can no longer hide behind tradition or logistics. Either align our elections with state or national votes and embrace true democratic participation or admit you fear an engaged electorate.
The choice is clear. Move to even-year elections or be remembered as the council that chose self-interest over democracy. The voters are watching — all 85% of us.
Carlos VS Anderson, Denver
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