1) Housing Units to Open at Mosaic Campus
Archway Communities has begun accepting initial applications for one, two, and three-bedroom apartments on the Mosaic Campus in Park Hill. The 154 income-qualified units are located in four dormitories on the former Johnson and Wales campus. The units are reserved for people who fall within the range of 30-60 percent of the area median income (approximately $31,000 to $63,000 for a family of three).
One of four buildings that Archway Communities has “re-imagined” into one-, two-, and three-bedroom, income-qualified apartments on the Mosaic Campus in Park Hill. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch
Georgeanne Barrett, Archway’s director of communications, says two of the buildings will be ready for tenants by late June and the other two buildings by mid-July. “The dorms have been completely re-imagined to include kitchens,” says Barrett. “There are common spaces for all residents to use and for community meetings.” A ribbon cutting and community celebration is planned for the fall. For more information, visit www.archwaycommunities.org
2) New Statewide E-bike Rebate Program
On April 1, the Colorado Energy Office began a statewide e-bike rebate program that allows any Coloradan to receive $450 off the purchase of a battery-powered bicycle if they buy from certain retailers. MacKenzie Hardt, owner of Hardt Family Cyclery in Northwest Aurora, says the new program discriminates against small independent shops like his because store owners have to front the money for the discount and then wait a year to be repaid by the state. He says he can’t afford to do that. “We’re anticipating a 10% reduction in business because of this program,” says Hardt.
MacKenzie Hardt, owner of Hardt Family Cyclery, says the new statewide e-bike discount program discriminates against small business owners like him, who can’t afford to participate. File photo by Christie Gosch
Ari Rosenblum, with the state’s energy office, says the Department of Revenue is setting up a process where retailers can be reimbursed quarterly in 2025. The new program replaces a state initiative that began last year in which moderate and low-income residents received $500 or $1,100 discounts on e-bikes. For more information, visit https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/ebike-tax-credit
3) Spinelli’s Market Coming to Aurora
Italian sandwiches and ready-to-heat foods will soon be available at the new Spinelli’s Market East on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Neighbors who have been traveling to the Spinelli’s Park Hill location for years will now have another option for lunch or dinner. The market will carry the shop’s familiar sandwich menu along with take home dishes like lasagna and eggplant parmesan and some pantry essentials. The Aurora market is expected to open later in May.
A family enjoys the open space and trails at Star K Ranch in Aurora using an all-terrain wheelchair. Photo from www.auroragov.org
4) All-Terrain Wheelchairs Available at Two Aurora Parks
More people will have access to Star K Ranch and the Plains Conservation Center using all-terrain wheelchairs that are now available at both parks.
Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resources Division wants to make sure everyone can enjoy nature and access trails. The Action Trackchair wheelchairs are free of charge and can be used year-round during open hours at the two parks. Rentals are limited to two hours and a reservation is required. Sign up for a time and location at AuroraGov.org/TrackChairs.
5) Project Worthmore Meets Increased Demand for Food
The Yu Meh Food Share program at Project Worthmore has increased the amount of food it has given away by 50%. The organization, located in Northwest Aurora, helps refugees from more than 25 countries find resources in Colorado. The food comes from local businesses, non-profits, and Project Worthmore’s farm.
During the first quarter of 2023, 20,000 pounds of food per month were donated to 1,000 individuals. For the first quarter of 2024, those numbers increased to 30,000 pounds of food per month for 1,200 individuals. The program is always looking for volunteers to sort, deliver, and help with the food market. Visit www.projectworthmore.org.
6) Updated Plan for Migrants; City Services Restored
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a new plan to provide services to migrants while limiting the impact on City services. Johnston says the City will need $45.9 million to fund the new Denver Asylum Seekers Program that will connect 1,000 migrants who are already living in the City’s hotel shelter system with housing assistance and a work readiness program. He says his plan will largely be funded by not filling job vacancies, which allows him to avoid what he calls the worst-case budget scenario.
Under the new plan, recreation centers and Denver Motor Vehicles offices will return to their original operating hours.
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