Park Hill influence: Remembering lost lands and receiving anonymous mailers
Re: “Park Hill Golf
Course: Project headed back to voters,” Jan. 25 news story
Before a decision is made for the development of the former Park Hill Golf Course, I would like to encourage Denver voters to take a drive on Jewel Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth Boulevards where the grounds and all the majestic trees at the former Green Gables Country Club were plowed under and replaced by a massive housing project. Look for yourselves at what Denver’s last remaining open space could potentially become.
— Nancy Rife, Wheat Ridge
Who doesn’t love a good smear campaign that would benefit a developer? When a mega profit ( money, money, money) is at stake, people often take unusual, drastic — some might consider them as unethical — steps to buttress up public support.
So when I received in the mail not one, but two, large full- color mailers coinciding exactly with Denver City Council voting on all things related to the Park Hill golf course, well, let’s just say I wasn’t surprised. Disgusted, yes. But not surprised.
Disgusted, first, by the fact that there was no indication of who sent the mailers, which, of course, I think, seems to fit the modus operandi of developers perfectly. Disgusted, as well, that the mailers equate a for- profit development as the ultimate and seemingly the singular solution to the housing crisis. Smear campaign? Sure seems that way to me. — Richard E. Young, Denver
“Denver Needs Affordable Housing,” says the flier. “Turn over to find out which council members are voting to make Denver more affordable.” And lo and behold, the anonymous dark money flier indicates that community activist, long- time affordable housing advocate and SwanseaElyria resident Councilwoman Candi Cdebaca is the problem. This is disinformation at its most ludicrous. Cdebaca’s actual, forthright, and passionate advocacy for affordable housing, the plight of the homeless, and the innovative programs she’s supported to address these problems — for real — are legendary. She is revered for her commitment to social justice.
At least four of these glossy, expensive fliers — all anonymous — have been mailed widely throughout the city. They all repeat the mantra of “affordable housing” as if Denverites will be hypnotized into voting for any project advertising its commitment to “affordable housing” whether the message is backed up by facts or real commitment or not.
Affordable housing is incredibly important — and preserving Denver’s last areas of open space is just as important. We can do both. Cdebaca is not afraid to step up and put her name and her reputation to the things she believes in. I will vote for her. I will put my name to it. — Georgia Garnsey, Denver