Community groups focused on the development of a master plan to give Five Points an economic jump-start are hoping a series of community meetings will help create a vision for the historic Denver neighborhood’s future.
Impetus for the action on the Welton Street Marketplace — a 10-block corridor between 20th and Downing streets — gained traction in April when Gov. Bill Ritter signed an executive order that named Five Points as a pilot community for the new Sustainable Main Streets Initiative.
The process is not without disagreement and debate. Some black elders fear that newcomers to the neighborhood will disrespect the historic character of the legendary African-American neighborhood, once called the Harlem of the West.
Even the phrase Welton Street Corridor can raise hackles because Five Points — and the cultural associations that go with that name — appears to have been overlooked.
One of the hottest issues, however, is dog parks, said Lisa Calderon at a recent community meeting.
“Some of the black elders don’t want to have your dog come up and sniff them, because (once) dogs were sicced on them,” she said. “There is cultural consideration involved.”
At the Sept. 1 meeting, which was peaceful and productive, people broke into small groups to discuss what should — and shouldn’t — be changed.
Keeping the “historical jazz nature” of the corridor was a necessity named by all groups.
The biggest problem was that only a few African-Americans attended, said Wil Alston, executive director of the Five Points Business District.
Only about five of an estimated 50 people were African-American, and Alston is working with community leaders on getting more African-Americans involved.
Meanwhile, about 11,000 community surveys have been distributed to gain more community input. That survey will close on Sept. 30.
Colleen O’Connor: 303-954-1083 or coconnor@denverpost.com
Neighborhood plans
To fill out an online survey, go to .
The cultural amenities roundtable, open to the community, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Five Points Business District Office at 2444 Washington St.
The business roundtable will be held Sept. 22, same time and place.
The meetings on Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 will focus on shaping the goals of the vision plan, and reviewing preliminary and preferred alternatives.
For more information, call 303-832-5000.
