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It took a while, but the Stapleton trees are finally growing up. There was a time in Stapleton when the tiny trees looked anemic and residents wondered if they would ever see the day when the Stapleton trees would look like they would make it through a winter. Today, you can often see trees providing some shade on a lawn or even a patio. In fact, according to some, many trees have grown up too much and need to be taken down a notch. [Read more…] about Stapleton Runners Carrying Machetes to Clear Paths on Sidewalks

Most Stapleton residents have at one point been stuck at the intersection of Central Park Blvd. and Martin Luther King Blvd. during rush hour. The wait can be maddening as can some people’s lack of understanding of the legality of turning onto a one-way street. “If you get caught there at the wrong time, be prepared to wait a while,” said Stapleton motorist Tom Knudtson. “I usually call my parents, or read up on the news on my phone. It is frustrating and annoying, but I try to make the most of it.” Residents struggle to find an alternative route. “I could go all the way down and cross at Havana St.,” says resident Gloria Jepsen. “But, it just feels wrong to go that far past my place and come back. Plus, I hate going by the jail.” [Read more…] about At Times, CPB and MLK Give Stapleton “Big City” Feel

In conjunction with New Town Builders, Forest City is hoping to catch up on its original affordable housing promises. “Certainly, the market has dictated what we could do in the past,” says Forest City president Phil Dargossi. “We have been meaning to do some things for a long time, but we really couldn’t. You know, because of the market.” [Read more…] about Affordable Housing Update: Forest City Planning “Poor Section” North of I-70

Hunger is a serious issue and many residents throughout the Front Range could use some comfort heading into winter. Especially in need, are our new residents who moved to enjoy the Mary Jane outlets. Here are some creative ideas to donate to this worthy cause: [Read more…] about Join Fellow Do-Gooders, New Perspective Real Estate Company in Collecting Food for Food Bank of the Rockies

There are a lot of real estate signs popping up all over Eastbridge, and it seems that those in the know, have already left. With the impending development of the Eastbridge Town Center anchored by King Soopers, complete with unnecessary gas station, Eastbridge residents are trying to get out now before their homes lose all value. “I don’t think I want to be here when we increase traffic, plus people walking around here to go to the 24-hour Soopers,” says Eastbridge resident Mark Bell who is currently selling his home. “So, if others want to move here and have more confidence that it is not going to be a bad thing, more power to them. I just don’t like what’s going on.” The distress for Forest City, and Stapleton residents, is that if Eastbridge residents continue to leave, and fewer buyers become interested in that area of Stapleton, what will happen to the Eastbridge borough of Stapleton? “There is legitimate fear Eastbridge could become a ghost town,” said real estate expert Zach Schmit. “Prices will drop, people won’t want to live here, and suddenly, we have a bunch of empty, foreclosed homes. It may seem a ways away now, but it could be where it is headed.” Eastbridge residents are facing the dilemma. “We are trying to fight Forest City and Soopers right now,” said resident Angi Hansen. “Some people have packed it in and quit the fight, but we are going to keep fighting. If we lose, yes, there is a chance our once proud neighborhood will become a series of empty homes where meth addicts live.” Some people think that a ghost town would be a step up from where it is actually headed. “The truth is, home prices around here are going to hit rock bottom,” said real estate expert Jonathan Steiner. “Then, you have a different socioeconomic element renting and buying here, and suddenly, you’re Cleveland. I think anyone would take a ghost town over that.” The problem doesn’t just affect Eastbridge, but the rest of Stapleton. “If you’re in Bluff Lake, do you want a ‘Cleveland’ as your neighbor?” questions Steiner. “So, home values are affected there, then Westerly Creek, and soon, all of Stapleton falls, until the whole thing is just a mini-Cleveland. Except we won’t even have LeBron James.” Residents are still clinging to hope that Forest City will work with them to find a solution for both parties. “Right now, there is no middle ground, it seems,” says activist Scott Meyerholz. “From their (Soopers and Forest City) perspective, it is a giant Soopers plus a gas station. From many residents perspective, they don’t want a King Soopers. Is there a middle ground? Maybe a slightly smaller Soopers with no gas station, and then some sort of community input on the retail that will be in the remaining space? I really hope the two parties can work together to find a middle ground, and something that will be good for residents and businesses. Otherwise, we can continue to act like Republicans and Democrats in congress, and simply cry and yell when we don’t get our way.” ]]>

Recently, Forest City opened up the 26th Ave. Park on Fulton and 26th. The park is not what was originally promised, however, it is a new place for kids to come play. Forest City also created a black top trail that runs parallel to 26th Ave. beginning at Fulton and continuing to Clinton St. This hastily made “trail” may have some bumps along the way, and parts of the trail have serious flooding issues after a rain, but what often gets missed among the uneven path, mud, and the weeds, is nature’s incredible beauty. [Read more…] about Forest City Opens Prairie Dog and Pigeon Preserve Nature Trail

It’s always an emotional day. Parents sending their kids back to school or kids going to school for the first time. Many parents cry because they see how quickly their kids are growing up, and others cry out of the pure joy that summer is over and their kids will be back in school. Stapleton parents are at either end of the spectrum, and rarely is anyone in the middle, which causes the extreme emotional outbursts. And with so many parents walking kids to school, the parent walk home looks like a parade of tears to those driving by. [Read more…] about Parade of Tears: Back to School Day for Stapleton Parents

The SUN Kickball Tournament is right around the corner, which means team camps have been underway for about three weeks. Teams are working to get in shape for the grueling one-day event. “It’s a lot of fun, but we aren’t in it for the fun,” says kickball athlete and team captain Mike Haugen. “We got fourth last year, and are hungry to do better this year.” Haugen says his team started with 40 potential team members, but they will cut the team down to 16 by the tournament. “It’s not about who you are friends with, it’s about who is going to contribute.” [Read more…] about Kickball Practices Get “Chippy”