The new 7-Eleven and Stapleton Autowash have created some controversy in recent months, but a new coffee concept slated to be developed between the two, seems to be gaining traction throughout a Stapleton community that has a reputation for being anything but developer-friendly.
According to John Burke, Forest City’s Vice President for commercial development, the corner of Central Park Boulevard and Montview is a natural location for a coffeehouse with a drive through. “If you have ever been to the Starbucks on 29th Avenue, it is immediately apparent that additional overpriced coffee is needed and will be supported in this neighborhood. That, coupled with the traffic to and from the Fitzimmons medical center and the location between two schools (Bill Roberts and DSST) makes this a prime location. Burke had originally hoped for a Trader Joe’s in this location, but the community opposition to the 7-Eleven beer license “made it apparent there would be no one willing to support the sale of the chain’s popular 2 Buck Chuck wine.”
The new developers are also banking on a unique but tested niche concept to boost sales. For owner Gary Hutchins, this is a second chance at coffee success, as he claims his last concept was stolen from him by the current owners of Hot Chick-a-Latte, whose owners refused comment due to pending litigation. Hot Chick-a-Latte, located on Colfax Avenue is known for its baristas in lingerie, who can frequently be seen on Colfax hula-hooping as they entice passing cars to swing in for a jolt of caffeine.
Gary believes his latest idea is a perfect fit for Stapleton. Hot-Mom-a-Latte will have a similar business model as Hot Chick-a-Latte, but will employ active stay-at-home moms in Stapleton. He has already started working with Stroller Strides, CorePower Yoga, Bladium and Stapleton CrossFit to identify and recruit “active, fit moms” who will be a good match for his concept. He plans on offering hours that would allow flexibility for the daily rigors of parenting, he also believes it will be a good outlet for these new employees: “let’s face it, this gives them an opportunity to make those gym hours really pay off and have fun at the same time.”
Thus far, he says feedback from the community has been very positive, particularly from a group calling themselves “FOS” or Fathers of Stapleton. Reaction from the more well-known Stapleton Moms group has been less enthusiastic, but with a mom-friendly workplace and ample stroller parking, he believes they will continue to warm up to the concept. The Stapletonion is partnering with Hot Mom-A-Latte to help find qualified employees. If you are interested in working at Hot Mom-A-Latte, please email us at Stapletonion@gmail.com.
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DPS Cancels School for Rest of Year
In a bold move, Denver Public Schools decided to cancel all remaining school days due to the inclement spring weather. “We are to that point where the kids don’t want to be here, the teachers and administration don’t want to be here, and the weather is just giving us a good reason to call the whole thing off,” said DPS Superintendent of Schools Jason Majerus. “It had gotten ridiculous with the snow, the wind, rain. There was really only one full month of school left, and teachers and students usually throw in the towel at the end of March anyway. The kids really won’t be missing any quality learning days.”
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SUN President Regrets Calling Westerly Creek Block Captain “Best Looking Block Captain”
SUN President Mike Victoria was recently making remarks in Westerly Creek prior to the unveiling of a block’s hard-earned ‘neighborhood watch’ sign being unveiled. After praising Westerly Creek block captain Alisha McDermott for her hard work and diligence in getting the sign, Victoria followed up with some surprising remarks. “Aside from being a great block captain, I would have to say that Alisha is also the best looking block captain in Stapleton.” The remark drew an awkward silence, and a confused look from Alisha prior to her speech. Later, Victoria apologized for his remarks.
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Kim Jong Un Adds Stapleton Control Tower to “Preferred Targets” List
Recently, North Korea released a photo which was intended to show its list of U.S targets for a possible nuclear strike. These targets include the obvious places, Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York City, and most certainly, Austin, Texas. However, top U.S. military officials were unable to understand why North Korea has one of the targets on the list. That target is the old Stapleton Control tower in the Stapleton neighborhood in Denver, Colorado.
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Stapleton Residents Willing to Conserve Water, But Not at Cost of Green Lawns and Long Baths
Recent weather is not a good indication, but Denver and the state of Colorado are going through a stage 2 drought. Because of this, the City of Denver has implemented mandatory water restrictions. “The last time we declared a Stage 2 drought was in 2002,” said Greg Austin, president of the Denver Board of Water Commissioners. “We are facing a more serious drought now than we faced then. Our goal this summer is to insure the availability of high-quality water to our citizens, given current conditions and an unknowable end to the drought cycle, protecting not only the quality of life of our community but also the long-term security of our city’s system.”
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MCA Issues Vehicle Brand Restrictions Beginning in 2014
In a rare majority decision, the Stapleton MCA has crafted a new policy placing strict restrictions on the types of cars that can be purchased and driven in Stapleton. Citing the strong impact that the Bill Roberts uniform policy has had on middle school students, and the increasing “need to know” who lives in the neighborhood and who’s an outsider, the MCA has passed new bylaws that go into effect January 1, 2014. All new cars purchased by home owners need to be newer model Audi’s or BMW’s with those over 55 allowed to purchase Mercedes or Lexus models. Special grandfathering provisions allow those who have lived in Stapleton for more than 3 years and having school age children, to purchase newer model minivans from Honda or Toyota.
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Stapleton MCA to Host 4/20 Celebration on the Green
The Stapleton MCA announced this week that it will be hosting a 4/20 party this Satirday on The Green for residents and those living in the greater Stapleton area. “We know that once people move to Stapleton, they have a hard time leaving the neighborhood,” said MCA President Liza Kampstra. “We also know that there are a shocking number of hippies here, so the event will be pretty well received.”
Skate shop Popup Skate Shop is expected to get some extra business this weekend, and Happy Cakes will be on hand and is expected to sell a large number of cupcakes as well. The Urban Farm at Stapleton will be providing a petting zoo for those celebrating to pet animals and view them in odd amazement. Also on hand will be a jumpy castle, magicians, and some clowns. The event will be for those 18 and older.
Kampstra is extremely pleased at how well the event has come together on such short notice. “We thought of it maybe two weeks ago and kind of went back and forth on whether or not we should do it. In the end, it is a legal substance, similar to our beer festival, so we decided to see how it goes this year. If all goes well, I am sure we can really grow this thing.”
Attendees will be allowed into the fenced off area at the Green beginning at 2PM. A DJ will be there playing all the hits by Bob Marley, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and almost every grunge band from the 90’s. There will be no official end to the party, but event organizers expect party-goers to fall asleep while drawing pictures in the stars. ]]>
Finally: Eastbridge Nabs All Natural Grocer
After years of broken promises from Forest City, and after lots of hard work by SUN and the MCA, Eastbridge is finally getting an all-natural grocer. “We are so pleased with the community and the hard work of several individuals,” said SUN President Mike Victoria. “This is the commutation of the efforts of so many people, lots of resources, and of course, lots of money. It is not a Whole Foods, or even a Whole Foods Express, but Mike’s Market is going to be just what we need to jump start the rest of the town center.”
Mike’s Market will be “constructed” in the vast vacant area west of the car wash. “It may take up to three days for the market to be finished,” said Victoria. “A lot of that is drive time, as Mike is heading here from Texas, and then he needs to get his Denver vendor license, etc. Nonetheless, after he is in, we expect the increased traffic to generate interest from a liquor store, and possibly a café.”
Eastbridge resident Kyle Closson shares Victoria’s excitement. “This is huge news to those of us who moved to this particular area of Eastbridge based on the promise of a town center,” said Closson. “The fact that it is going to be an all-natural grocer will finally make Eastbridge residents the top of the community instead of always being laughed at. Words hurt, you know.” Other residents agree. “Pretty soon we will be able to walk to get a cup of coffee and some fresh bananas,” says Eastbridge resident Kristine Clark.
Some Eastbridge residents are underwhelmed at what the millions of dollars and thousands of man hours that were invested into the project. “I am sure Mike’s Market is a great company, and will do great here in Stapleton,” says resident Rob Carnewal. “It’s just that many of us expected a little more for how long we have waited, and for how much was put into this. It just seems a little small, I think, and it might not make the impact some expect.”
No matter what side Eastbridge residents are on, they all seem excited for the grocer to be in place in mid-April. “Spring is alive, spring is alive,” said excited Eastbirdge resident Tracey Shelton. Who knows, the new grocer may even spring growth into the once abandoned town center.
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