After the first couple of snows in Denver, it again became apparent that Stapleton needs its own private snow removal. “Why is it that our streets and alleys are caked with snow days later, and other neighborhoods are completely cleaned up?” asked concerned resident Tyler Green. “It is not acceptable. I am pretty sure snowless streets were promised somewhere in the master plan.”
Although there was nothing originally in the Stapleton master plan in regards to snow removal, concerned residents along with the SUN Board and Stapleton MCA are working towards a better solution. “It seems that in regards to snow removal, the City and County of Denver have yet to recognize Stapleton as one of its neighborhoods,” says SUN President Mike Victoria. “We pay our city taxes the same as Washington Park and the Highlands do, yet, we are not getting equitable snow removal services.”
Denver Public Works says they are doing all they can. “Since we live in a state where snow usually melts within a couple of days, we are not properly equipped to do snow removal for the entire city,” said Denver Public Works Chairman Brian Lohman. “We assure you, we are treating Stapleton the same as all Denver neighborhoods.
To Stapleton residents, it just doesn’t seem to be the case. “When I go to other neighborhoods, I see clean streets,” says Toby Sullivan. “Here, it is like the snow hit us the hardest. We are not that far east.” One of the solutions the MCA and SUN are looking into is investing in its own snow removal equipment and team. “This is an expensive venture, however, the MCA could easily make this money up simply by adding ice machines at all the pools,” said Victoria. The MCA is currently taking bids from contractors, and hopes to have one chosen by the end of January. “We know by hiring someone specifically for Stapleton, Denver as a whole may be adversely affected,” said Victoria. “However, our responsibility is to drivers and people in Stapleton, so we are trying to do what is best for them.]]>