Rack Restaurant Group, LLC dba Lloyd and Maxwell Wine and Spirits has applied for a Retail Liquor License to sell Malt, Vinous and spirituous liquor by the package for consumption off the premises at 614 E. Kentucky Ave. A public hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2008, at 9:00am at 201 West Colfax Ave, Dept 206, Denver, CO 80202. Neighbors can petition to request that the hearing time be moved to the evening: please contact the Dept of Excise and Licenses 720-865-2760.

The Zoning Committee of the West Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WWPNA) will meet with the applicant at a special meeting at the Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington, on Monday, March 3, 2008, 7:00 pm. You are invited to attend the meeting to discuss this application.

Aside from Washington Park itself, the Gates Rubber site at 999 South Broadway has probably been the most important historical actor in the history of our neighborhood. Yet most residents know little of the site's true history.

The attached report is thus a must-read. As historical overview and preservation plan, it suggests that the "historic core" to be preserved should include Units 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-6, 11, and 13. Preservation of these 6 buildings would "provide a connection to the manufacturing aspects of the site; convey the important elements of the site, such as connectivity and scale of buildings; impart an historic identity for the site; present a visual link to Denver's historic past; and recycle viable historic buildings."

Not only did this 53-acre parcel help employ nearly 50,000 workers throughout Denver, but its historic buildings and underground tunnels provided some of the more significant innovations in manufacturing history, including:
* V-belts (1917)
* Balloon tires (1922)
* Synthetic rubber belts (1943)
* Lead-acid rechargeable batteries (1973)

Gates was also a family-friendly place, with:
* A rooftop garden serving food at non-profit prices to employees
* An annual Christmas party, complete with personalized gifts for each child
* Employee profit sharing, averaging an extra 3-weeks salary each year
* State-of-the-art medical facilities free of charge to all employees and retirees

The merchants of the South Broadway district (Sobo) are staying open extended hours on the first Fridays through September 1 and offering special events and a scavenger hunt. Come and explore! For more information, go to
sobodenver.com

In 2002, CHUN put together the attached "Community Action Handbook [for] New Liquor License Procedures." Though now slightly dated, it provides a good primer for new boardmembers or interested neighborhood activists to understand some of the in's and out's of this arcane and often-contentious process.