Parker Road Corridor Study Underway – and Andover Glen’s Interests are being protected

By Randy Simpson

In December of 2007, I had the opportunity to attend the first in a series of public meetings related to a study of traffic patterns and congestion along Parker Road. The boundaries for this corridor study run from E-470 on the south to Hampden Avenue on the north. The general purpose of the study is to see what types of modifications to Parker Road might be implemented to make sure that traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles can use the corridor in the most efficient manner possible. This study is a multimodal study – meaning that all types of users of the corridor are being looked at – not just motorized vehicles. As a result of this first meeting in December, I volunteered to be on the HOA subcommittee of the study group, and attended a meeting in last month, where Homeowner Associations could present their concerns and viewpoints related to Parker Road.  Many excellent ideas have been brought forth at both the meetings I’ve attended, for example, one of them was to create a consistent 45 mph speed limit for Parker Road north of Arapahoe (rather than the current jumping back and forth between 45 and 55 mph).

The Parker Road Corridor study will be continuing throughout 2008, and I will keep you informed about the results of the study. If you’d like to learn more, you can go to www.parkerroadcorridor.com.

Future meetings are open to the public, and I would encourage you to attend. The dates and times are listed on the website. ~

Parker Road Corridor Study Area Map

Covenant Review Process continues with special Board Meeting in March

By Randy Simpson

A first draft of proposed improvements and clarifications to the Andover Glen Covenants will be discussed at a special Board meeting scheduled for March 19^th at 7 p.m. at Shalom Park. The meeting is open to all Andover Glen HOA members. The regular Board meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m., prior to this special meeting. ~

When It Comes to Crime – An Ounce of Prevention Always Worth a Pound of Cure

By Derrick Laughlin

Here are some valuable excerpts courtesy of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office regarding Auto theft or vandalism, crimes of opportunity.

One of the biggest problems facing law enforcement is what they refer to as“puffers”. What are puffers? Puffers are cars left running and unattended. Some are cars

left outside of stores or businesses; the most common puffer is a car warming up outside of a residence during cold weather. A minute is an eternity to thieves so stay alert if you warm up your car in the morning, avoid becoming a statistic.

There are many things you can do to mitigate “crimes of opportunity”.

• Don’t leave your car running

unattended. (Did you know that

it is illegal in the state of Colorado

to leave your keys in a

running vehicle? CRS 42-4-

1206)

• Always close and secure your

garage door. (No matter the

time of day. Thieves are always

looking for the split second they

need to take something you

worked hard for).

• Do not leave keys in your vehicle.

(Even if you lock your car it

only takes a second for a car

thief to break the window and

make off with your car).

• Remove your valuables from your

vehicle when you’re not in it. (This

is most important when shopping

at a mall or grocery store).

• Always lock your doors. (A car

thief will look for the cars that

aren’t locked first because those

are the easiest targets).

• Report all suspicious persons and activity to appropriate authorities (Neighborhood Watch or police) immediately.

These simple safety suggestions will help to reduce chances of auto theft or vandalism in your household.

As a reminder, if you wish to be part of the ANDOVER GLEN EMAIL ALERT SYSTEM, please forward your email to:

CUSleuth@comcast.net. Derrick Laughlin is the Neighborhood Watch Chairperson and your email address will be used only for neighborhood security updates and alerts. ~

AG Neighbors Meet at “Common Grounds” Coffee Club (and you’re invited!)

By Randy Simpson

The first two months of the Andover Glen “Common Grounds” morning coffee club have been held in January and February and have been deliciously smashing successes.  This is a prefect chance to meet some of your neighbors and relax for fabulous and casual conversation and goodies over morning coffee.

The monthly coffee club meets at various homes around the Glen, and the next meeting is scheduled for March 28^th at the Wagner’s, 4913 S. Dillon. For information, please call Anne Stellmon at 303-699-8567.

Comment Period Opens for Centennial Airport Noise Study

By Randy Simpson

If you’ve ever been out walking your dog around the Sagebrush or Andover Glen Parks, you may have occasionally noticed (or even frequently noticed) aircraft flying over fairly low for landing at Centennial Airport.  Now is your chance to comment to the FAA on your thoughts about the take off and landing patterns for Centennial.

The FAA has begun their 180 day review of Centennial Airport’s FAR Part 150 Noise Exposure & Land Use Compatibility Program!   Notice has been published in the Federal Register and the FAA will be soliciting comments from interested parties until April 22, 2008.

On or before August 12, 2008 the FAA will approve or disapprove Centennial Airport’s Noise Compatibility Program (NCP)

Comments can be sent via mail to:

Linda Bruce
Federal Aviation Administration
Denver Airports District Office
26805 E. 68th Avenue Suite 224
Denver, CO 80249

And via email to:

linda.bruce@faa.gov

Comments will be posted for viewing at the FAA website:

www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/regional_guidance/northwest_mountain/environmental/

Copies of Centennial Airport’s Noise Compatibility Program and associated Noise Exposure Maps are available for review at the following locations:

Centennial Airport
7800 S. Peoria Street
Englewood, CO 80112
303-790-0598
www.centennialairport.com/part150.htm

FAA, Denver Airports District Office
26805 E. 68th Avenue, Suite 224
Denver, CO 80249-6361
(303) 342-1264

www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/regional_guidance/northwest_mountain/environmental/

FAA, Airport Division
1601 Lind Avenue, SW Suite 315
Renton, WA 98057-3356
(425) 227-2611

This is your opportunity to let the Federal Government know how you feel about aircraft noise from Centennial Airport over our neighborhood. Remember, if you don’t speak up now, you’ve got little right to complain later! ~

Special Feature Article:

Popularity of kitchen islands continues to surge

By Donna Foerster, GRI

Keller Williams Action Realty, LLC

More popular than ever, kitchen islands are transforming into multi-functional, aesthetically pleasing must-have features for a growing number of homeowners. 

Islands provide extra storage, seating and workspace.  “As a seating area, they’re great for cooks who like to have guests chat with them while they’re preparing a meal, perfect for moms who want to keep an eye on their children’s homework while making dinner, and a clever way for chefs

Continued on page 4

“Kitchen Islands” Continued from page 3

who like to cook alone to separate their workspace from the rest of the kitchen area,” said Kate Schwartz, editor of Kitchens.com, a web site devoted to kitchen design and remodeling.

Heart of the Kitchen

Along with sleek appliances, simple cabinetry, and plenty of custom touches, the island is among the requirements of today’s ideal kitchen.  Schwartz said the design of the kitchen island has evolved over the years.  She has noticed two key changes.

“First is the design itself.  Islands aren’t just rectangular units anymore,” Schwartz said.  “You’re seeing more curved and L-shaped islands, as well as two-tiered islands - - a great way to separate cooking and eating space, as well as providing a vertical wall surface for electrical outlets.”

The second change is the amount of activity taking place at today’s kitchen island.  Second sinks, dishwashers, cooktops, and ovens are installed in today’s islands.  Islands, Schwartz said, are great when two cooks are at work.  They also allow the cook working at the island to be more involved in the kitchen activity - - their backs aren’t turned, which is the case with traditional work spaces.

Future Trend

As for the future, Schwartz expects to see more contrasting finishes and woods, as well as different countertop surfaces - - butcher block for chopping, marble square for rolling dough, etc. If you see a kitchen island in your future remodel, the National Association of Kitchens and Baths offers the following planning suggestions:

Make sure there’s enough space between the island and other work areas.  You need to be able to open cabinet and appliance doors.  You probably also want to plan for enough room for two people to work in the kitchen. ~

If you have an ad or notice you’d like to place in the Gazette under the Neighbor to Neighbor section, or even an informative article for the Gazette, please contact Randy Simpson at rgatess@yahoo.com