Andover Glen Wins Major Xeriscape Grant from the City!

By Randy Simpson

2009  looks to be getting off to a very positive start for Andover Glen, as our community was one of two in the city of Aurora to be the recipient of a sizeable xeriscape grant from the Aurora Water Department. Andover Glen was one of nine neighborhoods competing for the grant monies, and only two were selected. It is estimated that the value of the grant to our neighborhood could be in the range of $30,000. The grassy areas along Parker Road, which take enormous amount of water to keep green, were chosen as the focus of this xeriscape project.

Example of a xeriscape project

While several Andover Glen neighbors worked on this project, there were two that were most integral its success—Norm and Quink Arlt. They will providing more details about this project in the March Gazette, but for now I think it’s important to recognize the time and hard work they’ve put into this project—so a very big THANK YOU to them! ~

Parker Road Corridor Study concludes

By Norm Arlt

The final Park Road Corridor Study meeting was held recently and several Andover Glen residents attended. Here is a summary of items of note, especially as they relate to Andover Glen:

* Drawings indicated a bike path connecting from a tunnel under Parker Road and going through our park, north of the creek, and connecting to the spillway to Layton Drive. Several of us had concerns about having a public path going through our private park.

* There was also a sidewalk (probably 8') proposed along the east side of Parker Road in our right of way. It would seem to be much better for access if the tunnel would connect with this sidewalk and on up to Saratoga rather than going through our park.

* Another lane each way is proposed for Parker Road in our area. This would add 12' for each lane, although not necessarily equally on each side. We should keep this in mind for any xeriscaping projects that we do. (see previous article in this month’s Gazette).

* We raised the issue of a sound barrier in front of our neighborhood, and we were told this would be determined at a future environmental impact stage.

* None of the projects in the study, other than Parker and Arapahoe, have any funding identified, so it may be many years before

Parker Road Corridor Study continues on page 2

Parker Road Corridor Study, from page 1

anything happens. Also, it appears that the

Parker and Arapahoe overpass will happen by 2012 or 2013.

* Several of us filed comments about the issues above. Anyone can file comments by visiting the website www.parkerroadcorridor.com ~

Some winter safety tips…

By Derrick Laughlin

As Eddie Murphy (as Reggie Hammond) once said, “There’s a new sheriff in town” (ok, PAR officer) and his name is Officer Thomas Beach.  Officer Beach replaces John Masson of the Aurora PD as designate contact for Andover Glen and our continuing Neighborhood Watch Program. He brings 12 years of experience to the table and is enthusiastic and excited about his new duties. He is hoping to get acquainted over the next few months but asks to speak up if he is needed (his direct line is 303-627-3177).

As a reminder heading into the spring, there are many things you can do to mitigate “crimes of opportunity”:

• Don’t leave your car running unattended. (Also called “puffing”, it is illegal the state of Colorado to leave your keys in a running vehicle, CRS 42-4-1206)

“Puffing” is both illegal and also invites criminals to steal your vehicle.

• Always secure your garage area. (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).

• Even when garaged, 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 secure your home when leaving, lock your doors and close and lock the ground floor and accessible second floor windows.

Report all suspicious persons and activity to appropriate authorities (Neighborhood Watch or police) immediately, you’ll be surprise how quickly all are informed and willing to assist!

These simple safety suggestions will help to reduce chances of auto theft or vandalism of 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 NW chair person. The email address will be used only for neighborhood security updates and alerts and any transmissions will be sent by “blind courier” so no one else has your email address. Have a happy and safe spring! ~

“Preventing crime never happens by accident.”

- Anonymous

Protect Your Home from Winter’s Chilling Dangers

Submitted by Donna Foerster, GRI

Keller Williams Action Realty, LLC

This article was written by Susan Eaton, Move, Inc.

Winter is a crucial time for fire safety concerns, as clogged chimneys, poorly wired central heating systems, and blocked dryer vents can easily start fires that claim many lives each year.  Though the number of fire deaths dropped 11 percent from 1998-1999, 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home, and 70 percent of all structure fires are in homes, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Smoke and CO Detectors

Smoke alarms most likely deserve credit for the drop in fire fatalities.  They reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency/U. S. Fire Administration.  Homeowners should replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year.

And it’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can detect the deadly gas building up in your home.  The odorless and colorless but very toxic gas can be produced by gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning fireplaces or furnaces and motor vehicles.

Regular Maintenance

While many homeowners have smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, they may not be as diligent about taking preventive steps to keep those alarms from going off.  It’s not a major investment for homeowners to have their chimneys swept and furnace tuned up annually.

Be aware, may homes have more than on chimney - - in addition to the brick and mortar version, there’s often another venting the furnace or other appliances.  Furnace filters should be changed monthly, unless a special long-life filter is installed.

A fire can start in a blocked, dirty chimney.  Debris and creosote in a chimney can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide inside the home.  Homeowners may realize that a chimney is dirty if they see smoke or soot in their home, but chimneys should by checked by a professional even if nothing seems amiss.

In addition to checking chimneys, chimney sweeps also check dryer vents.  There are as many dryer exhaust fires as chimney fires.  Symptoms of a clogged dryer duct include incomplete drying of clothes and very hot dryer temperatures. 

How to Hire a Pro

When hiring a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor, check with the Better Business Bureau and heating and air conditioning association.  And a guy with a broom does not qualify as a chimney sweep!  Check with the National Chimney Sweep Guild.  Its members are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.  Homeowners can call 1-800-536-0118 or visit the group’s Web site at www.csia.org, to find a certified sweep. ~

Departing Member Creates an Opening on the AG Board

By Randy Simpson

After many years of living in the Glen, Barb and Mitch Powell have now officially moved out of the neighborhood. Barb had been the treasurer for the AG Board for several years, and her duties will now be taken over by current board member Dick Moore. This means there is now an opening on the Board! Please contact any current board member for more information. ~

The City of Aurora wants your input on the budget…

By Randy Simpson

Even without the current economic downturn in our state and nation, the City of Aurora has been facing what it calls a “structural budget problem” that needs serious attention. It is estimated for example that for the 2010 budget, Aurora could be facing a shortfall of anywhere between $12 million and $25 million. The bottom line is that the city’s revenues, drawn primarily from sales taxes, have not been keeping up with the expenditures—this despite many years of hiring freezes, elimination of vacant positions, service reductions, etc. In a series of public meetings that began last December, the city has been seeking citizen input on solutions to this long-term budgetary problem. Since the city must have a balanced budget, the general options are that services must be cut, or taxes and fees raised, or some combination thereof. The city has been asking citizens to prioritize and rank city services, with the possibility that some of the lower ranked ones could be cut in order to balance the budget. The other possibility is to create special taxing districts to pay for city services such as libraries, that are currently paid for out of the city’s general fund. Make no mistake, these “special districts” would be a tax increase, but citizens would get the chance to vote directly on whether or not these services are a priority enough to fund through a special district. Other options that have been offered so far include the raising of property taxes.

It is very important to note that nothing has been decided yet, and City Council is still in a fact finding mode. This is where you come in! If you’d like to offer your input, you can go to the city’s website at www.auroragov.org for contact information.  Andover Glen is in Ward 6 of the city, and our Council Member is Bob Broom. You can address your input directly to him, or contact any other Council Member. This is an issue that is critical to the future of Aurora and won’t go away over night. Take the time to give your input! ~

We are always looking for informative and interesting articles for the Gazette. If you have one you’d like to share,  please contact Randy Simpson at rgatess@yahoo.com

The Andover Glen “Common Grounds” Coffee Club meets on the last Friday of every month. The location moves around from month to month, and new faces are always welcome! For more information, please contact M.L. Hanson at 303-627-4044.