Dear Denver Planning Board -

We, the undersigned residents of the 700 block of North Lafayette Street and the surrounding 7th Avenue historic neighborhood, write asking that you postpone the scheduled June 3rd, 2020 (3pm) Hearing for the rezoning request for 755 North Lafayette Street. We believe that our ability to provide a timely response to this request has been severely compromised by the current COVID situation, and we are requesting an extension to the Hearing Date so that safe and timely responses may be submitted.

The COVID Stay-at-Home orders and the period of emergency declared by the Mayor prevented a majority of nearby residents from seeing the signage of the rezoning application that is posted outside of 755 Lafayette Street. Many of us have only become aware of the rezoning request in the last few days. This is lack of awareness is reflected in the small number of letters from residents that are attached to the Staff Report - there are only 4 letters - a notably small number given the magnitude of the proposed change and the usual active involvement of this neighborhood in such matters.

Regardless of one’s position on the rezoning application, postponement will allow necessary time for nearby residents to review the application while adhering to State and City Safer-at-Home polices and to submit comments if desired. We believe that it is important that all potentially impacted residents have the opportunity to consider this proposed change and how it impacts the use and enjoyment of their properties, as well as the character of this neighborhood and its Historic Designation.

Rezoning, and the resulting change in character of a property and its historic neighborhood have significant implications that require close consideration by all parties involved. The exceptional conditions created by COVID have affected the ability of impacted residents to receive effective notice and thereby understand and comment upon the requested change. We respectfully request that we be given additional time to review and comment on the application through a postponement of the June 3rd Hearing, so that the due process rights of all impacted parties may be preserved.

Sincerely,