Changing enforcement and greater activation have changed Commons Park in Denver, which is no longer the site of the drug use that gave the hill its moniker.
The homeless population that used to spend its time on the hill in Commons Park in Denver has been moved. "Denver Parks and Recreation officials and Cohen’s Riverfront Park Association tried out different strategies to nudge along homeless adults and the young people, including a heavy mix of pot smokers and other drug users, who sat on the hill and surrounding areas for much of the day," John Murray reports for the Denver Post.
After city park officials installed nine security cameras and hired private security, the site became less attractive to the homeless who spent days there. Many in the neighborhood say they can see a big difference. Park officials also claim their efforts to activate the park with events helped change the population that’s using the public space.
FULL STORY: Commons Park’s “Stoner Hill” no longer fits the name, and Denver riverfront residents hail the change
Denver Canal Trail to Receive $100 Million Upgrade
The funding will support maintenance and repair projects along the 71-mile High Line Canal.
Opening of Denver’s New Freeway Cap Park Triggers Gentrification Fears
Local residents fear rising housing costs and displacement with the opening of a new four-acre park built on a deck bridge over the newly reconstructed and widened I-70 interstate.
Denver Residents Lack Transit Access to Local Parks
Despite an early plan to run rail lines to the city’s mountain parks, they are not easily accessible to Denverites without cars.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
