Press Release June 10, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2013

Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) is joining the lawsuit to save Hampden Heights North Park. Denver attorney John Case will represent INC on a pro-bono basis, along with two individual homeowners and the non-profit corporation Friends of Denver Parks.

Case said, “We are honored that INC will protect this unique wildlife park for all Denver citizens.”
Established in 1975, INC is a city-wide association of Registered Neighborhood Organizations.  With current membership of 94 residential based organizations, INC’s mission is to advocate for Denver citizens by bringing together, informing and empowering Denver neighborhood organizations to actively engage in addressing City issues.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2013 Judge Herbert L. Stern III will decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction preventing Mayor Hancock and city council from trading 10.7 acres of Hampden Heights North Park for an office building downtown. The plaintiffs rely on Section 2.4.5 of the city charter, which says that no part of any park acquired before 1955 may be sold without a vote of the people. Hampden Heights North Park was acquired by the city in 1936.

In addition to the lawsuit, Friends of Denver Parks is circulating a petition to allow voters to decide the issue in November.

City officials oppose the right of the people to be heard. On May 22 Denver Clerk and Recorder sent a letter to the plaintiffs telling them not to circulate petitions. On Saturday, June 8, Michael Sapp Jr., who is Mayor Hancock’s Neighborhood Liaison, warned INC at its public meeting not to join the lawsuit.

More information and copies of the legal documents may be viewed on the website www.FriendsOfDenverParks.org

People who wish to volunteer or donate should call Renee Lewis 303-337-2947.