🦫⛽ Why people are losing it over a new gas station

🏠 Fire Hazard or Housing Solution?

Local pro-density housing advocates are championing proposed legislation to bring single-stairwell apartment buildings — which were outlawed decades ago — back to Denver. Bill sponsors say it could be one affordable solution to the Mile High’s housing crisis. But Denver firefighters are formally opposing the legislation, citing fire safety hazards. [Denverite]

⚖️ Leslie Herod Cleared of Sexual Assault Allegations

A Denver judge has ruled that accusations of sexual assault against Rep. Leslie Herod could not be substantiated and granted the lawmaker a protection order against her accuser, Sheena Kadi. In the wake of the ruling, Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib has called on Kadi — spokesperson for the Colorado Treasurer’s Office and vice chair of public relations and marketing for the Colorado Democratic Party — to resign from her post. [Denver Post]

🚏 RTD Tests New Safety Measures

In an effort to curb illegal activities, RTD is running a new public safety pilot program at three of its stations — Nine Mile, Colorado, and Southmoor — now through mid-June. The added measures will keep station elevators perpetually open when not in use in order to dissuade people from using the elevators for “anything other than what is intended.” [Denverite]

• Speaking of RTD: Service on the L Line will be suspended all this week through Friday for maintenance. RTD suggests the 43 bus as an alternative.

🚔 Former Aurora Police Chief Sues the City

Former Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson is suing the city for wrongful termination, asserting that her controversial firing in April 2022 was retaliation for enforcing a consent decree at the department meant to address racism within the force. Wilson alleges she was discriminated against because of her support of and association with people of color. [Denver7]

🌆 The Fight for ‘Old Denver’

A preservation fight is brewing over plans to demolish El Chapultepec, Denver’s oldest jazz bar. Meanwhile, The Brown Palace, one of Denver’s most historic hotels, just laid off all its doormen and bell staff and has plans to replace them with an out-of-state valet company instead. Are we losing what’s left of “old Denver”? Or is the Mile High ripe for fresh opportunity? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Brown Palace Layoffs, Saving El Chapultepec, and Your Fave Grocery Stores

The fight over El Chapultepec’s fate is on — developers and preservationists are duking it out over the threat of demolition and what its history means for the city. Meanwhile, The Brown Palace’s controversial layoffs threaten to tarnish the image of the once-grand hotel. What do these current battles say about the state of Downtown Denver? As it turns out, a lot.