🚗 Big new plans revealed for I-25 and Speer

🏗️ Denver Promises Building Permits in 180 Days

Mayor Mike Johnston signed his first executive order to speed up the building permit process, or else allow developers to recoup up to $10,000 in costs. The change is one of many being made to streamline development after the city saw a huge backlog due to permits taking up to two years to approve. [Denver Post 🔒]

🏘️ Housing Density Discussion Spurs Controversy

Despite a metro area housing shortage of more than 70,000 units, there is large opposition in local communities to increasing density within their neighborhoods. In Littleton, residents have formed an advocacy group to fight densification and encourage more voter involvement in the development process.

• Prices Stagnant: There are more than 10,000 houses on the market in Denver right now, but the significant supply has done little to move the average home price down from around $660,000. [Denverite]

🌯 Updates at Illegal Pete’s

After the City Cast Denver podcast looked into allegations made about the work environment and food quality at Illegal Pete’s, they talked to Pete Turner himself. In the weeks since the conversation, the company has apparently made some changes in response. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚧 New Interchange Planned for I-25 and Speer Blvd

The Colorado Department of Transportation said it's planning a “diverging diamond” interchange at this busy intersection, which is supposed to ease the flow of traffic without adding lanes. The plan also includes a “braid” design for 23rd Avenue, which will maintain the on and off ramps at the interchange. [Denverite]

Earth Day is coming up on April 26 and it’s spring cleaning season! To help you out, we put together this handy guide on how to recycle anything and everything that might be taking up space in your basement, garage, or storage unit 📦

🏠 Schedule pickups for old household appliances

Old appliances can also contain hazardous materials, so be sure to schedule a pick-up with the City of Denver for washers, dryers, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and more. Xcel Energy customers can get a $50 rebate for recycling your fridge.

🛋️ Your worn out couch could have a second life!

The Good Couch will pick up your old sectional or loveseat, clean and refurbish it with a five-step restoration process, then place it in their showroom with other upcycled living room sets at an affordable price. The company not only reduces furniture waste, it also donates a portion of proceeds to Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

📺 Broken and outdated electronics can – and should – be recycled

That old flatscreen TV in your basement can contain harmful materials, so proper recycling is crucial. Places like Blue Star Recyclers, Techno Rescue, and R2 eCycle can recycle electronics safely, while also promising data protection for sensitive information that might be living on an old computer or phone.

🪑 When in doubt, check out Denver’s large item pick up schedule

As part of regular trash service, each neighborhood has a scheduled pick up day every few weeks if you need to off-load larger household items that don’t fit in the trash or recycle bin. Be sure to check the city’s website for a complete list of accepted items.