Despite opposition from many of the city’s most powerful people, including Mayor Michael Hancock and the Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver is in the process of trying to implement its voter-approved Green Roofs Initiative.
The city's 24-member Green Roofs Review Task Force, which was formed under the umbrella of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, meets for its fifth public meeting since on Wednesday.
Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association President and CEO Amie Mayhew, a task force member, describes the 3-hour discussions as “wonky”, but admits the room is packed every time. There will be eight meetings in total.
Task force members are trying to figure out the best ways to achieve the goals of the green roofs ordinance: to reduce Denver's heat island problem, address climate change, improve storm water management and provide usable green spaces. They have been discussing how to implement the rules and whether they need to be adjusted in any way.
The ordinance requires all new rooftops on buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to be at least 20 percent "green space." The task force has been discussing what specifically qualifies.
City Council members will hear their first briefing on the task force's findings on April 2. The task force's formal recommendations are due by the end of May.
Wednesday's meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at 200 West 14th Avenue.
If you want to details about future meetings, click here.
