Residents raise concerns over DNC logistics

Forum questions span security to road closings

David Accomazzo

Published July 29, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Photo by Matt Mcclain / The Rocky

Elbra Wedgeworth, who heads the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, shares a laugh before a public forum at Temple Sinai on what people can expect during the DNC.

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The public had the opportunity to voice concerns about logistics during the Democratic National Convention to various officials at a forum Monday in Denver.

Representatives of the Denver Police Department, the DNC Host Committee, Denver Public Works and the mayor's office fielded questions ranging from security to road closures to art exhibits during the convention.

Christina Beisel, who works with the host committee and mayor's office, said the city was encouraging people to walk and use public transportation during the event.

The city is partnering with Bikes Belong in Boulder to create a bike-sharing program that will bring 1,000 bicycles to Denver for the convention, she said. Those with a credit card can sign up for the program at free

wheelinwaytogo.com.

One woman asked about a rumor that officials planned to close roads around Cherry Creek Dam for security purposes.

"There's no plans at this time to close this road," said Denver Police Cmdr. Michael Battista.

A man asked which parts of the city residents will have access to during the convention.

Officials said the only restricted area will be around the Pepsi Center, and people will be able to walk elsewhere in the city uninhibited.

Officials said they know which roads will be closed to traffic from Aug. 23, through Aug. 27, but plans for Aug. 28, are still up in the air, said Dan Roberts of Denver Public Works.

Auraria Parkway will be closed from Speer Boulevard to Interstate 25 from midnight Aug. 23 to midnight Aug. 27.

Speer Boulevard will be closed from I-25 to Lawrence Street and Larimer Street, depending on the direction of a driver's approach, but will remain open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day to help relieve rush-hour traffic, Roberts said.

Light-rail service between Union Station and Invesco Field at Mile High will be suspended during the event, he said.

People living downtown who need to get to the Denver Tech Center via light rail will have to take the 16th Street Mall shuttle to light-rail stations on 16th Street, Roberts said.

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