Wheat Ridge Transcript 0501

Page 1

May 1, 2014

50 cents Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 30, Issue 44 A publication of

wheatridgetranscript.com

Schafer declines to seek fourth term

TEAMWORK

Served in the house for six years By Clarke Reader

creader@colorado communitymedia.com

The Lady Farmers and their coaches take a moment to pose before a match against Dakota Ridge last week. The girl’s regular season is over but Wheat Ridge is now preparing for regional and then state if they qualify. See story Page 16. Photo by Daniel Williams

There will be no campaign for a fourth term for Rep. Sue Schafer (D-Wheat Ridge), and that’s the way she wants it so she can give all her attention to her family. “Being a lawmaker is an intense job, and I’ve done a lot of traveling for my work, so I want to spend more time with my daughters,” Schafer said. “This experience has been Schafer the greatest honor and privilege of my life representing the people of Jefferson County.” Schafer was first elected in 2008 and

Term continues on Page 15

Legendary Pub laments closing Clancy’s to hold ‘wake’ on May 4

‘People have a relationship

By Hugh Johnson Clancy’s Irish Pub is located on the backside of an abandoned L-shaped plaza that stands next to a dilapidated, empty store. The asphalt of the parking lot is ravaged with pot holes. The pub is a part of a rundown shopping center on the southwest corner of 38th Avenue and Kipling Street. For 41 years the pub has been in business despite changing times and an aging location. Owner Chad Martin, claims Clancy’s is the oldest pub in Denver ... well, in the Denver metro area. But on May 4 that all comes to an abrupt end. The City of Wheat Ridge, Renewal Wheat Ridge and Millenium Venture Group or MVG plan to demolish the property and bring a Sprouts Farmers Market, a 64-unit senior housing facility and a quick service restaurant to replace the 6.3-acre property. The near half-century old pub is not a part of the plan. Martin said that he and co-owner Jeffrey Hurlburt met with MVG and a city representative at a meeting in October. Martin said they were told that the property had been sold and unless the could meet the lofty rent and wait to reopen in 2015, Clancy’s would have to relocate. That’s not an easy process. Martin said that relocating would cost at least six figures. That’s money he and Hurlburt don’t have and they aren’t looking to rack up major debt through loans and credit lines. Still, the duo is

with bars. You know you watch the TV show ‘Cheers.’ Those people went to Cheers because it was something that was a part of their lives.’ Chad Martin, co-owner Clancy’s Irish pub located on 38th and Kipling. Photo by Hugh Johnson looking for a place to move their business to. What’s leaving a bad taste in Martin’s mouth is that the city and MVG would move on without a business entity that has a good reputation throughout the Wheat Ridge community. “We have a good reputation aside from being in a dead complex,” Martin said. “People have a relationship with bars. You know you watch the TV show ‘Cheers.’ Those people went to Cheers because it was something that was a part of their lives. They made friends and I think we made a lot of friendships with patrons.”

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Making those friendships wasn’t easy. When Hurlburt and Martin took over the bar some four years ago, there were many inconsistencies. The food wasn’t always as good, the hours of operation were scattered with closing time being at different times on different days. To reinvigorate the business the two worked on consistency. The bar is open from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. everyday. Clancy’s has also been more consistent in its entertainment. Celtic night is on Tuesday. Musicians from various bands come to Clancy’s to jam out to Celtic songs. They don’t get paid, the bar simply buys them a few rounds. The result is a night that draws large crowds of all ages and a consistent flow of patrons throughout the week and into the weekend. The year 2013 was the pub’s best year as it broke a slump it’s been in since 2006. Year to date, the first quarter of 2014 has been their best quarter ever. “It’s like an analogy if you had a hitting streak in baseball and they just said, ‘Well no sit this game out.’ Well wait a minute I’m hot, we’re hot. We got people coming in, we got new faces,” Martin said. Another issue that Martin raised with the

project is the shift to a more corporate look and feel. Instead of locally owned businesses, the new project will feature a fast food restaurant and a Sprouts market. Martin noted that current tenant Starbucks will remain in the plaza. “I think that they (the city) are fine with it because they are going to make money,” Martin stated. Martin said he has gotten numerous questions from patrons wondering where the pub will relocate to and what’s next. Martin said that his pub has a nice family friendly vibe. There are other bars in Wheat Ridge but they are bars, whereas parents feel safe bringing their children to Clancy’s. After the closing, Martin said he is not sure whether the establishment will open again eventually. When asked whether or not he’d consider leaving Wheat Ridge, Martin said it wouldn’t be in his best interest but he may have to consider it. But any new establishments outside the city would not be called Clancy’s however. Martin invited Wheat Ridge residents to come out to Clancy’s May 4, where they’ll hold a “wake” for the pub.


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