December 19, 2013
50 cents Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 30, Issue 26 A publication of
wheatridgetranscript.com
Still on track W Rail projected meeting 2013 goals and beyond By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
T
he W Rail line has been open for just under eight months, and is well on the way to hitting the goals made for it, and rolling on to the future. According to Julia Yugel, public relations specialist with RTD, data about the line are still premature, but ridership numbers for the summer were about 14,000 boardings per day. “Considering school was not in session at that time, the numbers look good,” Yugel said in an email interview. “Projections called for about 18,000 boardings per day by the end of the year and we are on track to meet that number.” Nanette Neelan, Lakewood’s deputy city manager, said that the city will be looking at the economic impact in the coming months and years, and right now is the time to continue supporting the corridor. “The vibrancy we’re seeing started before the rail was even built, and we’re seeing it bring a new energy along the line,” she said. According to information provided by Neelan, retail vibrancy has increased along the line, with retail building sales volume in the Colfax light rail corridor increasing from less than $4 million annual to $12 million in 2013. “Multifamily projects which contribute to design, density and pedestrian friendliness has also increased, and that is the first step to attracting future retail,” she said. “We also have a lot of activity like the 40 West Arts district and the West Colfax Business Improvement District.” There are still areas that RTD are working on, and one of them is fine-tuning the schedule and matching the train aspect of demand. “Starting Jan. 5, schedules will be about one minute faster over the length of the line. This will improve connections at Auraria West Station to the other lines,” Yugel wrote. “Trains were reduced from three cars to two in August to
The W Rail has led to increased economic development, especially along the Colfax corridor. Photo by Clarke Reader
‘The vibrancy we’re seeing started before the rail was even built, and we’re seeing it bring a new energy along the line.’ — Nanette Neelan, Lakewood’s deputy city manager,
Track continues on Page 2
‘Life is bigger than football’ Broncos players hang with Wheat Ridge fans for a good cause By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com Domenic Espinoza bleeds orange and blue — as evidenced by the 11-year-old’s insistence that his dad take him to a recent Broncos game, where temperatures reached bone-chilling proportions. “He made me go to the game against the Tennessee Titans when it was zero out,” said Moses Espinoza of Denver. “I told him I’d buy him whatever he wanted if we could just stay in and watch the game at home. He said, ‘No, we’re going.’” Domenic’s loyalty for the Broncos knows no bounds. So, it’s no wonder that the young Bronco Maniac pounced at the opportunity to hang out with some of his heroes at charity event in Wheat Ridge over the weekend. Several Broncos players converged on the Brunswick Zone Wheat Ridge on Dec. 14 for the “Bronco Bowling Bash,” an event that raised money for Make-A-
Broncos defensive lineman Mitch Unrein poses for a photo with fan Domenic Espinoza during the Bronco Bowling Bash charity event in Wheat Ridge on Dec. 14. Photos by Vic Vela
Broncos kicker Matt Prater signs the back of a fan’s jersey during the Bronco Bowling Bash charity event in Wheat Ridge on Dec. 14.
Wish Colorado. The fundraiser, which was put on by Strikes for Kids, a national nonprofit youth organization, gave Broncos fans of all ages the opportunity to bowl and rub shoulders with some of their favorite players. And don’t think for a minute that the fans were having more fun than the players. “This means a lot to us,” said Broncos tight end Julius Thomas,
disability that he suffered several years ago. “There’s a lot of disabled people who have a hard time going to Broncos games,” said Eaglehelper, who was holding an orange Broncos cap that was signed by Prater. “This is much more of a blessing for the fans than the players, because the people get so much more out of it.” Fans paid about $35 each to participate. The registration fee included a few games of bowling, gifts and the opportunity to have memorabilia signed by Broncos players. While fans and players had a blast, the big winner was MakeA-Wish Colorado, an organization that grants the wishes of Colorado children who face lifethreatening medical conditions. “Any time we can give back to the community and the Make-AWish foundation is a good day,”
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who had an ear-to-ear grin on his face. “You have to remember that life is bigger than football. As athletes, we have an opportunity to influence lives in the community. This is one of the highlights of being an athlete.” Broncos kicker Matt Prater, safety Duke Ihenacho, defensive lineman Mitch Unrein and long snapper Aaron Brewer also took part in the bowling bash. “It’s an honor to be a part of it and to give back,” Prater said. “We’re fortunate to have the lives that we have and it’s nice to give back and spend some time with people.” The event also brought out folks who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to see Broncos players, up close and personal. That’s especially true for Bryan Eaglehelper. The Cherry Hills Village man is wheelchair-bound due to a back
Unrein said. “It does so much for kids who are going through lifethreatening diseases. It’s a great opportunity to raise money for a great cause.” The event was particularly exciting for the humble Brewer, who by his own admission was the least-known of the Broncos players in attendance. “I’m just a long snapper and nobody knows who I am,” Brewer said with a chuckle. “So people are like, ‘Oh, I want your autograph.’ And I’m like, ‘Alright I’ll give it to you.’ Hey, if I was a little kid and saw an NFL player, I’d be all over him too. It’s very cool.”
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