It took 2 1/2 years, but what many in Denver, Colorado said was impossible came true. Caring neighbors were able to convince City Council to preserve their older single family neighborhoods from the destruction caused by thoughtless (but rich!) developers determined to destroy the old homes for new (and very large) multiplexes. One neighborhood, West Highlands, is composed of mostly bungalows. The other, Sloan's Lake, is mostly all brick small one-story 1950's homes. Despite the differences in style and age of the homes the neighbors recognized the value of the character these homes bestowed on the area. Not only was the demolition of these single-family homes bad environmentally, but the change in character a replacement multiplex caused was against a long ago approved, but never implemented, city plan for those areas.

If you have a neighborhood, or just one building, you want to preserve, here are some surprising things you might, and we did, find. First, there doesn't seem to be any one place on the internet where you can see what others in other parts of the country have done to accomplish the same thing. (I hope this forum can serve that purpose) Next, it doesn't take many people to accomplish a goal and in fact, you will find it difficult to find many who will make the time commitment to consistently help. The key is not to get discouraged because when it really counts your supporters will come thru. Lastly, it will take much longer than you think it will but once you accomplish your preservation goal you will make the process much shorter for those who follow. Our 2 1/2 year rezoning journey will make it possible for another Denver neighborhood to be rezoned in about 4 months. To assist those who want to accomplish the same, we are keeping our website up. Please visit: www.rightzoningnorthwestdenver.com Please let us know if it was helpful. Jude Aiello, Denver,Colorado

Thanks for all the great information, Jude. We've heard here at American Bungalow that your efforts in West Highlands and Sloan's Lake have inspired other neighborhoods in Denver - like West Washington Park and South Park Hill - to follow suit in attempting to limit overdevelopment. Congratulations!

Sidenote for AB readers: Look for my West Highlands "follow-up" article in the upcoming Winter issue of American Bungalow. Exciting stuff going on in Denver!