U.S. Thai Cafe windows were shot out

I NEED YOUR HELP · U.S. Thai Cafe windows were shot out

Recently, the windows were all shot out at a great expense to the owner. This is very dis-heartening, as the owner is doing his best here in Edgewater, and is now concerned for his and Employee's safety here.
I would like to please ask as many people as possible to call the Mayor (303-238-7803) and council persons to ask for a day/ night camera on the Edgewater sign facing west to help catch future gangs and fight grafitti, burglary, violence, and potentially worse...

If this continues, we may end up with boarded, abandoned buildings, and then we all lose...so PLEASE HELP, to insist that the city use some of the revenue these businesses bring to place a camera and record. We need protection, and they need a helping hand as they help all of us...and please support Ma (the Owner).

Thanks for reading.

Good idea

I really like eating at the us thai place. They are very nice people and the food is great.

Little Brother

With great concern and respect for the unfortunate turn of events on 25th ave I can’t say that I agree with your suggested solution. I don’t feel it is appropriate for the city to monitor and record activities on private property. If it is okay to record the goings on along 25th ave why not record every other residential street in town? I do however feel that it is the right of each property owner or tenant to do what they feel is necessary to safe guard their families and employees. That said, the responsibility for providing monitored surveillance of private property would appropriately fall on the shoulders of the business owner or the owner of the building, not the city. I trust the police department is aware of this and I would hope they have implemented additional patrols in this area. If they haven’t, then buy all means contact the Mayor.

JamieMac. · Security

I have to agree with Little Brother on this. It is the responsibility of the owners to provide security for their own businesses. Taxes from these businesses are not anywhere near sufficient to provide security cameras.
My mom and granddaughter and I ate there the day after it happened. I was amazed that they were able to get off enough shots to hit every window in the front without being noticed. I will say that I do not know what, if any, evidence the police have right now. I am hoping that it was just a random act of stupid by some kids rather than being directed at the owners themselves. It is a very nice place to eat, and the staff and owners seem to be really nice people.
Although it is a very unfortunate incident, it is a solitary incident. I would hate for people to think that it is not safe to go downtown and have a nice meal.

Guesterooni · Heads out of the sand, please. Do Something!

All of London has camera surveillance my dear little republicans. It is not a bad idea if you don't want these businesses to flee. It's hard enough staying in business in these hard times, the least the community can do is make it known to vandals that they are being watched. Heck put up a black box that looks like surveillance and post a bunch of warnings that they are being watched, there's the cheapo, personal privacy way, but doing nothing is neglect and a mistake. Are you listening Council?

Guest

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy, January 20th, 1961

Not bad for a Democrat. Maybe we need to revisit the over all intent of the speech. Over and over again President Kennedy emphasized not what will be done for you, but what together we can do.

Reality Check: If you are waiting for the city to make you happy and successful you are going to be very, very disappointed.

Guesterooni · What I can do for my Thai food, and ah, my country?

OK, you are right. Waiting for Council is a lifelong process, like growing wrinkles. I will go get a shoebox, paint it black and mount it on the sign myself. What was I thinking?
Now, everyone spread a rumor we have cameras on 25th. Rumor is what works in Edgewater. Let's use it to our advantage.

Oh, one more thing. Let's all go have dinner at US Thai one night this week and tell them how much we appreciate them. Just a thought.

noper · Very good ideation

I understand that the Edgewadder Redevelopment Authoritie purchased fake video cameras for fake surveillance of the parking lot at the end of 25th. Someone had a real good idea there. Hey Nelson have you gotten around to putting the fake camera up? You (we) paid for it, why not use it? If ERA isn't going to mount the fake camera, maybe they can give it to the Thai person.

His food is too hot anyway. I wonder why no shots were taken at any other business owners. That is odd. Is there maybe a bit more to the story that humble loveable trustworthy Thai person is not sharing with his loyal customers? Like maybe it was not random at all.

Someone shot the owner of a chinese restaurant (Chinja) in Denver several years ago. After much investigation, it turned out there was a huge gambling debt owed and unpaid by the victim.

Don't much believe in unexplainable random stuff myself.

JamieMac.

Geez, Guesterooni, you can really throw a punch, can't you? I'm not going to waste time trying to guess who you are. I absolutely expected your comeback about London

(Didn't see the 'little Republican' shot coming, though)
You sure do put a lot of expectations on council for someone with so little faith in their abilities. Next election I sure hope to see your name in the ballot box.

End The Insanity · Get A Life.....

The damage done to US Thai is from a pellet gun... No shots penetrated the glass... 18-22 caliber pellets.... No gangs no criminals.... Probably an Ex-employee...Why does everyone on this board think the worse without being informed??? I am sure the police have it covered..... Everybody take a Zanax......and for everyone that cares a DVR and camera will cost under $250.....

$6.67

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=334176

Guesterooni · an apology

I don’t feel it is appropriate for the city to monitor and record activities on private property. This comment caused me to mention London.
If it is okay to record the goings on along 25th ave why not record every other residential street in town? This comment caused me to refer to little republicans (notice the small "r"?) It could be "little libertarians" too. Whatever.
Saying "Are you listening Council?" was a simple, sincere question. Someone ripped me by suggesting I was being too demanding of Council by asking if they were listening so I got a little reactive. It was meant to be a joke, JamieMac. Nothing personal. Honest. Oh, and about running for Council?

I would never aspire to those heights. I'm fine putting up and shutting up. Thanks though.

JamieMac.

Nothing personal taken, Guesterooni - (especially since I'm pretty sure who the jibes came from)

original author of this · need your help

A camera under the sign is a camera for a city street...NOT private property! For example, Denver has many street view cameras, and 1 in particular is on a corner of Colfax by the Capital. It DETERS and catches criminals. I imagine some do not want this in fear of privacy...what are you doing illegally???

It was pellets, but next time it could be bullets. Organized gangs infiltrate small sucessful businesses like these with violence, and then return for continous pay-off's to keep this or worse from happening...do we really want this kept private??? Would'nt it be great to catch thieves, taggers, gangs, and violence? Think it will never happen to you or your loved ones??? Recently a fight broke out at the Tiki and someone destroyed their window shoving them.

Even the fake cameras and signage MAY help, but the City should "give back" some of the revenues these businesses dole out to them, and help with protecting the vulnerable, weak, and old.

But PLEASE support them, and lobby for a camera now, and yes, if crime is happening at our businesses, those affected streets should be video taped...criminals hide when the police drive buy, but cameras help them do a better job!

Guest

I think that you should look at how much is actually 'doled' out to the city from the businesses on 25th Avenue before you start spending what little there actually is. The city 'gives back' by providing police and fire support, street maintenance, administrative and public works. THAT is what "ALL THOSE TAXES GETTING DOLED OUT' go to pay for. And if you think that the businesses on 25th cover those costs, think again. We are not Denver or London. If the businesses on 25th want to get big city benefits, then they need to start thinking bigger. I believe there is currently a group of business people that is starting to work together to improve the area, but this will take time. It is a good start though. This area has never been a cash cow for Edgewater. It probably never will unless the whole dynamics of the businesses change.
A poster recalled a statement that was made many years ago - ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. This is the attitude that needs to be adopted for this city. The government is not the answer to all the problems in this city, no matter how much you want it to be.
In case you haven't noticed, it has never been the answer.
Edgewater citizens and businesses need to start taking control of their surroundings - not by demanding what should be done for them, but by doing what needs to be done themselves, and taking the initiative to demand what is rightfully the responsibility AND within the capabilities of the city government. Then, and only then, will Edgewater begin the change it needs to prosper.

gofer · creepenomics

Give it a break. Businesses do not "dole out" anything to the city. Unless you count the paltry business license fee. It is the customers who pay the sales taxes to the city not the businesses.

As to more government meddling into the private sector, stop the craziness. Anybody who thinks his or her business success is tied to the actions of council or the ERA needs his or her head examined.

Want more revenue? Build a better business. How about that for an idea? What about a product offering differentiation or value or quality of service.

The reason most businesses fail is due to a bad or unrealistic business model and undercapitalization going in. Not the lack of government support.

You want total socialism go to England. Me I want less.

Guest

A little harsh, but otherwise well said, Gofer.

No way · A little history to the one with the open hand...

I'll take it from another angle. 25th Avenue has been the darling of Edgewater and our spoiled little brat who has already been the hapless recipient of just about every grant that has come along for years!
And to the complete neglect of any other part town.
The ERA has thrown money at 25th, Open Space has thrown money at 25th, CDBG has thrown money at 25th and what do we get? Not very bloody much. A number of fairly uninspired businesses come and go and there are some (ok, way too many) funky street lights. Maybe you can sell some lights and buy video cameras. I really think 25th has already had more than their fair share.

Guest

No way, I agree in principal (ya kinda have to follow council to get that little joke - thanks Bert) with your assessment and would like to point out another observation. As JeffCo and others here in Edgewater like to believe 25th Avenue is ‘The Next Highlands’. Well, that isn’t going to happen until people figure out that Denver didn’t make Highlands. The business owners made Highlands. It wasn’t a city that created a thieving market place where people aspired to live. Highland’s success is a testament to the vision and hard work of individuals in the private sector that stood up and took control of their future.

Edgewater isn’t a very business-friendly place. We need to work on that. But that has to do with city wide policies and ignorance, not the lack of benches, lights and cameras. With any luck at all the city manager will bring some much needed perspective to our little town.

Guest

The liquor store has a camera outside but they are over rated. Even if it captures a picture the image wont be quality. Even if you do get a quaility photo unless the store owner recognizes it you got nothing. CSI is a great show but the news or crime stoppers is not going to show photos because of a broken window.

no way · reality bites

Guest

well said

you're kidding me right? · hope you're never a victim

Wow...you Rebubli'cant's...always worried about big brother...and "personaal responsibility"...look where that got us...if only big brother would have been minding wallstreet and banks...so how is that workin for ya now??? "got 401k???"

Cameras can assist the P.D., and it is the city's responsibility to protect all of us...true that these businesses collect less taxes than bigger ones, but you call them spoiled???

You try a restaurant business!

I am sure you will change your viewpoint when you are a hit.

Anyway, is there anyone on this blog that has enough compasion to dine at the "spoiled" restaurants on 25th?

thank you

What an insightful post. I'm sure I speak for all of us on the stick when I say an intellect like your's is a godsend to the world.

We've all been victims · Re: hope you're never a victim

Darwin · spend it where you want it

In the last 12 months I have eaten at the following Edgewater joints:
Sloan's [great atmosphere, mediocre food];
Edgewater Inn [excellent pizza, great atmosphere];
Tiki Lounge [very uninspired all around];
US Thai [good food, poor service, good place];
Angie's [miss it];
Tamale Kitchen [lousy breakfast burrito];
Cooler [loud, fun, bar food];
McDonalds [McFlurries are good];
Sonic [late night treats]

I vote with my wallet. I don't want my few available tax dollars or grant money that could be used for parks, police and fire, or programming being used to subsidize businesses. Good ones will thrive, bad ones need to go away.

Guest

I have to agree with the person who said that owning a restaraunt is not easy. Been there, done that. My failure was nobodys fault but my own. I had a great business plan that the banks were more than happy to loan money for. I had a location that was all set to be the next highlands, and I had a great idea and good people working for me. But it failed. Why? Because the 'great location' was all based on something that was supposed to happen and didn't. At least not until a lot of people with the same vision lost their businesses as well. Was that the fault of the developers who were supposed to make that spot the new hot spot? No. Was it the fault of the city of Denver for not warning us that it wasn't a for sure thing? No. It was my fault for what can only be known as speculating. I took a chance and it failed. That is what being an entrepreneur is all about. The willingness to take a risk. And if it fails you take the fault as well.
If you don't like the way things are going, either change them or get out of the business.

With Respect

From Wikipedia:

"Respect is esteem for, or a sense of the worth or excellence of, a person, a personal quality, ability, or a manifestation of a personal quality or ability."

Guest from Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:02 pm,
Your post is the most respectable contribution to this thread. Thank you.

Appreciative · ...of your candor

To all the posters on this thread who didn't win the "respect" competition but bothered to express your ideas and your opinions whether they are deemed "respectful" or not, thank you for your thoughts as well. There is "respectful" and there is sincere, insightful or simply truthful for you. These are all welcome, meaningful posts. Thank you.
I hope you don't feel judged.

Guest

Who said anything about a contest? The Guest that shared a failed business venture and then took complete responsibility for the outcome is someone to be respected. Nothing wrong with thanking him for his post. Donno how you came to the conclusion that all other post were being dissed.

Guest

U.S. Thai Cafe windows were shot out

Security

Heads out of the sand, please. Do Something!

What I can do for my Thai food, and ah, my country?

Very good ideation

Get A Life.....

an apology

need your help

creepenomics

A little history to the one with the open hand...

reality bites

hope you're never a victim

Re: hope you're never a victim

spend it where you want it

...of your candor