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North Denver hosts community meeting at Sunnyside school proposed for new emergency immigrant shelter
KDVR Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver held a community information meeting Tuesday night about the potential of a new migrant emergency shelter in North Denver.
The potential shelter site would be in the Remington School's gym, cafeteria, and auxiliary office space. Their lease would be for those spaces alone and they would not lease the entire building.
This site would only be activated if arrivals rise significantly and would only be for short-term use and would be staffed at all times, DPS during the day and security at night.
Jon Ewing, a communications specialist with the mayor's office who's been at the center of this issue from the start answered numerous questions from residents in attendance. He said multiple times how this shelter would only be used in an emergency need.
"I genuinely believe we will never open this shelter," Ewing said.
September, normally a high month for immigration, saw a 75% year-over-year drop in crossings. The city says the current policy, or one similar in strength, is expected to remain in place regardless of the election outcome — supporting the notion that this site would be out of caution alone.
Residents in attendance Tuesday fell on both sides. Dustin Peterson said he's lived in the neighborhood for nearly 15 years and is concerned for security and doesn't feel like residents have a say in this decision.
Sunnyside residents initally found out through a post on Nextdoor
"If this is used not wisely it could turn into a hot spot for crime or a corridor. The issue right now is very large and people do need a place to stay and I'm not opposed to that, but this meeting wasn’t effective. I felt like the meeting was pretty much pointless," Peterson said.
The cost, while low in comparison to the millions the city has spent thus far on migrant needs, has upset some residents. The lease term would only be one year and the lease itself wouldn't cost the city anything. The city would cover $381,000 in operating costs (technology, security, staff, utilities, maintenance, etc). An additional $300,000 would be reserved for potential damages.
There was support as well from residents who said they want to welcome any migrants, like Flor Canales and felt the city was being responsible in planning ahead.
"We heard about the future plans for this building and you know, I am in agreement. We do have a responsibility as community members to come together and to offer shelter for those in need and to welcome individuals and migrant individuals with open arms," Canales said.
As for security, there would be some on-site if the shelter opened, but they would only be responsible for the grounds. Denver police commanders at the meeting said they would increase patrols in the area.
There would be a max capacity of 100, with families separate from individuals via the gym or cafeteria. The city says it should know by early 2025 whether conditions exist for a surge.
If it doesn't need to be used as a shelter, the city said it will work with Denver Public Schools to potentially utilize the site for youth programming.