Public Comment from Arlington Meadows to the Arvada City Council, October 7, 2024

Karen DeAguero - Introduction and Transparency 

Council members, community members, and residents; thank you for being here today. I stand before you to address a pressing concern regarding the proposed homeless navigation center at the former Early College of Arvada building. I must emphasize that the council has yet to schedule meetings to hear our voice, leaving us with little to no opportunity to address our concerns as a community.

We are left to raise our valid concerns here, during this public meeting, so that they may be heard and recorded. We hope the council understands our need to be part of this process and the importance of having our voices heard. 

On September 17, during a community meeting, we were told that the plans for this navigation center were not finalized. We were told we would have an opportunity to engage in dialogue and share our concerns before any action would be taken. Yet, the city’s actions align closely with their homelessness action strategy, which—despite being labeled a draft—details specific steps that have already been taken. This plan outlines a $1.9 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the purchase of a building for the navigation center by July 2024, and hiring a center manager. Despite an outcry for more engagement before moving forward with this plan, the city is continuing to advertise the project as of September 22.

These decisive actions suggest a preordained plan that disregards our voices. We are left to wonder: if the plans were truly open for discussion, why are these critical steps already in motion? If the city truly values transparency and collaboration, we wouldn’t be witnessing such swift decisions without genuine community consultation. Beyond the city’s actions, I am appalled by the lack of respect Mayor Simpson has shown to our community; from labeling us as “misinformed” to telling us she can “clear this room”.

The neighbors of Arlington Meadows have joined together to speak to you today about the steps we want you, our elected officials and public stewards, to take in OUR neighborhood. We deserve to have our concerns acknowledged and addressed—not just as an afterthought or as a formality. Taxpayers are not an open checkbook, we deserve equal representation. This is not just about a building; it’s about our community’s future and how we come together to address complex issues like homelessness in a way that reflects our values and priorities.

Today, I urge everyone to reflect on the importance of genuine community involvement in this process. It’s imperative that we hold our city leaders accountable and demand a more inclusive dialogue as we navigate this critical issue. We will detail our grievances, provide you with relevant data that supports our arguments, and present a comprehensive list of proposed alternative uses for the ECA building. These alternatives aim to benefit not only homeless individuals but the community as a whole. It’s time we truly and honestly collaborate to develop solutions that holistically reflect the needs and desires of Arvadans. Arlington Meadows is standing together as a united, unbreakable community, fighting for the City to stop, think, and do the right thing. 

Laura Sadowsky - Lack of Transparency and Predetermined Outcomes 

Based on conversations with city council members and completing our own research, we have discovered several concerning aspects of the city budgets, planned spending, existing underutilized services, and broken promises about who the center will serve.

Beginning with financial burden; the city simply doesn’t have the budget to construct or maintain this facility. The city may be aware, but what isn’t being disclosed to the residents is that hidden tax increases for roads and parks could be redirected to fund this project, which is expected to cost over $1 million annually. That’s $1 million that could be used for essential services—our parks, our infrastructure, and our public safety programs. Instead of investing in our community’s needs, Arvada residents and constituents will be forced to support a project that benefits the region but not our residents.

Now, you might hear that a non-profit will run this facility. But let’s be clear: non-profit doesn’t mean free. These organizations will require substantial taxpayer funding to operate. There is no magic solution here—residents will ultimately bear the costs. We will be asked to increase our taxes for roads and schools, but those funds will be redirected to support the Navigation Center. Is this the best use of our taxpayer dollars?

We also need to consider our existing services. Arvada already has sufficient homeless services in place. Can the council prove to us that resources are lacking? Adding a Navigation Center will attract more individuals to our area, but it won’t address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, we risk straining our community resources further without making a meaningful difference, as seen at the navigation centers in Lakewood and Denver.

Let’s examine the regional aspect of this proposal. While the facility is touted as a solution for families, the reality is that it will place an undue burden on our local taxpayers. Arvada will find itself funding a regional facility that doesn’t directly benefit our residents. Other counties are shifting their responsibilities to us, leaving our taxpayers to shoulder the financial load. 

In summary, Arvada does not need a facility of this scale. Homeless services should be managed at the county level, not imposed on individual cities like ours. We must prioritize responsible budgeting and ensure that our resources are used effectively for the benefit of all Arvada residents.

Judi Sedustine - Community Engagement and Resource Needs 

We would like to emphasize that this is NOT a NIMBY argument. The Council is not just disingenuous in its purported survey, it has utterly failed to examine the resources, support, and capacity of this neighborhood to absorb this project.  Not only is there limited police, health care and other services but the City has not revealed to anyone how much this project will affect the water and sewer usage.  There will be no developer to absorb those additional costs. Arvada has surely learned from its other projects that infrastructure and water usage are essential elements of any expansion of population density in a neighborhood.  Arvada has failed to evaluate these issues successfully in the very recent past and, as a result, has spent time in litigation when working with the neighborhood would have been a better use of its time and energy.

We need to confront the longstanding neglect of public resources in Arlington Meadows. From inadequate road infrastructure to insufficient police presence, our neighborhood has been overlooked for far too long. According to a report by DOLA (Colorado Department of Local Affairs), neighborhoods with inadequate public services often see crime rates increase by as much as 25%. This bureaucratic tug-of-war between Adams County and the City of Arvada has left us without essential support. Additionally, we want to ask the City how they plan to support a new development that will service anywhere from 200 or more people with respect to water rights. Will we be responsible for the strain on our water resources and increased water costs as a result of this project? 

Research shows that neighborhoods lacking adequate public services often experience decreased community engagement. How can we expect effective management of a homeless navigation center when our basic needs remain unaddressed? If our community continues to be neglected, how can we trust that any additional resources will be properly managed and not exacerbate existing issues?

We need a clear commitment to improve our infrastructure and public services before introducing new facilities that may further strain our limited resources. It's essential that our community is not only heard but actively involved in decisions affecting our neighborhood. We deserve better, and any plans for a navigation center must take into account the urgent need for enhancements to our existing services and infrastructure. Only then can we begin to build a framework for effective resource management and community support.

Lastly, it is vital that the city engages in meaningful dialogue with Arlington Meadows residents moving forward. This includes transparent communication about plans, timelines, and the potential impacts of the navigation center. We must be included in discussions about our neighborhood's future, ensuring that our concerns are acknowledged and addressed. Only through genuine collaboration can we foster a safe and supportive environment for everyone, ultimately benefiting both residents and those seeking assistance.

Dave Cornell - Grant Funding and Property Values

Let’s examine the funding associated with the proposed navigation center. Mayor Simpson has claimed that it needs to be placed in a residential neighborhood due to the funding the City is receiving. However, existing legislation allows for various initiatives that do not require this location. For example, the grant from DOLA does not demand use of funds in a neighborhood. The Housing Voucher Program from the Arvada Housing Authority mandates only low-income status, U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, and a clean criminal record.

ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding can be used for emergency shelter and supportive services, without a requirement to be in a residential area. The main requirement regarding location designates that the center must be near transportation, grocery stores, jobs, and medical care. This does not align with the conversion of the ECA into a navigation center, particularly since it lacks nearby job opportunities and appropriate medical care.

On September 23, Council member Lisa Feret announced that Westminster has committed $1 million to assist in creating the navigation center. While this reflects regional interest in homelessness, it raises concerns. If the center is for Arvada residents only, why is Westminster contributing? This leads to an important question: are neighboring municipalities funding a service that burdens just one community?

Former City Manager Mark Devon stated on September 27, 2022, that Arvada would not support similar projects near schools and businesses in Olde Town, stating, “Unhoused individuals who seek services at Mission Arvada often remain encamped near and within Olde Town under conditions that are unsafe and unsanitary. These conditions have become a burden to the Olde Town Community.” If this reasoning applies elsewhere, why is Arlington Meadows considered acceptable? This inconsistency raises critical questions about why our community must bear this burden.

Now, let’s discuss property values. Studies show that shelters can lead to decreases in property values by an average of 12%. Yesterday, the city acknowledged that the center will likely negatively impact home values. A 2019 study in the Journal of Urban Economics found that neighborhoods with shelters experience significant property value drops, impacting local economies. Many homeowners have faced tax increases of 30-50%. If property values decline due to the navigation center will our tax rate decrease? The combination of rising taxes and declining property values creates an unsustainable situation.

Additionally, increased crime rates linked to the navigation center could further diminish property values. We need clarity on these financial implications to fully understand the impact on our community.

Kara Rowland - Job Opportunities and Community Support 

We are concerned about the lack of job opportunities in our area for individuals seeking employment. According to data from the 2022 Adams County Economic Profile, the employment rate in our neighborhood is significantly lower than in surrounding municipalities of Adams County. Additionally, the City of Arvada has the lowest population of any municipality in Adams County, with 2,868 residents of Arvada in Adams County. By implementing a Navigation Center planned to support anywhere from 300-500 individuals, the population would increase up to 17.5%, creating a significant burden to an area which is already struggling to provide taxpayers basic resources such as infrastructure updates and police presence, to be discussed in more detail later. Both of these facts suggest that it will be increasingly difficult for anyone in Arlington Meadows and the surrounding area to get a job and maintain a high enough salary to live in the neighborhood, both critical barriers for those attempting to regain stability.

Without a robust support system, simply placing a navigation center here does not address the root issues of an individual’s economic instability. A 2023 report by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless found that unemployment and underemployment are significant factors contributing to homelessness. How can we assist our neighbors experiencing homelessness when the necessary resources and job opportunities for current residents are lacking now? We must ask ourselves: how can we create a meaningful path to stability for those in need if we don’t have the infrastructure to support them?

Additionally, many residents have reached out to Adams County regarding these concerns and received no response. This silence only deepens our sense of neglect. This reality combined with the City of Arvada’s lack of public engagement with Adams County concerns us and indicates a lack of proactive planning while bulldozing ahead with plans for a Navigation Center. A survey by the National League of Cities shows that effective communication is vital for community trust and engagement. We deserve timely responses that acknowledge our concerns.

Reneé Cornell - Health and Support Services 

In addressing the essential health and support services needed for the homeless population and our broader community, we must recognize the significant mental health and substance use challenges many individuals face. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, nearly 30% of homeless individuals report having a mental health condition, while over 60% have experienced substance use disorders.

While Councilwoman Ambrose pointed to the ECA’s proximity to healthcare services as a reason for selecting it as a navigation center location, we must clarify that we currently only have access to an urgent care center. Unfortunately, this facility is not equipped to handle critical emergencies that the homeless population often faces, such as overdoses, mental health crises, and injuries from violent altercations. These situations require immediate and specialized medical attention that an urgent care center simply cannot provide.

Placing a navigation center in Arlington Meadows is shortsighted and unsafe for the very population it aims to help. The increased costs to Arvada PD and Fire as well as other costs for pedestrian walkways and lights have not been incorporated into the proposed budget for this plan. Without comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment resources, we risk creating issues that currently do not exist in our neighborhood. These essential services are lacking in our surrounding area due to lack of demand, raising serious concerns about the need for a navigation center in Arlington Meadows.

Moreover, without proper support systems in place, the navigation center may inadvertently become a revolving door, where individuals cycle in and out without achieving lasting stability. This not only fails those in need but also places additional strain on our community’s resources and emergency services.

We need to prioritize establishing a robust network of health and support services for our residents before implementing a navigation center. This includes the need for facilities that specialize in mental health and general healthcare services. Currently, the closest general practitioner and emergency room is 3.4 miles away. Only with the right resources can we truly support individuals in need and work toward sustainable solutions that benefit both the homeless population and the community as a whole.

Ariana Shade - Safety and Crime Concerns 

We must address safety concerns arising from the introduction of a navigation center in our neighborhood. Research indicates that the presence of homeless shelters can lead to increased crime rates in surrounding areas. In November 2023, Denver converted a hotel near Central Park into a “Navigation Campus”. Since the opening of the campus, calls to police and first responders rose by 2,900% and crime rates increased by 317% according to Denver Public Crime Map data. In March 2024, 2 people were murdered at the shelter and Denver has since increased security measures by installing security cameras, implementing a badge access system, and increasing police presence.

Neighborhoods near shelters can see an increase in 911 calls ranging from 20% to over 50%. Some areas have observed a modest rise of 20-30% in calls related to welfare checks and disturbances, while others, particularly those already facing challenges related to homelessness, may experience a much more significant surge if the shelter becomes a focal point for social services, which is exactly what is planned with the Navigation Center.

The fear of increased crime can diminish property values and reduce community engagement. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 71% of homebuyers indicated that crime rates were a significant factor in their decision-making process. We need assurances from the city that adequate measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of our community. This includes not only monitoring crime rates but also implementing community policing initiatives and ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to law enforcement.

Compounding these concerns is the fact that the Arvada police force has lost 12% of its officers since the pandemic. Arvada’s police to resident ratio is 1.35 officers/1000 people while the Colorado average is 2.2 officers/1000 people. This raises serious questions about our community’s ability to maintain safety and trust in city leadership when Arvada operates with a statistically understaffed police force.

Additionally, Arlington Meadows has consistently faced challenges in emergency response, often caught between Adams County and Arvada. Calls for emergency assistance—whether for safety concerns, theft, or critical first responder needs—frequently get bounced between jurisdictions, leading to increased response times and a lack of security for residents. This situation poses potentially fatal outcomes for those in need. The introduction of a navigation center will only exacerbate these issues, as it is projected to drastically increase our neighborhood's current call statistics. We must demand clear plans from the city to address these critical safety concerns before moving forward.

Brandon Rowland - Long-term Community Development 

We should consider long-term community development strategies that provide sustainable solutions to homelessness and related issues. According to a report from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, referenced in the City’s 2024 Homeless Action Strategy, shelters and temporary housing such as Navigation Centers do not reduce homelessness on their own. Rather, investing in affordable housing, jobs, education, and essential services fosters economic growth and stability, offering residents access to all within their community. Arlington Meadows and the surrounding area currently lacks all of these, and focusing on incorporating them first assists individuals experiencing homelessness AND uplifts the entire neighborhood, creating a more resilient and connected community. 

According to the 2023 report from Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, a household must earn $32.13 per hour or $66,830 annually to afford a 2-bedroom apartment. For a minimum wage worker who earns $13.65 per hour (2023 minimum wage), they must work 94 hours per week to afford that same unit. Furthermore, there is a shortage of affordable housing across the state. We must address these problems in Arvada first, before moving towards a navigation center that will amplify these existing issues in our community. 

The proposed navigation center lacks sustainability and will require millions of dollars to operate beyond the initial estimated startup cost of tens of millions of dollars needed for renovations and building purchase. Ongoing funding will be necessary to cover operational expenses, staffing, and maintenance, which could strain our city’s resources and divert funds from other critical community needs.

By adopting a long-term vision that prioritizes comprehensive community development, we can cultivate an environment where everyone thrives. This initiative goes beyond merely addressing homelessness; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive community that empowers all residents.

As we consider these strategies, let’s emphasize the importance of sustainability—not just in terms of the housing this area desperately needs, but also in economic opportunities and social services. We can build a future that addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-lasting positive change. In doing so, we can create a supportive framework that encourages individuals and families to thrive, reducing the likelihood of homelessness in the first place.

Ultimately, by focusing on holistic community development, we can transform our neighborhood into a place where everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. 

Tiffany Munoz - Alternative Solutions and Community Needs 

Mayor Simpson has asked us, "If not here, then where?" Our response is simple: at this time, nowhere. Placing a regional facility in our small neighborhood is unfair and burdens our community without providing us with the support we need in return. 

Navigation centers, while well-meaning, are not the answer to homelessness. The city's own data shows the homeless population stems from a variety of causes—many of which are already being addressed by existing resources. Arvada already has at least 5 shelters, and many other resources available for those in need. So why duplicate services we already offer? This isn’t about denying help to those who need it. Rather than a costly facility we can’t afford, let’s strengthen the services we already have. 

The ECA Building offers a unique opportunity to genuinely uplift our community, so we should look at alternatives that serve our community directly:

1. Recreation Center: a recreational center, offering sports programs, tutoring services, language classes, and even a small library. By incorporating a police substation, the center could also offer summer camps that involve the police and fire departments, giving our children the chance to interact with positive role models. Programs like these would foster trust, build stronger community relationships, and encourage young people to see local first responders as part of the community. Additionally, the rec center could collaborate with existing services like The Community Table Food Bank, creating volunteer opportunities that build positive connections among community members.

2. Childcare and Educational Services: This is a critical need in our neighborhood. We are a childcare desert, where 13-19% of our children live in poverty. Why not transform the ECA building into a middle school, child care center, or early childhood development program? These services would make a difference in the lives of families struggling to make ends meet. Research shows that access to quality education, especially early on, significantly reduces the risk of homelessness later in life. 

3. Collaborative NGO Spaces: Let’s create a hub for local nonprofits and social service organizations. This collaborative approach, according to the Urban Institute, leads to better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness by offering coordinated, wraparound services. By providing office space for NGOs in the ECA building, we could enhance support and resources for our entire community. Additionally, this space could serve as a networking hub, offering workstations for individuals who work from home but need a safe and productive environment—especially if combined with affordable child care. The center could also provide a safe space for teens to do schoolwork, use educational resources, or connect with mentors, offering an alternative to being unsupervised during out-of-school hours. 

4. Sell the Property: The city should sell the ECA property and reinvest the funds into programs that already work. The proceeds could bolster our current homeless resources, providing even more support to the services that are already in place. There’s no need to duplicate efforts and drain resources  to serve other counties, not just Arvada.

5. 
   

Together, we need to stand up for practical, community-centered alternatives, not on temporary solutions that only push the problem further down the road. Let’s make smart investments in Arvada’s future. 

Lilian Allish - Resiliency of Arlington Meadows Community 

The future of the now-vacant Early College of Arvada building is a hot topic in our community, and I’m proud to see how quickly Arlington Meadows has united to protect what we cherish.

I’ve witnessed both the strengths and challenges we face. However, I must express my concerns about the lack of effective communication from city officials regarding the potential opening of a homeless shelter. Many of us, particularly those living east of Sheridan Boulevard, feel forgotten. When was the last time we had a routine police patrol in our area? The answer is often “a lack of resources,” which does little to address our community’s needs.

Introducing a homeless shelter—or whatever label they choose—won’t solve the existing issues for either the homeless population or the residents of Arlington Meadows. This proposal feels like an attempt to prioritize the monetary success of Olde Town over the real needs of our community. Arlington Meadows is not a place to hide away issues; we are a vibrant neighborhood committed to our future.

After enduring a pandemic that has profoundly affected our collective well-being, our neighborhood has become a haven of activity. Every day, I see children playing in the parks and neighbors enjoying the outdoors. This vibrancy is essential for our community’s health and happiness, and we must protect it for the next generation. We cannot risk losing this dynamic with an ill-conceived proposal that does not prioritize our community's needs.

We genuinely care about the homeless, but it’s vital to address these challenges in ways that truly benefit everyone. Instead of placing a shelter in our neighborhood, let’s invest in solutions that uplift individuals. Protecting our community means investing in its future, ensuring that our children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

By focusing on our community’s needs first, we can create a safe, positive environment for our children and the generations to come. Together, let’s ensure that Arlington Meadows remains a resilient community where everyone can enjoy the vibrant neighborhood we have built.

Council member Shawna Ambrose, you should be fighting FOR District 2, not against it. Your support of this center is a true disappointment and neglect of the residents’ voice. You mentioned your children used to ride the RTD to the Early College of Arvada. Things are only getting worse in our community and if you continue down this path, I can guarantee that my future children will never feel safe enough to ride the RTD alone. 

Micaela Kashefska - Conclusion and Call to Action 

In conclusion, the Early College of Arvada building presents a unique opportunity to address multiple community needs simultaneously. This is not merely about housing individuals experiencing homelessness; it’s about transforming our neighborhood into a supportive, thriving community. By focusing on childcare services, educational resources, and community support, we can create a vibrant hub that genuinely benefits Arlington Meadows.

Consider the pressing need for childcare services in our area, which has been described as a childcare desert. With the growing number of young families in Arlington Meadows, establishing such services can help support families at risk of homelessness, providing them with the stability they need to prosper. Furthermore, turning this space into a recreation center or educational facility can significantly uplift our community, ensuring that our children have access to safe spaces and a quality education—essential factors in preventing future homelessness.

Let’s shift our focus from merely managing the symptoms of homelessness to addressing root causes such as unaffordable housing and a lack of job opportunities through comprehensive, community-oriented solutions. We cannot afford to implement a plan that merely relocates the problems associated with homelessness without offering sustainable solutions. We must work collaboratively to create alternatives that reflect our community's values and needs.

We need to advocate for ongoing community engagement and accountability in whatever direction we take. This process should not be a top-down approach, where decisions are made without our input or justified with infrastructure afterthoughts and sweet sentiments. We deserve a seat at the table, every time, ensuring that our concerns are heard and our voices matter.

Today, I urge all of you to stand with us. Let’s demand that our city leaders prioritize community involvement and invest in solutions that serve the entirety of Arlington Meadows. Together, we can ensure that our decisions today will positively impact all residents—not just a select few. 

Arlington Meadows: Our Neighborhood, Our Choice. Thank you for your time.