Homeless courtyard stirring downtown debate

DENVER - Denver City Council is considering spending $8.6 million on a new homeless community center as a step toward cleaning up the downtown area.

A handful of Ballpark neighborhood residents attended Monday night's city council meeting to oppose the plan, bringing a petition signed by more than 300 people.

"It's just a place to hide the homeless, not really provide any additional services," said Scott Bauer, vice president of the Ballpark Neighborhood Association. "I'd rather see $8.6 million spent towards job training, abuse and mental help."

City Council is being asked to approve two contracts for the Lawrence Street Community Center courtyard project; $3.7 million for land acquisition and $4.9 million for construction. The property being acquired is a plumbing and heating warehouse just behind the Denver Rescue Mission on Lawrence between 22nd and Park avenues. Denver Rescue Mission is poised to reimburse the city $2.3 million once the project is complete.

"Is $8.6 million really going to end their homelessness without providing any additional services?" said Bauer.

"This is tax increment financing (TIF) and it doesnt go for social services, it goes towards bricks and mortar," said Denver City Councilwoman Judy Montero.

Montero is pushing the proposal that stems from a May 2011 northeast downtown neighborhoods plan.

"Courtyard-style buildings provide outdoor space that is defensible because of its limited access from the street, private maintenance and security/surveillance," said the plan.

"Is this a way to hide the homeless?" asked 7NEWS reporter Marshall Zelinger.

"I've heard that before and it's not a way to hide the homeless," said Montero. It's a very compassionate and humanitarian way to be able to give people that live on the streets a sense of dignity. It's a compassionate and safe place for people that live on the street to go."

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Homeless courtyard stirring downtown debate