FROM: The River North Community

RE: Crossroads Shelter

PETITION

As residents and businesses in Denver’s River North, we are concerned about siting the Crossroads Shelter for the homeless adjacent to the Platte River, just south of 31st.

River North is being transformed from an obsolete industrial corridor to a lively, mixed-use neighborhood – replete with hundreds of residents, businesses, galleries and restaurants. The Platte River is enjoying more activity, and it’s anticipated will be part of a GoCo River Legacy grant later this year. There are more than 400 residential units planned for Brighton Boulevard and the former Denargo Market site – across from the Shelter.

We recognize the challenge the city faces, protecting the homeless, with freezing weather quickly approaching. Though we recognize the necessity of locating the overflow shelter here this winter, there is ample time to find alternative sites for overflow beds next winter.

The City is an important partner in the revitalization of River North. The new code, transit station, attention to Brighton Boulevard and other important public investments have led to diverse private investments in jobs, galleries, residents and entertainment venues in River North. A disproportionate share of challenging uses and inadequate public oversight compromises our shared commitment to the economic and human vitality of the District.

We believe it is in Denver’s best interest to ensure the safety and vitality of River North by negotiating a legally binding agreement among Shelter operators, the police department and the neighborhood to ensure accountability for the Shelter’s operations. Though Councilwoman Montero has attempted this in prior years, enforcement has been wanting.

If in fact, the Administration chooses not to follow the neighborhood request that alternatives sites be selected, the following is a summary of Expectations and Requests from the Neighborhood. We believe these requests are reasonable, balancing the safety of the neighborhood with compassion.

CrossRoads Shelter

• Expectations & Mitigation

Mitigation of impacts from the Shelter:

• Good Neighbor Agreement executed by City, Salvation Army and Neighborhood. Contract terms between the City and Salvation Army be reviewed by neighborhood organizations. The shelter operation be located only this winter and alternative locations outside the area be found for the future.

• Implement 2009-2010 Denver Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Procedures.

• Limit the maximum number overflow beds at CrossRoads to 100.

• Open 8PM to 8 AM ONLY.

• Only those transported by bus with tickets after 8 PM be admitted to the Shelter. No loitering in front of shelter prior to 8 PM opening.

• Ticket to the overflow shelter required. Tickets distributed by Outreach workers at Triangle Park.

• Clients shall be bused from the Shelter before 8 AM to other locations.

(i.e. protocol at the City & County Building).

• Clients, prior to entry to shelter, apprised of expectations, rules, etc (i.e. no loitering; No standing in line before 8PM.

• Register all prospective clients every night prior to transport from

Triangle Park to the Shelter, and screen those who may be a threat to the neighborhood.

• 24-hour vigilence within 500-feet of the Shelter by the Salvation Army,

DPD and safety patrol , which includes targeted times to meet particular

neighborhood needs - especially near schools, residences and bike path.

• NO waiting lines outside shelter.

• NO loitering in the neighborhood and particularly the Platte River trails.

• Install lighting around the Shelter.

• CrossRoads will open only when temperature is below 40 degrees.

• Maximum of 100 overflow beds.