
RiNo Crossroads Petition


TO: Mayor Michael Hancock 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.
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