During the public comment portion of Monday’s city council meeting, nearly 40 people spoke about the proposed relocation of ICCS corrections facility to West 8th Avenue and Quail Street.
Mayor Bob Murphy made clear, not just at the beginning of public comment but throughout the more than two hours of comment, that city council doesn’t actually vote on the issue, and added that these comments would not be part of the record on the issue.
The vast majority of those who spoke were against the relocation -- just eight people spoke positively about the proposed move.
“ICCS is vital and key, but the question is where do you place it?” said Jill Thames. “The best location is near law enforcement facilities, not in a location like this.”
Many business owners in the area near the proposed site, from the Sheraton Denver West and Christy Sports to Terumo BCT and Reflections Salon and Day Spa, spoke against the move, highlighting the fact their employees wouldn’t feel safe with the ICCS site so close.
“We’re very concerned about this, especially since we have employees working in the early morning and evenings,” said Bud Phillips, manager of the Christy Sports on Parfet Street. “This will negatively affect our ability to retain and recruit employees, and will have a negative effect on property values.”
One of the main complaints from neighbors was they were not notified about the move, and only found out about it through word of mouth. Others bemoaned the fact that the planning commission — a group that is not elected — has final say in this case.
“There has been zero community outreach,” said Jon Goldman. “This must be stopped now.”
Those who spoke in favor of the move highlighted the safety measures in place at ICCS, and claimed those opposed were using fear-mongering as a knee-jerk reaction.
“I am so proud of our facility and honored to work side by side with the dedicated staff,” said Judy Eaton, who works at ICCS. “It’s a privilege for the people at our facility to be placed there, and they are working hard to getting out on their own.”
Other supporters said the people who would be staying at the facility are already out in the community, riding buses and on the streets, but those in the facility are better monitored and less a danger while they are there.
“I work with children in Lakewood, and I’ve seen some amazing work from fathers coming out of this program,” said Rachel Lambert.
Tim Rogers, a commercial real estate broker, urged residents to visit the current ICCS site and do their own research, instead of relying on second-hand information.
“Don’t base your opinion on fears,” he said.
Many residents were curious what council members’ stances on the issue are, but because the issue falls under the city’s quasi-judicial process, none (save Ward 1 council member Ramey Johnson, who said she is against it) decided to comment on where they stand to protect the neutrality of the case. They urged commenters to follow the case, and speak at the Sept. 2 planning commission hearing, where their comments will be entered into the record.
