by Luke Schmaltz | May 26, 2021 | Glendale City News
by Luke Schmaltz
In the past year, the Denver commercial property market has been flipped upside down, run through the wringer, and hung out to dry. While circumstances appear bleak in some areas, the twists and turns of pandemic-induced social upheaval are not without glimmers of hope and outright indications of future solvency.
Commercial and residential real estate are symbiotic halves of a larger whole, and just as one directly affects the other, the balance between the two can take on surprising configurations. Such is the current state of affairs in the Mile-High City, and property professionals from both sides of the fence are forging forth with equal amounts of bullish determination, speculative flexibility and hopeful trepidation.
Downtown offices may not quickly repopulate, as many work-from-home folks have relocated to the suburbs.
Parallel Perceptions
From the viewpoint of residential real estate professionals, the commercial market is a cliffhanger, a head-scratcher, and an anomaly compelling enough to draw curiosity that is far beyond casual observation. Jennifer Barnes of eXp Realty, LLC has considerable experience in the residential sector, and has watched with piqued interest as her area of the market reacts to the changing commercial sector. This area of the market is inevitably affected by the overnight replacement of traditional office settings with entire industries of remote workers. “The draw to being in the city is gone,” she begins. “There has been a huge run [on residential properties] across the whole Front Range — especially places like Conifer, Evergreen, and Elizabeth,” she explains. “The whole downtown Denver market is not what it was — people are not clamoring to be down there right now because they are working remotely. I mean, why would you want to live in a congested area if you don’t have to?” Barnes was fortunate enough to be on the upside of the remote worker trend, unlike other large real estate firms with huge offices and sizable leases to boot. Her firm, eXp, grew during the pandemic due to low overhead while others were forced to downsize because “they didn’t have the revenue from home sales because they were shut down during Covid, but they still had huge office building leases to pay.”
Meanwhile, from a real estate inspector’s viewpoint, the commercial property shift has created circumstances reminiscent of the pre-marijuana retail boom. Robert Crawford is owner/operator of Colorado Complete Home Inspections, and he points out, “Before we had the cannabis industry, we actually had a lot of empty warehouses and empty retail spaces. Then, something came along which allowed new investors to buy up the available spaces at a fraction of the price. The vacuum left behind by the Covid reminds me of that. The landscape now versus back then bears a striking similarity,” Crawford explains. “You’re seeing ‘for sale’ and ‘for lease’ signs on retail spaces in some districts and among commercial warehouses alike.” So, it seems the stage is once again set to favor a buyer’s market. Perhaps this indicates that once again, another influx of outside investment capital and enterprise is already underway.
A Dual Perspective
Shane Henry of 303 Property is amazed at how many cash-solvent investors are standing by to scoop up retail spaces.
Shane Henry, owner of 303 Property, has been working as a broker in the Denver commercial and residential markets for eight years. “When Covid hit, I thought commercial real estate was going to totally take a dive, but it didn’t,’’ he begins. “There’s still a lot of people out there with money, so as soon as a retail space becomes available, someone else is waiting to swoop in and scoop it up. So, it’s really interesting because I thought for sure it was going to be the opposite. It blows my mind, to be honest.” Henry continues, “A lot of people are showing up from other states like California with a lot of money from having just sold property there. So, they can come in and pay cash for spaces in Colorado.” Case in point: strip malls. Henry explains the robust state of occupancy in most of these retail destinations, “I’m not seeing lots of vacancies in them. If anything, I’m seeing almost more of a demand for these spaces.”
Letters From The Front
Meanwhile, a cross-section of those working exclusively in the trenches of Denver commercial real estate reveals a wide variety of viewpoints.
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Vincent Grandi with Keller Williams Realty Urban Elite thinks vacant commercial properties offer some obvious social solutions.
Vincent Grandi of Keller Williams Realty Urban Elite contends that the work-from-home directive has gained momentum that may not be totally reversed. He sees the vacancies in the office building sector of the commercial market as an opening to address the 500 lb. elephant in the proverbial room. “This could be an opportunity to address the homeless crisis with a windfall of micro-type condos” he explains. While this is merely speculation and not a hard-and-fast solution, Grandi is also quick to point out the consequences of office buildings and warehouse properties which remain empty for too long. “Leaving all that property vacant is just presenting opportunities for things that aren’t good such as graffiti, arson, vandalism, and theft.”
- Mark Ryan, a broker with eXp Commercial Real Estate, lays it out plain and simple with the office building situation. “The biggest eye opener for me was how people working from home had such an effect on property values. Commercial property shifted from a landlord’s market to a tenant’s market overnight,” he begins. “What I’m seeing is a whole lot of properties coming on as ‘reduced rate’ listings.” While this is the case with office buildings due to the rigid nature of their intended use, it may not apply to other commercial properties. “Retail is different, because it can be sliced up in so many different ways,” Ryan explains.
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Michael Griffin of Madison Commercial Properties feels that office building occupancy will return as a fiscal necessity.
Michael Griffin is a Managing Partner at Madison Commercial Properties in Cherry Creek, and he sees the effect of the work-from-home contingency on office space as a temporary circumstance that will correct itself. “Over time,” he attests, “people will be getting back to work [in offices]. Yes, Covid affected office space, for sure, but the last six weeks have been really busy,” he explains. “For some industries, office dynamics and corporate culture rely heavily on in-person workplace environments. As a business owner, I know for a fact that it is crucial to directing, motivating and communicating with your staff.”
- Yvette Kimmel is a broker with Ai3 Properties, which handles a network of 10 office buildings in Southeast Denver. She paints an upbeat picture of the commercial real estate market, at least as far as her properties are concerned. “We have every reason to be encouraged” she begins. “We have been extremely busy, and the only thing that is different in our business is that our tenants are just kind of moving around. In some cases, it is to smaller suites … but for the most part, we are staying very full,” she explains. “I think we are in an enviable position because we are not in prime downtown real estate, and we are not in prime DTC real estate — we’re right between those, so we’ve got people moving out of those expensive suites into something that is still in a prime location without those high prices per square foot,” she continues. Kimmel is confident that office culture is an integral part of American work life, saying, “Part of the experience is the social experience.” Kimmel also contends that, as society opens back up, in-person retail may also be in for a much-needed surge. “We don’t all want to be buying from Amazon for the rest of our lives,” she says.
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Rachel Colorosa of Colorosa Commercial Properties takes a data-driven approach to her informed speculations.
Rachel Colorosa, Executive Director of Colorosa Commercial Properties, is a self- professed “statistics geek” and a graduate of Colorado College with a B.A. in International Political Economics. When analyzing the effect of Covid-19, the work-from-home contingency and the stark vacancies in large commercial office buildings — she dug into the numbers. She cites a series of recent surveys by Gensler — a global (50 locations worldwide) architecture, design, and planning firm focused on data-driven insights. “The data shows that, because of Covid and social distancing, people don’t like confined spaces — especially elevators,” she begins. “This means large downtown office buildings may not recover, but suburban office facilities under four stories will be at capacity.” Colorosa sees the current trends in retail, office, and industrial real estate as three intersecting lines which form an “x” with a horizontal line through it. “There’s a negative trend in retail, office is flatlining, and industrial is going way, way up,” she explains. Based on the Gensler data, Colorosa feels “we’ll see a lot of retail turned into offices” and “empty big box retail spaces will be repurposed as call centers or Amazon fulfillment centers.”
Currently, diagnosing the status of commercial real estate in Denver is speculative, and relies heavily on the informed perception of the beholder. At least one thing is clear — things are happening — which is a welcome change from last year’s grim alternative.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2021 | General Featured
Fan Appetite For Live, In The Flesh Performances Have Valley Venues, Events Big And Small Quickly Reemerging
by Glen Richardson
When Denver and the state said goodbye to capacity limits and distancing requirements last month, artists, industry professionals, and anxious fans quickly started turning the page. The decision — the most momentous yet since the pandemic hit — has live gigs returning to outdoor/indoor culture and music venues large and small. Moreover, theatre and concert dates that were canceled in 2020 are being flipped to 2021.
There are, of course, still parameters: Indoor events of more than 500 people still must get approval. Outdoor seated and ticketed events in spaces 30,000-sq.-ft. or greater must also get approval to increase their capacity.
The biggest pay off as live performances commence again is to see the joy actors and musicians feel getting back in theatres and concert halls. It’s equally exciting to see the audience reaction as they finally get to attend and witness live shows again. After a year-plus of shutdowns, the opening-up of capacity limits contains seeds of optimism for a bright summer of entertainment. Setbacks, of course, are still possible. Even if everything goes well, it will likely be next year before the live experience gets fully back to normal.
Here’s what’s been announced in the early days since capacity limits and distancing requirements were nixed by the city and state officials:
Theatre
Creek’s Act Is Back: After 500 days without a live performance, Cherry Creek Theatre is reopening with Tenderly Aug. 6-29. Susie Snodgrass is shown in photo welcoming patrons to the last live show in Jan.-Feb. 2020.
Cherry Creek Theatre — After more than 500 days without a live performance, Cherry Creek Theatre is reopening in the 400-seat Elaine Wolf Theatre in the JCC Community Center. Tenderly, the Rosemary Clooney musical, is the company’s 11th season opener Aug. 6-29. Told through her signature songs, the two-person musical takes audiences beyond the public persona limelight with an intimate look at her personal life from the Appalachian roots to Hollywood stardom. Cherry Creek Theatre’s previously announced titles, Steel Magnolias and Jest a Second run in the Wolf Oct. 1-24 and Oct. 29-Nov. 21. Information: 303-316-6360.
Buell Theatre — When Covid hit last year the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) canceled or postponed all of its theatrical productions, including locally produced and touring Broadway shows. Prior to the latest announcement, DCPA had disclosed the resumption of indoor, in-person productions starting with Disney’s The Lion King, Dec. 2-Jan. 2. The Tony winning show is known as much for its music and moving story as it is for its artful costumes, puppetry and choreography. Hamilton is set to follow The Lion King Feb. 22-March 27, 2022. My Fair Lady, 1776, Mean Girls, and Ain’t Too Proud initially announced for this fall were postponed until 2022. With restrictions being lifted in other major cities, it is conceivable, but doubtful, that one or more shows could be brought back this fall. Information: 720-865-4220.
Arvada Center — As lights come up and the curtain rises again, the Arvada Center is opening the 2021 season with I Do! I Do!, Sept. 10-Oct. 10. The two-person musical is a touching story that follows the sweet and sour moments of 50 years of love and marriage. Information: 720-898-7200.
Outdoor Concerts
Live Concerts Return: Swallow Hill Music is bringing the Shady Grove Picnic Series back to Four Mile Historic Park on Thursday evenings June 3 through Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m. Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe kick off the series on June 3.5
Shady Grove Picnic Series — Shuttered last summer, Swallow Hill Music has announced it is bringing the Shady Grove Picnic Series back to Four Mile Historic Park on Thursday evenings starting June 3 and ongoing through Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m. Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe kick off the series on June 3, followed by Dakota Blonde on June 10. Cary Morin & Ghost Dog entertain on June 17, followed by Extra Gold June 24. Information: 303-777-1003.
DCPA Galleria & Sculpture Park — A series of open-air, outdoor cabaret concerts are coming to the Galleria and Sculpture Park beginning with an Evening of Jazz with Sheryl McCallum June 5 at 3 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. The Colorado Symphony follows with a series of outdoor chamber music concerts under the glass in the complex, June 17-20, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Music In The Gardens: Evenings al Fresco is returning to the Denver Botanic Gardens on select Mon.-Wed. June 7-Aug. 4, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees can stroll the grounds during the event. Photo: Scott Dressel-Martin
Denver Botanic Gardens — The Garden’s Summer Concert Series was canceled earlier this year. Produced in partnership with Swallow Hill Music, some shows may possibly return. Swallow Hill and York Street, however, are bringing back Evenings al Fresco on select Mon.-Weds. from June 7 to Aug. 4, 4:30-8:30 p.m. The season opens with Matt Skellenger and his jazz group. Information: 720-865-3500.
City Park Jazz — The nine free Sunday concerts at Denver’s City Park Pavilion are returning June 13-Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m. except the Brass Band Extravaganza June 20, 5-8 p.m. Highlight event is a Denver Jazz Heritage Celebration featuring the El Chapultepec All Stars, July 25. The event is also celebrating the life of Denver jazz legend Freddy Rodriguez Sr. who died of Covid. His son, Freddy Jr., will play at the show.
Jive In The Park: The nine day free Jazz in City Park concerts return June 13-Aug. 8. Highpoint is the Denver Jazz Heritage Celebration featuring the El Chapultepec All Stars (pictured) on July 25.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre — The storied U.S. venue sat empty most of last year, but is likely to lead Denver’s live music comeback with rapid additions of shows. It had already opened to 2,500 people per show in March. Top upcoming shows include Big Head Todd & the Monsters June 12-13 and Chicago on June 17. Two Days of Reggae on the Rocks returns Aug. 21-22. Information: 720-865-2494;
Levitt Pavilion — The Ruby Hill Park venue kicked off the season in May announcing 10 free concerts through Sept. 18. With capacity lifted, however, look for the site to add paid concerts as early as July 4. Information: 303-578-0488.
Indoor Concerts
She’s Got Rhythm: Heidi Schmidt sings with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra performing at the Lakewood Culture Center June 6. Photo: Elijah Patchen
Swallow Hill Music — Swallow Hill has announced it is launching eight concerts in Daniels Hall. Performances begin with Tony Trischka on Sept. 10, Carrie Newcomer Sept. 11, followed by the Sons of the Pioneers on Sept. 25. Announcement of added shows likely will come quickly. Information: 303-777-1003.
Mission Ballroom — Like other indoor venues, the Ballroom has been booking events for months. But expect capacity crowds in the 4,000 seat building on July 4 when Zeds Dead has been booked, followed by Primus on stage July 30. Information: 720-577-6884.
Lakewood Culture Center — Look for in-person crowds of blues-jazz lovers to fill the theatre as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra is booked to perform the best of Count Basie and other renowned jazz artists June 6, 2 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Arapaho Philharmonic — Proof there’s light at the end of the tunnel for live performances, the Philharmonic plays American Masters Old & New at the First Church of the Nazarene on E. Hampden Ave. June 11, 7:30 p.m. The evening of music pairs Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite with works by modern composers. Information: 303-781-1802.
by Luke Schmaltz | May 26, 2021 | Main Articles
by Luke Schmaltz
While the era of the combustion engine is decelerating and low-mileage, high-maintenance vehicles are simply impractical for daily use, there’s no denying the appeal of perhaps the greatest aesthetic achievement of the 20th Century, hot rods.
Of the myriad gatherings and outdoor events that were sorely missed by some folks last year, among them was the all-American, time-honored car show.
Saturday, June 12
Parker Car Fest 2021
Parker Car Fest benefits the Parker Task Force Food Bank.
Not to be confused with “Parker Days,” this annual event is hosted by the Parker Cruisers, an association of car lovers totaling over 900 show-worthy autos. Festivities will last from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with registration closing by June 10. The grounds for this show are set for 30 vendors and 200+ cars, trucks and motorcycles. Tickets can be pre-purchased at parkercruisers.com and all proceeds will go to the Parker Task Force Food Bank. Downtown Parker, CO, East Main Street.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Fourth Annual Down To Earth Days
This comprehensive lifestyle spectacle is held with the goal of “improving the car scene and bringing our large gear-head family together.” The event boasts exhibitions by world-class Formula D drifters on a professional drift course, complete with ride-alongs for adventuresome guests. Similar attractions include a live burnout exhibition, two-step competition, live DJ, interactive vendor booths, food trucks, giveaways and trophies in 15 different automotive classes. This family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and kids under 12 get in free. Organizers present the occasion with a family feel, announcing that it is “about making the car culture a family again. Respect each other and respect the culture! We love this culture, and we do this for the culture.” 9755 Henderson Rd. Brighton, CO 80601.
Saturday, June 19
Colorado Camaro Club
37th Annual Chevy Show ‘N Shine Classic Car Show
A time-tested “classic” of a car show, this regional favorite co-sponsored by Century Chevrolet kicks off at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. Entries are just $25 and are limited to “F” body style or “Chevy powered.” Trophies will be awarded to some participants and all entrants are served lunch on the house. This slice of early summer fun will be set to the live sounds DJ Maverick Mike and held at 6105 W. 120th, Broomfield, CO 80020.
Sunday, June 27
Shotgun Willie’s Annual Car Show — Shotgun Willie’s Gentleman’s Club
Shotgun Willie’s is known for visual spectacles, and sometimes for car shows.
Nothing says “It’s summertime in Glendale” like muscle cars and scantily-clad women. The world-famous show club ushers in the warm months with a midday event which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The premises will feature $2 Montucky Cold Snacks, $5 Hornitos, $5 Jim Beam and great BBQ all day long — plus — a tiki party in the T-Bar all day as well as the mesmerizing charms of the entertainment staff. The car show is free to enter, there are prizes for top contestants and one lucky whip will receive the coveted People’s Choice Trophy. 490 S. Colorado Blvd. Glendale, CO 80246.
Sunday, July 4
’Bout Time Pub & Grub Car & Bike Show
Car Shows Inc. produces and promotes several car shows across the Front Range every year.
Produced and promoted by Car Shows, Inc. (CSI), this event welcomes two- and four-wheeled participants with a “classic” look. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the event goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will feature music by Van Jeffries Mobile Rock & Roll, awards, and dash plaques. 3580 South Platte River Dr., Drive A, Sheridan, CO 80110
Sunday, July 11
Back Street Tavern & Grill —
“Annual Mid-Summer Hot Rod Stomp” Cruise-in And Car Show
This will be the “Lucky 7th” installment of an area favorite featuring covered outdoor seating, a live DJ spinning old-school tunes, food, drinks, and super-prize giveaways. Event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. at 1150 S. Galena St., Aurora, CO 80247.
Sunday, July 18
Hero’s Car Show — Hero’s Pizzeria and Tavern
Hero’s loves car shows so much, they plan to host a total of five throughout the warm months.
This will be the third of a total of five such events taking place at this regional favorite for pizza and Italian food. Early arrivals can start their automotive adventure off with a breakfast burrito “grilled up al fresco” while rockin’ to the tunes of Cruisin’ Dave. Visitors and hot rod aficionados can expect “vintage iron on four wheels and two along with many fun people.” 16070 E. Dartmouth Avenue (between Chambers and Buckley). Subsequent events in this series will be hosted on August 22 and September 12.
Saturday, July 24
Take Jake Car Show
Held at legendary Denver music venue The Grizzly Rose, this yearly event raises awareness and funds for organ tissue donation. This year’s contributions will be dedicated to veterans in need as well as the organization’s scholarship at Metro State. The show welcomes classic muscle cars, all-out custom cars, and rat rods, 4×4 trucks, pickups, street rods, imports, and motorcycles. Food and drinks will be available for guests along with silent auctions and sanctioned races. 5450 North, S. Valley Hwy., Denver, CO 80216.
Saturday, August 7
Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet
The Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet plans to have 400+ hot rods on display.
Another outdoor event produced and promoted by Car Shows Inc., this shindig will feature up to 400 classic car and hot rod participants — the combined treasures of Colorado Mopar Club, Buick Club, and CSI. The event is co-sponsored by the Collector Car Council of Colorado and will also feature War Bird flybys and a swap meet where gearheads and collectors can buy and sell automotive parts, accessories and collectibles en masse. Festivities go from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and are held at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021.
Saturday, August 21
Holy Rollers Charity Car Show
This is the fourth installment of an annual charity event which benefits the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — an organization dedicated to helping families in crisis in North Metro Denver. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is held on the grass in S. Midway Park in Broomfield. Over 175 automobiles are expected to participate, and festivities will include door prizes every 30 minutes and awards for the top 30 entrants. West Midway Blvd. & Kohl Street, Broomfield, CO 80020.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2021 | Main Articles
Dominated By Denver, State Has 2021’s 4th Biggest Drug Problem; 20% Of Citizens Are Using Illicit Drugs
by Glen Richardson
Denver Drug Dealing: In this Denver drug bust law enforcement seized 4 lbs. of meth, 5 lb. of heroin, 4 lbs. of cocaine and 155,000 fentanyl pills. A woman was charged as the drug kingpin.
When the pandemic hit last year it created the perfect storm for drug abuse and overdose deaths in Denver and Colorado. Ranked seventh in the U.S. for drug use prior to the outbreak, the pandemic created long periods of social isolation. Deaths shot up quickly among these who overdosed, their tolerance decreased by abstinence.
A new study ranking the 50 states and the District of Columbia by website WalletHub categorizes Colorado as the nation’s 4th biggest drug problem in 2021. Sadder yet, Colorado continues to rank 4th for adults who used illicit drugs in the past month. Equally troublesome, the state’s share of teenagers using illicit drugs in the past month is 5th, just one notch lower.
Moreover, the state ranks 6th for drug arrests on college campuses per 1,000 students.
Annually, more than 20% of Denver and Colorado residents will use illicit drugs. This is higher than anywhere else and equates to over a half million people abusing drugs. In Denver, a mere 2% will check into a drug rehabilitation treatment program. With so many abusing substances and so few getting help, it’s not surprising that the addiction rate is escalating. Although overdose deaths are spiraling, fewer and fewer residents in Denver and statewide are obtaining proper treatment.
First In Four Drugs
On All Four: Colorado is the only state with heavy consumption of four major intoxicants: Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin).
Another startling fact: Colorado is the only state with heavy consumption of four major intoxicants: Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin).
According to a study published by Denver Public Health, the percent of treatment admissions for methamphetamines doubled from 3% in 2012 to 6% in 2016; heroin admittances jumped from 4% in 2012 to 7% in 2016. The percentage of clients reporting in for marijuana as their primary substance only increased 1% during that time period.
More alarming, fentanyl-related death rates per 100,000 people quadrupled during that same time period. In Denver, overdoses involving fentanyl more than doubled in 2020 compared with 2019. And the deaths from fentanyl were seven times the number in 2018, according to the Denver medical examiner’s office. Denver Health’s Dr. Joshua Blum explains fentanyl this way: “Fentanyl is like kerosene. Methamphetamine is like natural gas.” When the pandemic came along it was like, “Let’s add some diesel fuel.”
Meth Is Murder
Methamphetamine is a very big problem in Denver and statewide. In fact, some believe it’s a bigger issue than opioids like heroin and fentanyl. According to an article by NPR, crystal meth was involved in nearly 300 overdose deaths in 2018.
Some health officials say the scariest thing about meth in Colorado is that this is one of the states where “it’s still kind of legal.” There are several possible defenses that can potentially reduce or dismiss meth drug charges.
A drug called “Desoxyn” is currently legal in Colorado (It is a Schedule II controlled substance according to the DEA.) It has effects that are disturbingly similar to crystal meth and doctors are reportedly prescribing it at alarming rates. The drug’s medical name is Methamphetamine Hydrochloride.
Meth Crimes Triple
Falling For Fentanyl: Chart by the Denver Medical Examiner’s office shows the upward trend in fentanyl related deaths in Denver County from 2017 through 2020.
Meth-related crimes among adults have tripled in the last few years. It’s cheap, easy to get, and highly addictive. State-funded treatment centers in Colorado are full.
Police have successfully closed meth labs statewide, but the Mexican cartel is keeping Colorado stocked. Furthermore, law enforcement constantly confiscates large shipments along the southern borders. Notwithstanding the best efforts by law enforcement, they also readily admit that, “as long as there is meth, there will be customers using it.”
“Colorado’s overdose rates are alarming. The rate at which our friends, family members, and neighbors are dying is nothing short of an emergency,” asserts AspenRidge Recovery with locations in Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. “We’ve been lucky enough to watch hundreds of Colorado residents get back on the right track.”
Drug Neighborhoods
Cutting The Price: Meth labs are often found in million dollar homes and in units of apartment buildings. This Denver row home sold for just half the original $800,000 asking price after an inspector found high levels of meth contamination.
The Denver Drug & Alcohol Crime Report updated through May 10, reveals Denver has had 1,032 drug crimes so far this year. That’s an average of 243.2 crimes per month or 8.0 crimes per day.
The average number of drug crimes per neighborhood this year is 13.23. Neighborhood residents express to the Chronicle the opinion that, “drug problems are in other areas, not where we reside.” Most often mentioned is East Colfax, which actually only ranks 15th for drug crimes thus far in 2021. Two other frequently cited neighborhoods are City Park, currently ranked 40th, and Montbello, ranked 43rd.
The top five neighborhoods for drug crimes this year are Civic Center, DIA, the Central Business District, Auraria, and Sun Valley. Civic Center, with 29.96 crimes per 1,000 residents and DIA at 27.62, far outrank other neighborhoods. In comparison, Denver’s Central Business District, currently ranked 3rd, averaged only 9.88 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Take Mom’s Advice
Moms Fight Back: Colorado moms tackle the pressing issues facing kids, including drugs. Online, in their neighborhoods, and with publications such as this, they provide helpful, constructive information.
For families with kids the first line of defense in the battle against drug abuse begins at home. In Colorado Moms Fight Back or MFB suggests ways families can become involved in the fight against drugs. They include Rise Above Colorado, a drug abuse prevention organization that measurably impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance abuse to help them make empowered, healthy choices.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is another group MFB suggests. This organization translates the science of teen drug use and addiction for families, providing parents with direct support to prevent and cope with teen drug and alcohol abuse.
Lastly there’s Stay Sharp, a hard hitting prevention program designed to educate students on drug-alcohol abuse and the consequences of their choices. Information: momsfightback.org.
