Residents in the neighborhood of Lakewood, Colorado, expressed their concerns and frustrations during a city council meeting regarding the allocation of taxes towards migrants and the overwhelming strain it puts on resources. The meeting, which took place in this community of approximately 154,000 people just west of Denver, saw an overflow of attendees voicing their worries about potential increases in immigration.
At the heart of the discussion was a housing plan and a $9.3 million grant proposal for a navigation center designed to aid the unhoused population. Some of the residents fear that these initiatives will attract more immigrants, leading to overburdened resources and increased taxes. They expressed apprehension about mirroring the situation in New York City, where crime rates have escalated.
Proponents of the navigation center argue that it would serve as a transitional home offering various essential services, including job training, addiction support, and mental health assistance primarily for individuals already residing in Lakewood. The housing plan, as well as the navigation center, could potentially benefit both local citizens and immigrants.
The City Manager of Lakewood clarified that there are currently no concrete plans in place to provide housing or services specifically for immigrants or the homeless. However, there has been one informational meeting with Denver officials to explore how Lakewood could assist with the homeless and migrant overcrowding issue that Denver is facing. The council acknowledges that dividing the two cities with a wall is not within its jurisdiction.
The city council meeting lasted for approximately seven hours, with tensions running high throughout the night. In the end, the proposed navigation center grant was accepted with a majority vote of 10 to 1. Despite concerns raised by residents, the council deemed the navigation center and related measures as crucial steps towards addressing the needs of the unhoused population in Lakewood.
It is important to note that the concerns expressed by residents during the meeting reflect their apprehension about the potential strain on resources and increased taxes. The city council's decision to proceed with the navigation center grant indicates their belief in the importance of providing transitional housing and essential services to those experiencing homelessness, without specifically targeting immigrants. As the situation evolves, further discussions and decisions may arise to address the concerns raised by the community.
