AURORA | The busy exit off northbound Interstate 225 as it turns onto Parker Road has been considered a panhandler’s oasis for decades, but Aurora City Council members remain divided over what to do about it.
At a Nov. 23, regular Aurora City Council meeting, council members offered a slim 5-4 vote in favor of annexing the offramp, which is currently owned by the federal government represented by the Corps of Engineers. The measure needed six votes to pass, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan voted in favor as the tie-breaker. Councilwomen Molly Market and Marsha Berzins were absent from the vote.
“We’re annexing something with no tax base,” said Councilman Bob Broom who voted against the measure along with council members Renie Peterson, Sally Mounier and Bob LeGare. “We’re going to end up making a lot of police and fire responses if there’s an accident. It’s a very busy interchange. Why take on something you don’t have to take on? I don’t think it’s going to solve the problem you’re trying to solve.”
Broom and critics of the effort say annexing the offramp will not be worthwhile because people can still stand on a patch of dirt near Cherry Creek Reservoir and ask for money without reprimand as long as they are not stepping into the street. A slew of lawsuits that have prevented cities across the state from enforcing stricter panhandling laws also have the dissenting city council members questioning how well the ban would work.
The intersection is in Arapahoe County’s jurisdiction, and the Colorado Department of Transportation off-ramp facility is within an easement granted to the state by the federal government. None of these entities prohibit panhandling, and Aurora does.
For nearly two years, Aurora City officials have been working to annex the off-ramp with its proponents arguing it will make the intersection less confusing and safer.
Hogan said he voted in favor of the measure in part because he wanted as many council members as possible to be present for the final vote but also because he thinks the intersection should belong to the City of Aurora.
“Everything else around there (other than the dam area) is already in Aurora, and the interchange is a gateway to our city. If we have an opportunity to control the gateway, we should,” he said.
Francoise Bergan, who will be taking over Broom’s Ward VI seat in December and casting the final vote on the measure, said she has not made a decision on the issue, but agrees with Hogan.
“The jurisdiction is a confusing matter that should be simplified,” she said. “For the safety issue, from what I can tell, it really won’t be a significant cost. It’s not going to add police, CDOT will maintain snow plowing, (Aurora) fire will continue its current relationship with South Metro Fire. I don’t think it’s going to add additional resources.”
Charlie Richardson, who will be taking over outgoing Ward IV Councilwoman Molly Markert’s seat in December, said he supported the measure as well.
He said the panhandlers negatively impact the redevelopment of the nearby Regatta Plaza, which has been blighted for decades and is now in the midst of a residential and commercial overhaul.
“I am aware of the strong consensus of the Ward IV residents that the Regatta Plaza and the King Soopers in particular are viewed in a negative light due to not only the presence of the panhandlers but the fact that they are living in and around this area,” he said.
Bob Roth, whose ward would encompass the offramp if annexed, said he also regularly receives complaints from constituents who are concerned about the panhandling and would like to see the city do something about it.
In 1993, the City of Aurora passed a panhandling ban in response to what officials said were safety issues being caused by street vendors hawking papers for the former Rocky Mountain News. The paper promptly sued the city for what it said was a violation of its First Amendment rights, and the case was taken up by the Colorado Supreme Court in 1995, which ultimately upheld the city’s right to regulate its streets. Video tapes reviewed for the case showed hawkers at Aurora intersections who danced and sang as well as some who conducted sales transactions in lanes of moving traffic.
That same law holds true today in Aurora, long after the hawkers disbanded.
The proposal will be discussed again either the Dec. 7 or Dec. 21 study session.
Councilwomen Molly Market and Marsha Berzins were absent from the vote. Imagine that – good old Molly blowing off her responsibility. Good bye
Well, Gee Brain. Were you present to hear the vote, and be responsible citizen. I have noticed over the years, those who complain the most, are usually the ones who should be watched more closely. Just human nature, I suppose. At 86, I don’t attend those meetings, but do look for specific ones when shown on city channels, of issues I am concerned about.
I did attend those meetings as a citizen, in my late 50s, 60s, etc. And when I was neighborhood watch. Had several blocks to represent, because so many folks will not volunteer for such duties, BUT WILL complain. Mayor Paul Tauer was criticized, then son, ED was criticized for running to be on council, then Mayor. Sentinel used to have several criticisms of them, just as some now do for Steve Hogan. I respect those who will serve, and I serve in other areas now. Throw you hat into the ring for next council, and see how many friends you have, after.
Albuquerque has a program we could emulate
Boyd? Just shoot ’em?