Aurora's Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved two housing projects that residents fear will lead to gentrification by increasing rents and insurance costs in the area.
Tensions are rising between residents along the East Colfax corridor and developers who are planning new condos and townhomes in one of the remaining affordable areas that many immigrants, refugees and day laborers have long called home.
Three residents submitted an appeal to the city opposing the Grand Avenue project and asking City Council to reconsider the planning commission’s decision. Plans for the development include 53 single-family townhomes to be built on five “infill” sites on 3.45 acres of land. They’re slated for portions of Akron Street between 12th Avenue and 14th Avenue, Alton Street between 13th Avenue and 14th Avenue, and 14th Avenue between Akron Street and Alton Street.
Participants held up signs in different languages in front of the planned Ambience project, and chanted, “many cultures, one voice,” in English, Spanish, Burmese, Karen and other languages. They gave speeches in various languages as they discussed the impact such a project would have on their homes. The project has received support from Mayor Mike Coffman who said he wants to see a revitalization of the East Colfax corridor.
Rashid Ullah who lives in the corridor had worked the night shift the day before the protest, but he still attended because he and his family can’t afford increased rent, he said. Like some of his immigrant neighbors, Ullah used to work at the JBS meat packing plant in Greeley. Many of them chose to live in the East Colfax area because of its access to public transportation and affordability, as well as a sense of community.
That’s what happened to the apartment building Celia Caballero was renting in Capitol Hill in 2007 where costs rose so much, she had to move, she said.
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