Aurora, Colo. – Within a day after the Edge of Lowry apartment complex was shut down, it was viewed by Aurora’s Police Chief, Todd Chamberlain, as a ‘moment that changes the nature of the city crime-fighting efforts,’ a ‘milestone’ in Port Aurora’s fight against crime.
A decade-long trend of working tenancy abandonment was finally worked into, and now Chamberlain hopes working gas stoves, jagged wiring, and roach overpopulation will cease to block the shift hopes for.
A Problem That Required Action
Chief Chamberlain emphasized that closing the complex was necessary not only for public safety but also for the well-being of the people who live there.
“I have not, in my experience, seen anything other than contempt, Digally lauded for failing to provide even the simplest of social services.” He was precise in ascertaining action was ‘needed, and was shocked to witness this place. The chief explained some of the modifications necessary for the implementation of shutting the complex, which meant redefining the legal criminal discomfort-nuisance disruption letters and emergency court orders, everything in Aurora’s ditched commander’s orders of last month.
“This wasn’t simply an incident that goes deep into the core of this modification,” he proclaimed with a devilish schadenfreude gaze. “It was countless, unsurprising problems that forced a choice none would have preferred.”
Gangs and Unchecked Crime as Management Failures
Even before its closure, the Edge of Lowry complex was a topic of discussion. It received national headlines during August due to reports concerning armed individuals lurking in the building’s hallways as well as allegations regarding gang wars.
Chamberlain noted that one of the most important problems was an inefficiently managed “uncoordinated influx of migrants” where a large number of immigrants seeking for opportunity were left vulnerable to exploitation from criminal groups. He cited the boosting presence of Venezuelan members supporting Tren De Aragua (TdA), who claimed parts of the complex and created a “feeling of chaos and fear.”
Another key aspect in the downfall of the complex was CBZ management, the proprietor of the property. The company has been publicly penalized for code infractions under eight of its other Denver region-based properties, which did very little for their reputation. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has branded them as “slumlords,” such is their notoriety.
“Crime excelled, and the residents were left to suffer, as people did what they pleased,” said Chamberlain. “This kind of situation should not have been tolerated ever.”
Community Response: Relocation Concerns
Housing advocates worried the closure would suffice the areas well, as the sudden action deemed fit would displace many families.
Nate Kassa of the East Colfax Community Collective said that Aurora moved faster in the past closures, but some citizens were not catered for.
“There were a lot of people who slipped through the cracks in the city,” Kassa noted while highlighting the issue of families being able to secure accommodation.
Chamberlain argued against claims that the closure was done too hastily, labeling those claims “a complete falsehood.” He raised public confidence by stating that there was planning and preparation that took place before the shutdown.
A New Phase in Aurora’s Fight Against Crime
City officials, however, emphasized that with the Edge of Lowry’s closure being a milestone, there is still more work to be done.
“I hope the people in this community feel much safer right now,” Chamberlain remarked. “We are not just walking away from this problem. Security will remain in place, and we will continue monitoring the area.”
As the police department and city officials tend to new business, Aurora’s focus is on proactively preventing similar situations in other areas.
