Mayor Mike Johnston withdrew a site from a list of proposed “micro-communities” for homeless people in Denver after pushback from people in the neighborhood.

Johnson cited “community feedback” as one of the reasons for nixing the proposed “micro-community” at 5500 E. Yale Avenue.   

“After deep conversation on both those variables, we have decided to not move forward with the micro-community at 5500 E. Yale Avenue based on a combination of logistical and operational challenges, as well as community feedback,” Johnston said in a letter to Yale-area neighbors.

The Yale Neighborhood Alliance – which organizers launched shortly after the city unveiled a list of 11 proposed “micro-community” sites – told Johnston the neighborhood is “united by a common commitment to making Denver a better place for all its residents.”

“We wholeheartedly agree with the mayor’s perspective that additional housing units, enhanced mental health support, and a comprehensive plan to address drug misuse are essential elements in supporting our unhoused neighbors,” the group told Johnston and District 4 Councilwoman Diana Romero-Campbell.

Residents had confronted Johnston during a public meeting in September.  

“Site selection can make or break outcomes for participants living in the micro-communities. Also, the nature and magnitude of the impact on those living near micro-communities,” Alec Baker, a resident within 1,000 feet of the Yale site, told The Denver Gazette after that meeting.

“This site would be dangerous for new micro-community residents and also dramatically increase the danger for permanent residents,” Baker said. “Our neighborhood functionally has only one entry and exit point with no through traffic, so there are no options to avoid the problem area.”

Residents said they worry the micro-community would lead to public defecation, increased crime and drugs, and decrease home values, among other potential problems. 

Johnston’s administration has withdrawn two other “micro-communities” sites: 1380 Birch Street and 1151 Bannock Street.

City officials told The Denver Gazette on Wednesday that the withdrawals come with additional site proposals.

“We are working to open a micro-community in every city council district,” a spokesperson said.

Denver mayor confronted by residents over potential homeless micro-community site

Johnston, who declared a state of emergency in his first full day in office, promised to get 1,000 homeless people off the streets by year’s end. The mayor’s strategy is to clear out homeless people encampments, move those living there into temporary housing, and eventually offer them permanent housing opportunities.

Key to this strategy are “micro-communities,” which, as envisioned, consist of an outdoor set of “tiny homes” with access to community bathrooms and laundry. The are would be monitored 24/7. 

In addition, the city plans to contract with companies to provide social and mental health services, as well as employment counseling.

Denver identifies 11 potential sites for ‘micro communities,’ plans to buy 200 pallet shelters

In the case of the Yale neighborhood, the city it was removed from consideration “based on the criteria we have identified that include economic viability, projected site yield and consideration of other viable options, as well as community feedback.”

“While I wasn’t initially confident that the city intended to actually make use of community feedback, it seems in our case that the feedback was heard,” Baker, the Yale-area resident, told The Denver Gazette. “I have ongoing concerns that the city is moving too fast to be effective with their plan, but I’m hopeful that they are showing us their capacity to be flexible.”

The city’s other reasons for withdrawing “micro-community” sites included landowners rescinding contracts and cost issues.

“What I’ve appreciated the most about these conversations is the spirit in which the residents have entered,” Johnston said. “Everyone has shown up and both said they recognize the state of emergency, they want to see the problem solved and more importantly, they want District 4 to be a part of that solution.”

Micro-communities are currently under construction at 2301 S. Santa Fe Drive and 12033 E. 38th Ave. In addition, pre-construction is underway at 1375 N. Elati St.

Signs opposing Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s housing-first strategy pop up near ‘micro-community’ site