NORTHGLENN, Colo. (KDVR) — Concerns have arisen in a Colorado neighborhood about sex offenders living close to a school and other vulnerable spots.
This comes after the state recently gave the green light for transitional housing for people leaving mental health hospitals, convicted sex offenders among them.
The city of Northglenn sent a letter to people who live near the facilities saying they had no control over this decision. Even a state lawmaker expressed concern about who will live in the facility blocks from an elementary school.
Alex Granados has lived in his home for eight years. Soon, he could have sex offenders living just behind his backyard.
“I’m worried because I have three sons in grade school, and anyone living there could try to talk to them,” Granados said.
A statement from the city said in part: “The City of Northglenn is concerned that we have no voice in this land use decision.”
Even the area’s state Rep. Jenny Willford, of District 34, shared her concerns in a letter to the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health, which approved the land use.
“I do not believe the information provided was fully transparent or complete,” Willford said.
Playground, daycare, pool and more nearby
“There’s a school in the neighborhood and a church nearby,” Granados said. “It’s a quiet area, and that kind of element has never been here before.”
That’s a concern Willford pointed out as well. In her letter, she noted the exact distance from this transitional home to a church, a playground, an elementary school, a home-based daycare and a pool.
“If it’s being ordered by the state, what choice do we have?” Granados said. “Even if it is an inconvenience to the neighborhood.”
NewsNation affiliate KDVR reached out to the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health for comment. As of this story’s publication, the request remained unanswered.
“I’ll tell my sons what I’ve told them before,” Granados said. “Not to talk to strangers.”
Northglenn will host a meeting where the public can give their input. That’s set for Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Northglenn Recreation Center, community rooms 2 and 3, at 1 E. Memorial Pkwy.
State officials are expected to be there.