Northglenn residents demand permanent safeguards against sex offenders in mental health facilities
A year-long battle over the placement of mental health transitional living homes in Northglenn, Colorado, escalated Monday as residents and city officials renewed their calls for permanent protections against sex offenders.
Growing frustration fuels push for legislative action
The issue began last year when a former senior care facility was repurposed into a mental health facility near an elementary school and childcare center on Grant Drive. Residents immediately voiced concerns, citing a perceived lack of safety and a history of disruptive behavior from individuals housed within the facilities. ‘I’m disappointed that we’re doing this again,’ one resident stated, highlighting the recurring nature of the problem. ‘Northglenn isn’t saying don’t get help… Just don’t provide it next to a playground. Don’t provide it next to an elementary school,’ another resident emphasized.
Despite repeated requests for permanent safeguards, the state’s Mental Health Transitional Living (MHTL) program has remained largely unchallenged, with 72 calls for service to the Northglenn Police Department over two years. Residents have reported instances of drug use and alcohol consumption in the neighborhood surrounding the homes, adding to their anxieties. Mayor Meredith Leighty confirmed that these concerns are valid, noting the need for increased oversight and security measures.
State response – a temporary patch
While the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) initially agreed to prohibit sex offenders from the facilities for the first two years, city leaders argue this is insufficient. ‘A policy change is a great first step, but it is a temporary solution, and our residents are seeking a permanent solution,’ Leighty declared. CDHS officials, however, maintain they’ve engaged in “good faith” discussions and extended a statewide internal policy to exclude those required to register under the Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act.
A newly proposed bill, HB26-1285, spearheaded by State Rep. Lori Goldstein and Sen. Kyle Mullica, seeks to codify a requirement that no MTHL home be located within 1000 feet of a school. However, the bill’s future remains uncertain, with some predicting it will stall. City Attorney Corey Hoffman expressed the need for legislative action to guarantee a lasting resolution, stating that “the only way to get a level of certainty is to get this issue into legislation.”
Moving beyond negotiations – a call for commitment
The State has drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining enhanced safety protocols and collaborative strategies, but residents remain skeptical. ‘We believe the only way to get a level of certainty is to get this issue into legislation,’ said City Attorney Corey Hoffman. The State's commitment to providing excellent service is appreciated, but the city is demanding a concrete, legally binding solution. The House Judiciary Committee will hear HB26-1285 on Tuesday, and Northglenn representatives are actively seeking to influence the debate.
Ultimately, the dispute underscores a fundamental tension: the state’s imperative to expand mental health resources versus the deeply held concerns of a community seeking to protect its children and families. The fight continues, demonstrating that some wounds, once opened, refuse to heal without ironclad guarantees.