“The Five Points Business Improvement District (FPBID) demands an open, thorough and inclusive public comment process after learning this weekend of the proposed site of a new legal homeless encampment at the Charles R. Cousins Plaza in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver.
“The Five Points Business Improvement District’s mission is to positively influence financial accountability and cultural responsibility as this neighborhood undergoes redevelopment and growth,” said Paul Books, President of the FPID Board of Directors. “Our organization believes strongly in a ‘whole-system’ approach to revitalizing the Five Points area, going beyond issues like economic development to consider education, transportation, safety, children & families, and public health. We believe we have a responsibility to advocate for our neighborhood and ensure the voices of our community are heard. We don’t believe that’s happening in this instance.”
This summer, a list of 13 potential sites for three proposed legal tent encampments for unhoused residents was presented to the Mayor’s office by City Council members. The Charles R. Cousins Plaza was not on that list. Late Friday, the Five Points BID learned that it had nevertheless been the first site selected for an encampment.”
read the entire email PDF
Five Points Business Improvement District email 15 September 2020.