The police training facility located on 21st and Akron across from Bill Roberts is staying put for now. Forest City has continually pressured the DPD and the City of Denver to sell the valuable real estate to Forest City for development. “It’s an incredible waste of valuable property,” said Forest City President Phil Dargossi. “It made sense to have it there years ago, but now that this area is actually worth something, we need to put it to better use. There has to be property in Aurora Denver could use for their training facility.” Dargossi says that they already have ideas for how the facility would be repurposed. “We have narrowed it down to a handful of plans involving upper income housing, really upper income housing, and super high income housing. We also have plans for a small promenade with continually rotating boutiques, mostly due to our unaffordable leasing agreements.”
For the Denver Police Department’s part, they are not budging. “We plan to continue to train at our current facility, and do not see a scenario where we will be bought out,” said stubborn police Chief Robert White. “To find a new place to train, build it, and so forth, would take massive police resources that would be better used elsewhere.” Dargossi feels the situation can be resolved. “We are offering a very fair amount,” said Dargossi who refused to get into the specific details. “The DPD could easily find a more suitable location and purchase a newer and better facility for what we are offering. I feel we eventually will come to terms.”
Residents in the area have mixed feelings about moving the facility. “It’s been here for so long, I’m kinda just used to seeing the faux police chases,” said area resident Mitchell Halsor. “I’m sure I could get used to housing being there pretty quick, however.” Other residents like the idea of a police presence. “I know they are not actually there to serve and protect,” said South Ender Robin Walker. “But, I doubt the bad guys know that. Plus, if something went down, I’m guessing they would act. They would have to, right?” Nantucket Close resident Mike Adkins is all for the redevelopment of the land. “I live in The Close and I would be extremely pleased if that area was to move on,” said Luke Sorenson. “It has been an eye sore to many of us since we moved into The Close. So much so that some of the original residents have moved out and into the general Stapleton population. It’s very sad.”
Ultimately, Dargossi says the DPD holds the cards, but he feels Forest City can be pretty convincing. “Look, we are a $10 billion company. Money talks, and eventually, the DPD will walk. We will get that land and will develop it so that the South Enders will become a proud neighborhood.”]]>