Re: “Denver going after ‘scourge of hoodlums’ on 16th Street Mall, ” June 28 news story.
I can appreciate that there is a growing safety concern along the 16th Street Mall. I can appreciate that there is a need for increased police presence. The recent videos of people being assaulted are alarming.
Yet I think we can all agree that this is not a solution. It is a temporary measure. Whether these people are homeless or travelers, as the mayor has said, the time is coming for increased social investment as well.
We can no longer push them around the city — onto the Cherry Creek Trail and into the surrounding neighborhoods — without a comprehensive plan. These people need somewhere humane to go. An intentional strategy is clearly needed, which will require our hearts and minds.
Brian Brinkerhoff, Denver
Submit a letter to the editor via this form or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
