febrero 17, 2025

Court Orders Closure of Migrant Apartments in Aurora

Corte ordena cierre de apartamentos de migrantes en Aurora Court Orders Closure of Migrant Apartments in Aurora

SHUT DOWN| The Edge of Lowry complex to be vacated and closed. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

AURORA AND ARAPAHOE COUNTY OFFER SUPPORT TO CURRENT TENANTS.

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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The Aurora Municipal Court has ordered the immediate closure of The Edge of Lowry apartment complex, citing it as a significant public safety hazard. The decision, announced by Judge Shawn Day, approved the emergency closure requested by the city on January 9.

This measure responds to a series of serious crimes, including a kidnapping incident in December, which highlights the deteriorating living conditions in the complex. During the hearing, city attorney Pete Schulte explained that the order would allow the appointment of a management company to assess the current conditions of the complex and assist residents in relocating.

In the News

The Edge of Lowry is one of three properties previously managed by CBZ Management. Aurora had been in litigation with CBZ for nearly five years over the poor condition of these properties. The other two complexes, Aspen Grove and Whispering Pines, were closed in recent months, but The Edge of Lowry has emerged as the most severe case due to recent alarming events affecting both residents and local authorities.

Last December, two individuals were kidnapped within the complex and subjected to torture by alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. This episode, which included extortion and theft from residents, was the tipping point. The complex also gained international notoriety in August when a viral video showed armed men breaking into apartments, drawing attention even from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The situation escalated further when CBZ administrators were implicated in alleged agreements with nonprofit organizations Papagayo and Vive Well, which operate in Denver. According to the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, Papagayo and Vive Well reportedly used federal Migrant Grant-Arpa funds to place newly arrived migrants in CBZ complexes, particularly The Edge of Lowry.e of Lowry.

Support for Current Residents

Jessica Prosser, Aurora’s Director of Community and Housing Services, stated that the city would work with Arapahoe County to provide support and guidance to affected families. This effort will focus on addressing specific household needs, including employment and financial stability, to offer tailored relocation solutions.

Additionally, the city announced that the appointed receiver would conduct door-to-door assessments to identify legitimate residents and determine if any of the 52 units were illegally occupied. This process aims to ensure effective resource allocation and access to relocation options for all families.

BEFORE THE COURT DECISION | Housing activists protest outside Aurora Justice Center on January 13, 2025. (Photo/Courtesy of Aurora Sentinel)

Resident Concerns

Outside the courthouse, representatives of residents and activist organizations such as Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND) protested to denounce the poor living conditions in properties managed by CBZ Management. The demonstrators demanded more time for families to relocate, arguing that the lack of communication between the city and tenants had further complicated the process.

“The city talks about supporting tenants, but we haven’t received any communication in months. We find out about decisions almost at the same time as the media,” said Natasha Barshalom, a resident of another CBZ property. Meanwhile, HAND spokesperson V Reeves criticized the lack of transparency and emphasized the need for time and resources to ensure families can transition to safe and dignified housing.

Residents remain uncertain about what comes next. While the city pledges to work collaboratively with families and community groups, activists like Reeves remain skeptical. “We want to believe they’ll follow through, but so far, the lack of communication has been frustrating,” Reeves added.

Police Chief Speaks

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain described the complex as a “cancer to the community” and stressed the need for immediate action. “This place is not going to improve. It has reached a breaking point that we cannot tolerate in Aurora,” Chamberlain declared. He also noted that the issues at The Edge of Lowry impact not only its residents but the general safety of the area.

Meanwhile, residents await the next steps with apprehension. While the city promises to collaborate with families and community groups, activists remain wary of the promises made.


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