Jesse Paris critiques Denver's rezoning amid concerns of gentrification

The Denver City Council meeting on January 6, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding a proposed rezoning initiative that has raised concerns among community members. Jesse LaShawn Paris, representing several local organizations, voiced apprehensions about the potential impacts of the rezoning on the neighborhood, particularly regarding gentrification and involuntary displacement.

Paris emphasized the need for clarity on the specifics of the rezoning, questioning whether it pertained to a former strip mall or a nearby car dealership. He expressed concern that the ongoing gentrification in Denver could lead to further unintended consequences for residents, referring to the term "ethnic cleansing" in the context of community changes. He urged the council to consider how the proposed changes would genuinely benefit the community.

Council Member Flynn engaged in a dialogue about the zoning proposal, confirming that the new zoning could allow for buildings up to eight stories, with the potential for even taller structures if affordable housing requirements are met. Flynn clarified that the zoning could accommodate various types of developments, including residential and mixed-use buildings.

The owner of the property in question, Sam Nacui, confirmed his intention to change the zoning to facilitate the sale of the property, indicating he had been a long-time owner and was now looking to retire.

The meeting concluded with the public hearing being closed, leaving the council to deliberate on the implications of the proposed rezoning and its potential effects on the community. The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions between development and community preservation in Denver, as residents seek to protect their neighborhoods from the pressures of rapid change.