Commerce City residents demand action on ATV disturbances and animal control issues

During the City Council Regular Meeting on May 19, 2025, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding ongoing issues with ATVs and safety in Commerce City. Community members expressed frustration over the lack of effective measures to address the persistent problem of ATVs racing through neighborhoods, particularly as school lets out for the summer. One resident, Ms. Valdez, highlighted the dangers posed by these vehicles, noting that children play in the area and that her property has suffered damage due to reckless driving.

Residents are calling for immediate action from city officials, including the police department, to enhance safety measures. Ms. Valdez specifically inquired about the effectiveness of a new drone program intended to monitor and control ATV activity. However, she expressed skepticism about the program's potential impact, stating that residents feel unprotected and have not seen significant improvements despite previous complaints.

Another resident, Keith Rogers, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the police response times and questioning the enforcement of laws against illegal ATV use. He expressed frustration over being told that officers could not impound ATVs, leaving residents feeling helpless in addressing the issue.

In addition to ATV concerns, discussions also touched on the challenges posed by homelessness in the area, particularly regarding shopping carts being used by individuals to transport their belongings. Rogers warned that strict enforcement against stores for shopping cart misuse could deter new businesses from moving to Commerce City, further complicating the community's economic landscape.

The council acknowledged these concerns and assured residents that city management would address the issues raised. As the summer approaches, residents are hopeful for swift action to improve safety and community well-being in Commerce City.