Commerce City Council discusses potential detox facility with county commissioners

A proposed acute mental health facility in Commerce City has sparked significant discussion among city council members, with concerns about its implications for the community taking center stage. During the City Council Regular Study Session on July 14, 2025, city officials were briefed on a coordinated effort with Adams County to address the urgent need for mental health and detox services following the closure of the previous detox facility managed by Community Reach.

City officials, including the city manager, emphasized the importance of engaging with county commissioners to explore the potential location of this new facility within Commerce City. The city manager urged council members to consider participating in discussions, highlighting the opportunity for the community to voice their opinions and concerns.

However, council member Douglas expressed strong reservations about the proposal, questioning why Commerce City is often viewed as a suitable location for such facilities. "I don't think it's what our constituents would care to have in our community," Douglas stated, pointing out that while the facility is framed as a mental health initiative, it fundamentally serves as a detox center for adults.

The council's deliberations reflect a broader concern about the impact of such facilities on local neighborhoods and the community's willingness to accept them. As discussions continue, the city council faces the challenge of balancing the urgent need for mental health services with the sentiments of residents who may oppose the facility's presence in their community. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of mental health services in Commerce City and influence how the city collaborates with county officials moving forward.