Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident raises long‑running code‑enforcement and homelessness concerns in Old Colorado City; council requests follow‑up
Summary
At the June 10 council meeting a resident described persistent code and public‑safety problems at a specific Old Colorado City property and reported slow police response and encampment issues; staff and council members pledged follow‑up and requested the resident return in one month with an update.
During the citizens’ discussion portion of the June 10 Colorado Springs City Council meeting, a resident identified as Lorad Nelos (listed in the sign‑in as living at 1814 West Vermejo Avenue) described a 17‑year pattern of code violations, unlicensed vehicles and encampment activity at a neighboring property on West Vermejo. Nelos said police response times for non‑violent calls run “8 to 10 hours” and that code enforcement and police have not resolved recurring problems at 1808 West Vermejo.
“Crime gangs operate with relative immunity in the city, selling illegal drugs, intimidating citizens,” Nelos said, and he told council that homeless encampments and unlicensed vehicles have moved into alleys and yards near his home. He said code enforcement sometimes concluded that the property owner’s structures were not clearly addressed by the code enforcement officer and described repeated calls and extended case histories.
City officials on the dais acknowledged the complaint and described next steps. Council President Crow Iverson said chief of staff Sam had been asked to connect the resident with code enforcement. Sam (chief of staff) told council he had connected the resident’s concerns to Code Enforcement Supervisor Tom Wasser for follow‑up. Councilwoman Williams said the issue would take longer than a brief public comment and committed to follow‑up with staff. Councilman Donaldson asked the resident to return in one month with an update so council could track progress.
No formal enforcement action was recorded during the meeting; council directed staff to investigate the specific property issues raised and to report back. Staff and the resident referenced private‑property limitations on police entry and the option for residents to file a permission form for police to enter private property when enforcement is required. Residents with similar concerns should contact Code Enforcement or the non‑emergency police line as appropriate and follow up with council staff for case tracking.
