Business and neighborhood speakers urge action on Old Town safety and call for a north Jefferson navigation center

Several speakers during the public comment period told the Arvada City Council of safety and property‑damage incidents in Old Town and urged more city involvement to address homelessness and protect residents, children and historic buildings.

Scott Spears, who identified himself as the owner of five Old Town businesses, described repeated incidents and a recent early‑morning fire he said was set on a Schoolhouse rooftop deck. “This isn’t the first time council’s heard from me… I was here to speak for the many problems our staff and our clients are putting up with with the homeless community down in Old Town,” he said. Spears said the rooftop fire and prior assaults on staff and property show the area is at risk and urged the council to prioritize public safety.

Jill Armstrong and Tom Olsner (identified as the leader of a church safe‑parking team and a volunteer at Mission Arvada) urged the council to advance a navigation center for north Jefferson County, saying Mission Arvada is operating at capacity and the city needs a dedicated facility offering shelter and wraparound services. "A navigation center gives them that place along with access to resources like housing, employment, health care and IDs," Armstrong said.

David Holland described concerns about a registered sex offender listed at an address near a school playground and urged protections for children around the Mission Arvada facility. Judith Denham, representing the Arvada Historical Society, urged expanded measures to protect historic Old Town properties after the reported rooftop fire and requested 24‑hour security and broader city action to secure the downtown.

Several speakers asked the council to make an explicit statement of support for immigrants and to post resources for immigrant families; Pat Malone and Joyce Richardson asked the city to publish contact information and legal‑rights resources to assist immigrant residents.

Council did not take formal action during public comment. Staff and councilmembers acknowledged the concerns and referred some speakers to ongoing efforts; several members noted the city has installed security cameras in Old Town and said staff continue to coordinate with Mission Arvada and other service providers.