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Council approves rezoning to let Cross Purpose continue counseling services in Skyland
Summary
The council rezoned 3050 North Richard Allen Court to EMX-2x so Cross Purpose can continue counseling services that the state now classifies as a "medical office" use; sponsors said the change corrects a zoning/licensing mismatch. The ordinance passed on final reading with 11 ayes.
Denver City Council voted to rezone 3050 North Richard Allen Court in the Skyland neighborhood so Cross Purpose, a Denver nonprofit serving jobseekers and residents in recovery, can continue offering scheduled counseling that the state now classifies as a medical-office use.
Councilmember Watson, the sponsor, said the rezoning corrects a mismatch between the building's existing use and current zoning. "This rezoning fixes a mismatch between zoning and reality, and most importantly, allows Cross Purpose to continue providing the same support services that have been providing for many, many years," Watson said during the presentation introducing the ordinance.
Edson Evanes of Community Planning and Development explained staff recommended changing the site from R-2A (former Chapter 59) to EMX-2x (an urban-edge mixed-use district up to two stories with limited commercial uses) to align zoning with the Behavioral Health Administration's licensing requirements. Evanes described outreach and noted letters of support from the Skyland Neighborhood Association and several organizations; staff said one recent submission included testimonials from program graduates.
Cross Purpose leaders and program staff told council the rezoning is technical but essential. Bob Scofield, vice president of campus operations at Cross Purpose, said the request "does not change our operation; it allows what is already existing to remain compliant." CEO Jason Jans described Cross Purpose's community impact, and Clinical Director Jamie Horstfeld provided program metrics: in the past year Cross Purpose delivered roughly 1,400 counseling sessions (an estimated $218,000 in services) and nearly 300 residents participated in counseling and recovery coaching.
Staff emphasized the state had granted temporary authorization that would expire on Feb. 17; without the zoning fix Cross Purpose risked having to pause counseling services. Council members spoke in support of preserving the nonprofit's integrated model. After public comment from volunteers, graduates and partner organizations, the council voted to approve the rezoning on final passage; the transcript records an announced result of 11 ayes and the bill passed.
The ordinance (council bill 20-52147) rezones the parcel to EMX-2x; the change is intended to restore permitting alignment so Cross Purpose can continue scheduled counseling and related program work without interruption.
