LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — Homeless encampments along the Colfax corridor in Lakewood have grown in recent weeks, raising ongoing safety and quality-of-life concerns from nearby businesses and residents while highlighting what advocates describe as a broader regional homelessness crisis.
FOX31 has now reported three times in two weeks on encampments near Colfax & Reed Street and 14th Avenue & Vance Street. During a return visit on Wednesday, tents, tarps and belongings lined multiple blocks, and one previously documented encampment appeared to have expanded.
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A lot behind a local business that FOX31 showed in its Feb. 12 report has since been fenced off and posted with “No Trespassing” signs. But just steps away, another encampment has grown, with some neighbors estimating dozens of people staying in the area.
Brian Derry, property manager of the Kings Rest Apartments for 25 years, said the issue has persisted for years…