Aurora nonprofits: Colfax and Havana crime has migrated two blocks down

The ColfaxLab for Social Good at Ironton and Colfax in Aurora.Photo byUrban Land Conservancy

Representatives of non-profits located in the ColfaxLab for Social Good building at Colfax and Ironton told the Aurora City Council on Monday that crime is wreaking havoc there.

Aaron Miripol of the Urban Land Conservancy and Alex Wise of CEDS Finance explained that crime from Colfax and Havana has migrated two blocks to the ColfaxLab. They reported witnessing sex, drug use and more. Miripol said a shooting Aug. 1 at the intersection was witnessed by his staff. Four people took bullets and one died, according to police.

Miripol and Wise believe police enforcement at Colfax and Havana has pushed crime their way. They said a broader area than just the Colfax and Havana intersection needs added police patrols. Miripol said tenants at the ColfaxLab now must spend money on security, repairing broken windows, fencing, lighting and more. He said the organizations in ColfaxLab “support the community in ways other people can’t, frankly.”

ColfaxLab helps American dream come true

The ColfaxLab contains non-profits that create affordable housing, including the Conservancy and CEDS Finance. They also support schools, Miripol said. ColfaxLab has been at its current location since 2021 and the Conservancy owns the building, Miripol said.

Wise said CEDS has distributed almost $7 million to Aurora-based businesses, most of them minority-owned merchants. She said CEDS’ mission is to help business owners achieve the American dream of financial self-sufficiency. But, she said, “Our clients are now reporting that they are apprehensive to come to our offices and is requesting off-site visits.”

Miripol and Wise spoke during the public comment period of the council meeting. Council members don’t respond to speakers in order to allow more time for people to speak, but Mayor Mike Coffman asked the city clerk to obtain Miripol’s and Wise’s contract information.