Residents press Jefferson County to study water, transportation and building conditions amid housing expansion plans

Multiple residents and community groups told the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners on June 17 that county housing planning must account for water and transportation capacity and that the county should address deteriorating conditions at a Jefferson Center for Mental Health property in Golden.

Diane Duffy, representing the Welchchester neighborhood, described persistent trash, crime and unsanitary conditions at a building purchased by Jefferson Center in 2023 and said occupancy has fallen. "Now far be it from me to understand why they would buy a $5,000,000 building for their administration when we have such need on our streets, but they have not maintained it," Duffy said. Commissioner Dahlkemper and staff asked Duffy to share photos and Cassie Pierce was identified as the staff contact to receive them.

Two other residents urged that the county elevate water supply and transportation capacity from "other considerations" to primary factors when evaluating new housing. Lynn Clemens said the county should study water company capacity and transportation impacts in tandem with housing plans, noting that Jefferson County contains roughly 50 separate water providers in unincorporated areas and citing planned roadway signal changes near large developments as examples.

Mike Rolick raised constitutional concerns about Colorado House Bill 1313 and asked the county to monitor legal challenges by home-rule cities. He also asked public health staff to review production methods for psilocybin that could use recombinant DNA techniques, saying those processes may involve bacteria such as E. coli and could pose risks near residential areas.

County staff and commissioners responded with follow-up steps. Commissioner Zenzinger said staff would connect resident concerns with the county manager, Joe Kirby, and that she serves as the county's liaison to the Jefferson County Mental Health Board. County staff indicated Jefferson Center is aware of issues at the 740 Sims property and is working on a plan; Christie Boland of Jefferson Center acknowledged the comment and said the organization is engaged with the neighborhood.

The board did not take formal action on development standards, water studies or HB 1313 during the meeting. County staff were directed to accept evidence (photos) from residents and to coordinate with Jefferson Center and the county manager's office about remediation plans and any further next steps.