DENVER (KDVR) — Denver City Council voted 8-5 on Monday night to approve a new ordinance to remove a cap on the amount of needle exchanges in the city limits and change where they can be located.
Since 1997, only three needle exchanges have been allowed in the city. Now if the mayor gives the final approval, there could be an unlimited amount in the areas zoned for medical offices, something people in public comment took issue with.
The biggest concern with people speaking before city council on Monday was that the ordinance removes a buffer between schools and needle exchanges. Previously, they had to be 1,000 feet away.
“I’m wondering if you could honestly say you know what would’ve helped me learn and develop? A needle exchange with a congregation of illicit drug users next to my school,” said one speaker.
Another person said the city council had an important decision to make.
“Who is it for? Harm reduction or who? You can only choose one. The moms and the dads and the kids or the violent homeless junkies. These two groups cannot coexist,” they said.
City council member Sarah Parady, who voted yes, said these locations won’t have an impact on surrounding areas. She has previously said that the three current needle exchanges were not enough to serve the community.
“These are highly, highly regulated entities, which is part of why if you visit them and you interact with them, they run such clean operations,” said Parady.
While Diana Romero Campbell, who voted no, sided with parents in public comment that further discussions of locations were necessary.
“That’s where my issue is, of where are we placing future sites within child care and elementary, middle and high schools,” said Campbell.
Mayor Mike Johnston now has five days to either sign or veto the ordinance.