Apartment residents in Aurora say poor conditions are the problem, not the gangs

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Residents of The Edge at Lowry apartment complex say the story that gangs have taken over is simply not true and blame the property management for the conditions.

On Tuesday, FOX31 reported on a now-viral video of a group of men carrying guns at The Edge at Lowry apartments, a known trouble spot. Federal law enforcement sources told NewsNation the video was linked to Venezuelan gang activity, but residents said Tuesday it was taken out of context.

“They’re trying to put us all in one group, all in one pocket,” one resident said at a news conference at the complex. “They’re trying to say there are delinquents here, there are criminals here. There are mothers here, there are families here,” the resident said.

They told FOX31 that the real crime being committed is the squalid conditions they are forced to live in. FOX31 first reported on those conditions two weeks ago when piles of trash were found outside. Residents said the pile was because the property’s management hadn’t picked up the trash in more than two weeks.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Residents of the complex showed FOX31 bedbugs and mice in glue traps, which residents said went untreated even after they reported them. Those deplorable conditions are something Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman is fully aware of.

Residents held up mousetraps as they spoke to the media on Tuesday.

The management company CBZ Management also oversaw the Nome Street complex that closed last month, a location that had alleged gang activity and is a potential crutch the mayor says the company is using.

“I believe there is some truth to all of this, but it is interesting that when we have problems with allegations of criminal activity and gang activity, the pattern is with one owner and, quite frankly, it is out-of-state slum landlords,” Coffman said.

Residents also said they feel racism has played a role. One resident said he has tried to find another place to live but has been turned away multiple times. Other residents have received threatening racist messages calling them “animals,” violent threats and even people showing up at their buildings with signs saying, “We’re going to take Aurora back.”

“All we’re asking for is a place to live, a place for our children to live. We need your help and look at us and see us. We just want a chance to improve our image, we want to show the mayor and talk to him and let him know that we’re not the ones causing problems,” said one resident.

Residents said they want their story to change and a chance to meet with the city, a meeting the mayor is open to. The mayor mentioned in a social media post the possibility of an emergency injunction on the complex that would label it a criminal nuisance, but the mayor said that would be a last resort if they can’t reach a resolution with the management company and residents.

“Of course it’s better to find a solution that doesn’t involve closing the buildings,” Coffman said. “I want to understand their challenges better, but we also need their cooperation.”