Reader: The 16th Street Mall Has Gotten Worse Over the Past Fifteen Years

The announcement that the Downtown Denver Partnership may create a private security force for the 16th Street Mall in response to a recent series of violent incidents didn't prompt a uniform reaction among our readers. Among the disagreements: Whether the situation on the mall is truly dangerous or exaggerated and overblown...
By Michael RobertsOctober 26, 2015
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The announcement that the Downtown Denver Partnership may create a private security force for the 16th Street Mall in response to a recent series of violent incidents didn’t prompt a uniform reaction among our readers.

Among the disagreements: Whether the situation on the mall is truly dangerous or exaggerated and overblown.

The following commenter takes the former position and bases his observations on his status as a native of the area.

Here’s his take.

Editor's Picks

Jason Beck writes:

Yeah, it’s gotten worse over the past 15 yrs…..born and raised here and I don’t feel comfortable taking my son down there or myself for that matter…..unfortunately, it needs cleaned up again, get whoever you need in there to get cleaned out, I want to enjoy it again. I also noticed a lot of empty store fronts…..guess why!!

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword‘s news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor’s degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master’s degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

michaelrobertscolo@gmail.com

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