Editor's note: Contact7 seeks out audience tips and feedback to help people in need, resolve problems and hold the powerful accountable. If you know of a community need our call center could address, or have a story idea for our investigative team to pursue, please email us at contact7@thedenverchannel.com or call (720) 462-7777. Find more Contact7 stories here.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — When renovations began on a Wheat Ridge house, the neighbors didn't think much of it until they started hearing the property would be turned into a sober living home.
A company called Monarch Sober Living confirms it will be running the home. It's scheduled to open next week, but some people living on the street just found out days ago.
The house is located in the Applewood neighborhood near a park. Residents reached out to Contact7 because they worry the location is not adequately suited for a sober living home with multiple residents.
"This is not a neighborhood that should warrant something like that, and I don't think it's safe for people with children," said Elaine, who didn't want us to share her last name.
Elaine and others want to know more about their new neighbors and precisely who will be living in the house. They are also concerned there won't be enough parking in the area.
A spokesperson for the city of Wheat Ridge said the sober living home is permitted under city zoning laws and allowed by the Fair Housing Act. She went on to say the city is essentially treating it as a single-family home.
Inspections from the city are currently underway, and according to the spokesperson, they are making every effort to answer questions about the plans.
Longtime residents feel like they've been blindsided. Several of them told Denver7 they never received official notification from the city or the company.
Contact7 reached the owner of Monarch Sober Living by phone late Tuesday evening. She wouldn't say how many people would be living in the home but agreed to answer questions in an on-camera interview the next day. She said her company has been open with their new neighbors.
