Issuu

FORT LUPTON PRESS S E RV I N G T H E C O M M U N I T Y S I N C E 19 0 6

VOLUME 120

75cI

ISSUE 4

WEEK OF JANUARY 26, 2023

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2020

VOLUME 117

THE SEASON FOR SHARING

Our in-depth look at the housing crisis

Council honors car dealer

ISSUE 48

Fort Lupton to rename Denver Avenue temporarily to honor Purifoy BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Racial Inequities: Black Coloradans often face barriers in homeownership

Fort Lupton’s Denver Avenue won’t have its regular name the first week in September. Mayor Zo Hubbard proclaimed that Denver Avenue will be Purifoy Drive in honor of Rollie Purifoy, former owner of the longstanding car dealership. It was in business from 1960 until 2022, when Purifoy sold the business. It operates under the name Yoder Chevrolet in the 600 block of Denver Avenue. Hubbard cited the firm’s “investment in and commitment to” the community and its assistance to the area’s economy. Purifoy also developed the Apple Farm subdivision. The proclamation was part of Fort Lupton City Council’s Jan. 17 meeting. Money time

Council also approved a $49,000 contract with Axon Enterprises. It provides taser equipment, bodyworn and mobile camera equipment and licensing. the applicants visited properties, the time five years ago. “After that, “This is part 1 of 2,” Fort Lupton landlords denied their applicawe did the application online and Police Chief John Fryar told the tions. This happened over and sent it in without them being able council. “We’ll have a smaller piece over again. to see the person.” that we’ll do later in the year.” So the team decided to take a Once the application got apThe funds come from the general BY NINA JOSS AND HALEY LENA different approach, sending in proved, the team at Aurora Warms fund and the police department’s NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM; HLENA@COLORADOWhite volunteers to check out the the Night would let the real estate contractual services account. COMMUNITYMEDIA.COM apartments first. agents see the client was Black. Council also OK’d a $33,900 pact “I would send one of our emArnold said this process worked to replace one of the rooftop units A few years ago, Aurora Warms ployees or people that were White almost every time and became the at the recreation center. Assistant the Night, an Aurora-based nonto look at the apartment — to get organization’s own way of making recreation director Julie Seedorf profit serving people who need the pricing, get everything, to a dent in the discrimination that said the unit is irreparable. The Every year before Thanksgiving, Church in Fort and the Food Bank provide community housing, ran into a challenge First United makeMethodist sure everything was avail-Luptonpeople of Fort colorLupton may face, butand findClothingmoney comes from the center’s members with food boxes. This will be the program’s 10th consecutive year. Above, Joe Hubert, left China Garcia and Sue Hubert with Change 4 Change, when assisting its Black clients in able,” said Brian Arnold, who was capital expenditures account. applying for apartments. Whenwith theexecutive director of theon group SEE INEQUITIES, P7 another organization that helps food drive. See more Pageat2.

Some now look to build equity for future generations

SEE COUNCIL, P3

CONTACT AT 303-659-2522 Contact us atUS 303-566-4100 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

LOCAL LOCAL OBITUARIES OPINION VOICES CALENDAR SPORTS CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL PUZZLE

2 5 6 11 13

2 4 6 13 14

FOLLOW FORT LUPTON LUPTON PRESS PRESS on ONFacebook FACEBOOK Follow THE the FORT

LOCAL •A fundraiser to combat domestic abuse • Page 3

COVID-19

A message •In-door dining and gatherings prohibto large our readers ited by new restrictions

Regarding subscription prices.9 P5 • Page