The city of Aurora has come up with a short-term solution for day laborers who gather along Dayton Street just north of the busy East Colfax Avenue looking for work.
Late Monday night, the board agreed to purchase several properties along the 1500 block of Dayton Street for $400,000 to provide a safe place for the laborers to seek employment.
The block has been used for years by day laborers, but they caused a when potential employers pulled up.
The move will get day laborers off the street. And if the city finds a permanent solution at another location, the properties are in a prime location in the city’s fledgling arts district.
City Councilwoman Sally Mounier, who represents that part of the city, has worked hard to , fearing someone would be killed if a solution was not found.
The city is also looking at a partnership with several organizations to provide educational opportunities for the workers.
City Councilwoman Renie Peterson was the lone member to vote against acquiring the properties. Peterson, who represents the district just east and north of the area, said her constituents have told her it’s a waste of taxpayer money.
