More Attention Pays Off For ‘No Man’s Land’

Merchants and residents of an unincorporated area in El Paso County known as “No Man’s Land” said a greater law enforcement presence and more involvement by business owners have resulted in less panhandling and crime.

According to a community task force that formed earlier this month and met for the first time on Wednesday, a Safeway store hired security guards. Also, Red Rock Liquors, at the urging of task force members, became more selective about selling to customers known to be vagrants or panhandlers.

“Maybe more businesses will get involved when they see how it helps their customer base,” said Bob Holmes, a task force member.

The affected 1.5-mile area lies between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. It falls between the jurisdictions of Manitou, Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

Colorado Springs Police Chief Pete Carey said the area — a concentration of stores, restaurants, motels and residential neighborhoods — suffered because nearby municipalities often did not communicate or cooperate quickly enough when problems developed, and no one was sure which jurisdiction should respond.

“We’re trying to correct that now,” he said. “Still a long way to go, but it’s a start. There’s other areas of the city that need just as much help.”

About 25 people attended the first task force meeting at the Gold Hill police substation. Some of the attendees said the group is a last resort to combat aggressive panhandlers who they say scare customers away and allegedly contribute to increasing crime to the area.

“These people are trespassing, trying to break into houses,” said motel owner Mike Crepeau. “I have people on my property every week who don’t belong there, who aren’t customers.”

Bonnie LaPora, a resident and neighborhood watch leader, said she moved into the area in 1966 and has seen it deteriorate to the point where at least one resident felt forced to move out.

“It was because a panhandler approached her on different occasions when she had her baby,” LaPora said.

During the two-hour meeting, task force members said they want to understand panhandling and help those who may need assistance, instead of just forcing them out so that they become a problem elsewhere.

“Not all panhandlers are homeless, and vice versa,” said Holmes. “Panhandling is a very well-playing, flex-time job. They can go out, work two hours, make 70 or 80 bucks and cover their motel, booze and cigarettes.”

Holmes painted a picture of how the system works: Panhandlers, many who are from other countries, live cheaply in the local motels. They leave every morning in groups to begin seeking handouts, and are very organized and persistent. They know panhandling laws well enough to generally avoid breaking them and risking arrest. Panhandlers are constantly walking through the area at all hours, even working together as families on occasion.

“The best way to stop panhandling is to stop giving them money,” said Holmes. “But it’s hard to get people to do that.”

One resident suggested fining people who give money to panhandlers to discourage the practice. However, a task force member said citizens should always have the freedom to give.

Some suggestions made by the task force include the use of private patrols, installing security cameras, using a vacant office for a law enforcement substation, and strengthening local ordinances.

“It would be nice if the first thing we could get done is have City Council modify the language in the panhandling ordinance,” said Crepeau. “That would help the businesses substantially.”

The task force also established longer-range goals, such as attracting new businesses and possibly having a municipality annex the area. The group plans to meet again on June 18, hoping to choose a better name for the area, responding to concerns that “No-Man’s Land” is too negative.

In a related matter, county commissioners on Thursday approved the hiring of a consultant to begin studying a redesign of the area that would include utility improvements, sidewalks, curbs, lighting and landscaping. The study is expected to last 10 months and is funded by a $300,000 state grant.

A complete redesign of the area could cost as much as $20 million, a task member said.