Ivywild Neighbors Upset About Group Home

Homeowners living in the Ivywild neighborhood said they are upset that a group home for former prisoners is trying to expand.

The Unida House currently houses seven men. Its owner, Tony Huerena, said he hopes to expand and house 15 men.

Neighbors who live nearby said they are concerned about safety.

Sheena Pasko has owned her home in the Ivywild neighborhood for a decade. She said since Unida has opened, she has seen more problems.

“We’ve seen a huge difference,” said Pasko.

She said more people are out late at night and her neighbors have dealt with a rise in thefts.

“I’m all about helping people, but there are better locations for a facility like this,” Pasko said.

Huerena told KRDO Newschannel 13 that he has run group homes for more than 20 years.

He lives at the Unida House, so he said he is constantly supervising residents.

Huerena said he has seen so many success stories and he hopes others will see that he is trying to build the community, not break it down.

City staff member Michael Schultz has received more than a dozen letters from concerned neighbors about the expansion.

A decision has not been made yet whether Huerena will be able to expand. A meeting has been postponed up to 90 days.