Carlos Herrera and other Montbello residents told the Denver City Council on July 21 they support including a Montbello placita in the city’s proposed Geo Bond list but said the proposed funding does not match community needs.
Herrera thanked the council for including the Placita de Montbello and described the site as “the very heart and soul of the community’s pride, resilience and justice.” He said the proposed $1,500,000 allocation is “generous” but “insufficient to fully realize the scope” residents envisioned for shaded walkways, playgrounds, vendor space for entrepreneurs and healing gardens.
Fernando Seros (identified in the record as Fernando Seros) said the Geo Bond outreach process was difficult and confusing for ordinary residents, noting that even relatively connected residents found it hard to know whether projects were supported. Glenda Muñoz, a Montbello resident, said the community welcomed the placita for its economic development potential and reiterated requests for continued city support, noting she had seen a figure of $11,500,000 referenced for the project and urging council cooperation to advance the work.
Comments during the public-comment period do not themselves allocate bond funds. Speakers asked the council to consider larger funding levels and improved community engagement in Geo Bond outreach; no motions or council direction on the placita were recorded during this session.