Apparently it annoys the neighbors when protesters surround your building every few weeks and occasionally camp out inside.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, who has been followed for months by disability rights activists opposed to his positions on health care, has decided to move his downtown Denver office to a new, temporary location inside the U.S. Customs House, 721 19th St., Suite 150, starting Monday, Aug. 7.
Gardner's spokesman, Alex Siciliano, told the Denver Post that a government building is a more appropriate location for the senator's offices right now.
“When there were large groups of people in our office, it created challenges for some of the private businesses,” he said. “We think this new location will be best for everyone, as it is important we ensure continued constituent access to our office. All Coloradans are welcome in our new office space.”
When ADAPT protesters camped out in Gardner's offices for 58 hours, office staff said they eventually called police because the landlord and other tenants were complaining. They said sleeping in the office was a violation of the lease. Skyline Park outside Gardner's current offices at 17th and Lawrence streets also was a frequent site of protests. There is no handy park right outside the Customs House.
The Customs House office will be temporary while Gardner looks for a new permanent Denver location.
“The most important part of my job is to do everything I can to best serve my constituents, and the new space that we will be moving to will allow that to continue,” Gardner said in an emailed statement. “I always encourage Coloradans to visit my office when seeking assistance with any issues with the federal government or just to stop by and say hello.”
The office can be reached at 303-391-5777.
Constituent services available at the office include:
- Military and Veteran Assistance
- Social Security and Retirement
- Healthcare and Insurance
- Passport and Overseas Travel
- Taxes and IRS issues
- Immigration and Citizenship
- Consumer Protection
- Housing and Home Ownership
Gardner has seven other office locations in Colorado: Fort Collins, Yuma, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Grand Junction and Durango.
