Why I am Doing this!
I recently moved to the community and purchased 228 E. Las Vegas St. I’m a veteran currently pursuing my MBA, with the goal of acquiring and modernizing small businesses to preserve family names and legacies. I’ve attached photos of our neighborhood, including my retaining wall that was damaged and trash from the homeless overflowing into our alley and neighborhood.
Let’s continue working together to strengthen our community and support one another. In the long term, I also plan to get involved in local politics to make a meaningful difference for the residents of Colorado Springs and El Paso County.
Thank you for taking the time to consider signing and looking into these issues—it means a lot for the betterment of our neighborhood.
Update 4/9/2026
I submitted a report on March 29th, and the situation has only gotten worse since then. Trash from Maverick continues to blow into nearby properties, including the business across the street. The liquor store owners are frustrated because they are forced to clean up Maverick’s waste on a daily basis.
This is no longer just an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue. Families and pets are at risk. One neighbor’s dog reportedly died from an overdose after exposure in the alley. I have personally found drug baggies outside in the alley as well.
The city needs to take this seriously and hold Maverick accountable. Fines should be issued until they properly address and fix their trash problem. Those funds should then be used to maintain and clean the surrounding area.
Residents should not have to feel unsafe walking themselves, their families, or their pets. We also should not have to clean up after large corporations that are damaging property values, harming the environment, and wasting taxpayer resources.
If this issue is not addressed, I will continue to pursue it through every available legal and civic channel, including regular attendance and public comment at town hall meetings, until meaningful action is taken.
In addition, I will be organizing and contributing to GXA Project Green, a community-driven effort focused on identifying and reporting environmental and public safety issues so they can be properly addressed. I encourage others to participate by documenting problems, reporting them, sharing the website, taking photos, and sending them to me so we can build a clear, evidence-based record.
There is also a growing sentiment among Colorado Springs residents that despite major funding allocated to improve downtown, there has not yet been a visible impact for everyday people. Many residents I’ve spoken with have expressed concerns about potential mismanagement or misuse of those funds. Whether those concerns are valid or not, the lack of visible results is fueling public distrust.
This is a non-political effort focused on accountability, protecting our neighborhoods, improving safety for families and pets, and preserving the quality and appearance of our city. We want a cleaner, safer environment and a community that reflects the standards residents expect.
The homeless population is another example of where the city is falling short. While some individuals may choose that lifestyle, many do not. The city should be actively working to connect people with shelters and resources instead of allowing them to remain on the streets. I can speak to this personally—I was homeless two years ago, and now I own a home. Change is possible when the right support is in place. The city needs to help these people, not ignore them.
Christopher C. Kalkowski
Phone (805)215-8437
E-Mail 12chriscross12@gmail.com
Resourses
E Las Vegas St – S Nevada Ave Colorado Spring Neighborhood
Fill out document include up to 3 adults living at residence and try your best to get you land lord to sign if you rent! You also may print out if that is easier for you. All document have pre fill slots. The signiture may be the pen or with an e-sign. My contact is on each form if you need help!
Neighborhood Safety & Alley Maintenance Petition – DOWNLOAD
Neighborhood Watch and Camera Overlap Agreement