Not the case at all. I don't know where you heard that. I just moved from downtown Denver (and can't wait to go back). I was in the absolute heart of it. The crime rate PLUMMETED and the city was raking in money, with no complaints from the people. Business were booming, the culture was incredible, and there we no downsides to be found. Anybody arguing against is relying on their old biases and not facts. There is no reasonable argument against it.