Good Monday morning, Boulder. We were lucky to avoid local wildfires this weekend, but another hot, dry week is ahead. If you see smoke today, it’s likely from the Yellow Lake Fire in Utah or fires in Wyoming and Idaho.
Today, we’re covering the latest Boulder housing development that just got the greenlight from the Planning Board. Last week, the board approved updated plans for townhomes on Spruce Street after major changes. The project drew attention because the developer proposed building up to five stories to lower costs per unit. However, Boulder’s city charter strictly enforces a 55-foot height limit. The lengthy approval process highlights the ongoing challenges of urban infill and the push for more housing density to address the city’s affordability crisis.
We also have an update on the Ash House saga, where 60 CU students were temporarily without housing after the city ordered them out. The owner had added rooms without permits, leading to a legal battle. A judge allowed the students back in, and now the property owner has removed the added rooms. The city says the issue is resolved, though some students who weren’t on a lease have been forced to move.
Meanwhile, there are fireproofing grants for homeowners, election security presentations, and community events like a memoir discussion and volunteer opportunities, plus the week in Things to Do.
Have a beautiful week,
— BRL team
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Featured stories
Boulder Planning Board approves 52-unit Spruce Street development after lengthy review process
The project consists of for-sale townhomes, with four designated as permanently affordable. The Boulder City Council could still weigh in. Continue reading…
In other news
Summer’s encore, pumpkin season
Expect more summer-like days ahead, with highs in the 80s and no rain in the forecast. Some wildfire smoke from neighboring states may cause a hazy day. Nights will cool down to the 40s and 50s.
This week is a great time to kick off unofficial pumpkin patch season. Visit Boulder has listed half a dozen pumpkin patches in or near Boulder County for those in the mood to carve jack-o’-lanterns.
Boulder, Ash House owner resolve dispute that displaced CU students
City of Boulder officials announced on Friday, Oct. 4, that the owner of the Ash House, a student apartment building on University Hill, has removed unpermitted bedrooms added earlier this year. With these changes, the property is now compliant with city building codes, resolving a legal dispute that prompted the displacement of dozens of students last month.
On Sept. 16, the city ordered tenants to vacate the Ash House apartment complex after discovering that the property owner, 891 12th St LLC, had added bedrooms without permits, posing potential safety hazards. The owner subsequently sued the city, and a Boulder District Court judge issued an order allowing the students to return. The owner agreed to remove the unauthorized bedrooms to bring the building into compliance with city permits.
The city and property owner filed a stipulation in Boulder County District Court on Oct. 4 to dismiss the lawsuit, with both parties agreeing to pay their own attorneys’ fees. Read more of this story on BRL, and catch up on our ongoing coverage.
ICYMI: Boulder offers cash grants to help homeowners fireproof properties
Boulder is taking wildfire prep up a notch with its new WRAP (Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program), offering homeowners up to $1,000 to fortify their properties against flames. It’s all about “home-hardening” — think fire-resistant materials and clearing out flammable junipers and wooden fences. Though Boulder’s fire officials have been pushing for this for years, it’s still voluntary — no city rules mandate these changes yet. Eligible residents can apply for grants, get home assessments, and take small but impactful steps like screening vents and swapping mulch for rocks.
With $380,000 in funding from the city’s climate tax and more on the way, the program is tackling fire resilience one house at a time. But some councilmembers say it’s not enough; they’re calling for more funding to keep pace with the rising fire risks and increasing insurance rates homeowners are facing. Meanwhile, for those earning less, Boulder offers even bigger grants of up to $2,000.
Learn how your ballot is protected at Boulder County election presentations
Curious about what happens to your ballot after you vote? You can join Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Molly Fitzpatrick for the “Journey of a Ballot” presentation at the Boulder Public Library’s main branch on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m., or at the Meadows Library branch on Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. Fitzpatrick will explain the many measures in place to safeguard voter information and ensure election integrity. A Q&A session will follow, offering the chance to get your election questions answered.
Boulder native Jennifer Mabry to share memoir on Black identity in post-integration America —tomorrow
Boulder native Dr. Jennifer E. Mabry will discuss her debut memoir, “Fighting to Be Seen: A Civil Rights Baby Reflects on Life in Post-Integration America,” at the Boulder Bookstore on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. The book offers a personal take on the impact of civil rights policies and integration, exploring Mabry’s experiences growing up as a middle-class Black woman in Boulder. Mabry’s memoir has earned praise from civil rights figures like Vernon E. Jordan Jr. and Carlotta Walls Lanier. Check out the book preview here.
Boulder County opens applications for 2025 Volunteer Naturalists
Love nature and want to share it with others? Boulder County Parks & Open Space is accepting applications for its 2025 Volunteer Naturalist training program. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 31, or until spots are filled.
As a Volunteer Naturalist, you’ll get to lead nature hikes, host hands-on education experiences and develop programs for the community, including schools and youth groups. Training runs Fridays from Jan. 10 to March 14, teaching everything from geology to wildlife. Applicants must be 18+, pass a background check and have some weekday availability. Apply here.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week
☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community! For free.
October 7 Commemoration at Boulder JCC: Monday, Oct. 7, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., 6007 Oreg Ave. Read more.
Boulder Chamber Economic Council – Economic Summit at Boulder Chamber: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., 2440 Pearl St. Read more.
Musical Vanguards at the Dairy: Fellow Pynins at Dairy Arts Center: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Pickle Ball Happy Hour at Sanitas Brewing: Thursday, Oct. 10, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., 3550 Frontier Ave Ste A. Additional dates: Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 31. Read more.
The Indigenous Boarding Schools and Multigenerational Trauma at Museum of Boulder: Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 2205 Broadway. Read more.
Pearl Street Stampedes at 1300 Block of Pearl: Friday, Oct. 11, 7:00 p.m., 1300 Pearl St. Additional dates: Oct. 25, Nov. 15. Read more.
Carnegie Library for Local History Grand Re-Opening at Carnegie Branch Library: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1125 Pine Street. Read more.
Boulder Ballet: Dancer’s Choice at Dairy Arts Center: Saturday, Oct. 12, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Come Back to Earth (Mac Miller Tribute) at The Fox Theatre: Saturday, Oct. 12, 8:00 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read more.
Clothing Swap, Shop & Consign (& KIDS Clothing & Halloween Costumes too!) at Nude Foods Market: Sunday, Oct. 13, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 3233 Walnut Street. Read more.
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