It’s Monday, August 7, 2023
And we’re back, Boulder. Another Monday is here.
For today, Sally Bell covers unfortunate happenings at Arapahoe Court. Located just west of the main public library, the community is smack in the 100-year floodplain. Owned by the federal Housing and Urban Development department, its floodplain location means no money will be spent on needed renovations. This is leading Boulder Housing Partners, who manages the property, to relocate its residents.
Many of those living at Arapahoe Court are disabled with limited means. Their relocation is yet another example of the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable.
Also, despite pushback from nearby Boulderites, a modular home factory appears to be a go for an Arapahoe Road location. Neighbors fear dust and noise from the factory. Boulder officials say the project will help the city increase its supply of affordable housing.
Finally, the county is beginning to reach out for public input on its Wildfire Protection Plan. By attending one of the town halls or filling out the online survey, you can impact what the county prioritizes as climate change affects the frequency and severity if fires in our area.
I hope your week kicks off swimmingly.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Residents with disabilities told to relocate as Boulder’s historic Arapahoe Court faces flood risk
Flood map discovery alters the tight-knit community’s fate, as Boulder Housing Partners gives people one year — and assistance — to relocate elsewhere. “We can never replace what we have in the closeness of our community.” Continue reading…
This week in Boulder: First-ever street soccer classic, Brazil Fest and Gipsy Kings at Chautauqua
Other events include Fran Lebowitz in conversation, open water swimming at the rez, and an art night out in Lafayette. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization that empowers our community through non-partisan, locally focused journalism that informs and connects.
In other news
80s and dry
We should stay in the 80s for this week’s entirety and enjoy a break from afternoon showers. This will hopefully give standing water in town a chance to dry out — a good thing, as mosquitoes have been using the pools for speed-dating sessions and conferences on how to best spread West Nile.
West Nile comes to Boulder County
Boulder County Public Health has reported the first human case of West Nile virus in the county for 2023. The infected resident contracted the virus in Lafayette but has not been hospitalized. With increased rainfall and mosquito populations, the risk of West Nile transmission is higher this year than average. Health officials urge residents to take precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, and draining standing water around homes. But despite all this, it’s important to note that 80% of those infected don’t show any symptoms.
City of Boulder to break ground on modular home factory, despite lawsuit seeking to stop it
A Boulder County District Court judge last week denied a request for a preliminary injunction by city residents seeking to block the construction of a modular home factory at 6500 Arapahoe Road. The order removes a potential hurdle for a project that city officials have said will help the city meet its affordable housing goals.
The city is seeking to partner with Habitat for Humanity and the Boulder Valley School District, which owns the property, to build a modular home factory. The prefabricated buildings can be assembled more efficiently, potentially driving down the costs to build a home.
The city is planning to start construction Aug. 14 and complete the factory by early 2024, according to Jay Sugnet, a senior housing manager for the city’s Department of Housing and Human Services. Read more on BRL.
Motorcycle crash on Thursday night
According to Boulder PD, around 7 p.m. last Thursday, a motorcycle traveling at a high speed on 30th collided with a Toyota 4Runner making a westward turn onto Eagle Way. The 20-year-old motorcyclist unfortunately lost his life at the scene. The 4Runner driver is cooperating with authorities, yet the investigation is ongoing, and witnesses are urged to contact Officer Kaufman at 720-291-2768 or email KaufmanD@bouldercolorado.gov.
County Wildfire Protection Plan update engaged
Boulder County has started updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan in response to recent wildfires. The plan aims to assess wildfire hazards and risks, proposing actions to safeguard structures, communities and critical infrastructure. Collaborating with the City of Boulder and Mountain View Fire Protection District, both of which are also updating their plans, Boulder County will host open houses and an online survey for public input. The county urges participation from all stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and effective plan.
The open houses will take place over the coming months, with the first in Boulder held this past Saturday. See the county’s website to see the other dates and locations.
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