It’s Friday, July 19, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. It’s Friday, and we’ve got news.
A trial date has been set for a high-profile defamation lawsuit stemming from the 2021 City of Boulder election. The case, filed by former Boulder City Council candidate Steve Rosenblum, alleges that members of the Boulder Progressives group conspired to defame him through a Twitter account and linked blog statements falsely attributed to him. After a two-year pause due to appeals under anti-SLAPP laws, the court dismissed claims against all defendants except local political organizer Eric Budd.
The trial, set for May 2025, will address Rosenblum’s claims for damages and have broader implications for political speech and campaign tactics under the First Amendment in Colorado. A settlement remains possible.
In other news, the Boulder City Council will discuss closing the Boulder Municipal Airport by 2041 during a July 25 study session. This follows a city memo about the expiration of FAA obligations and proposed ballot measures to close the airport and repurpose its land for housing.
Enjoy your weekend.
— Tim, reporter
P.S. Not a subscriber to BRL Today yet? Sign up here.
Downtown is for Everyone! The pad above the parking structure east of the St. Julien was designated as “civic space” over 20 years ago, but the St. Julien plans a monolithic building with a massive ballroom and 39 extended-stay hotel rooms. That’s not “civic space.” Boulder deserves input!
Featured stories
Trial date set for former Boulder council candidate’s defamation lawsuit against political organizer
The 2025 trial is expected to be politically charged, as it would feature key players in local city politics and have implications for campaign tactics. Continue reading…
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In other news
Lovely through the weekend
Today will be in the mid-80s, with temperatures falling even lower through Sunday. Rain and thunder are a possibility every afternoon, so if you’re gaining any kind of elevation — be it by hiking or climbing — make sure you start your descent by midday.
City council to weigh in on long-term plan for closing municipal airport by 2041
City of Boulder officials are asking councilmembers to decide next week whether the city should begin the process of closing the Boulder Municipal Airport by 2041. According to a city staff memo published this week, 2041 is the date when the city estimates it will no longer be obligated to keep the airport operating under Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
The decision will be part of a study session on Thursday, July 25, when councilmembers return from their summer break.
The discussion comes after a group of residents gathered enough signatures to place two measures on the November ballot dealing with the airport. One measure would close the airport “as soon as reasonably feasible,” while the other would repurpose the land to create a neighborhood.
The Boulder Municipal Airport began as a dirt landing strip in 1928 in the city’s northeast corner. It is used primarily by private pilots, trainees, glider pilots and scientific researchers. Residents who want to close the airport cite noise and potential lead pollution as top concerns, while others see the airport as a valuable community asset and revenue generator.
The airport sits on approximately 176 acres of land. City officials estimate it would cost $118 million in 2041 dollars to pay back the Federal Aviation Administration for about 38 acres of land the city acquired using federal grants, according to the memo.
However, it appears the city could make back that money and more if it were to sell the land to developers. The airport land would be valued at about $550 million in 2041 dollars, according to the memo. That said, the city has not conducted an analysis on how much it would cost to remediate the site for future use. Read more on BRL.
Race by Boulder Rez tomorrow
The Tri Boulder triathlon will take place on Saturday, July 20, starting and finishing at the Boulder Reservoir.
Westbound Jay Road will be closed from CO 119/Diagonal Highway to 51st Street from 7:15 to 11:30 a.m. All other roads, including eastbound Jay Road, will remain open. The race starts at 7:15 a.m., with cyclists on the road by 7:25 a.m. and off by 12:30 p.m. A sweep vehicle will ensure the roads reopen promptly.
Travelers should follow instructions from Boulder County Sheriff’s Deputies and volunteer traffic marshals. Motorists must allow at least three feet of space when passing cyclists and can cross a double yellow line if oncoming traffic is clear. Different courses have slightly different maps, one is below. Others are here.
75th Street resurfacing starts Monday
Starting July 22, Boulder County Public Works will resurface 75th Street between Arapahoe and Baseline roads. The road will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with a pilot vehicle guiding traffic. Two lanes will reopen after working hours.
Drivers should expect rough road conditions, reduced speeds and travel delays of 10 to 15 minutes. Alternate routes are recommended. The project is expected to last two weeks, weather permitting.
Louisville to launch nation’s first 100% electric recycling and waste fleet
The City of Louisville and Republic Services of Denver will introduce the first fully electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet in the U.S. by the end of 2024.
The fleet will include four McNeilus Volterra EVs with zero tailpipe emissions and safety features such as 360-degree cameras, lane-departure sensors and automated braking.
“We are proud that Louisville will be the first city in the nation with a fully electric collection fleet,” said Mayor Chris Leh. “By taking this step, Louisville is ‘walking the walk’ in environmental sustainability.”
The new electric fleet will help Louisville meet its sustainability goals and support Republic Services’ greenhouse gas reduction targets, the city said. By the end of 2024, Republic Services plans to operate over 50 EVs nationwide.
Fewer traffic deaths hopefully coming to Boulder County
Boulder County has partnered with Lafayette and Superior to implement Vision Zero action plans to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities from traffic crashes. Funded by a 2023 federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, the project involves analyzing crash data and risk factors to develop safety recommendations. Although the City of Boulder has its own Vision Zero plan, it has yet to show improvements, but officials are optimistic that will change.
Lafayette and Superior will have independent plans, while Boulder County’s plan includes unincorporated areas, Jamestown, Nederland and Ward. Residents can provide feedback via a survey open until Aug. 31 and engage with the Vision Zero teams at the Nederland Farmers Market on July 21 and Lafayette Art Night Out on Aug. 9. Online public meetings are scheduled for Aug. 1, 8 and 20.
Louisville’s water is okay
Some Louisville residents may have noticed a slight change in the taste and smell of their drinking water recently. According to the city, this is due to seasonal changes in the source water supply from one of the city’s reservoirs. The change is purely aesthetic and the water remains safe to drink. Staff are doing extra water monitoring and working to restore normal conditions.
Free sprinkler evaluation
For many homeowners, 30-70% of summertime water bills come from lawn watering. With water costs increasing, finding ways to use less can help.
A free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation from Resource Central can reduce your use. The service can identify areas of water waste and teach you how to adjust your watering schedule for maximal benefit. Simple adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.
Resource Central also has a lawn removal service if you want to forego sprinklers altogether.
Reminder: Pearl Street Arts Fest returns today
The Pearl Street Arts Fest returns for its 44th year today, July 19 from 3-8 p.m., Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival along the Pearl Street Mall features over 100 artists from Colorado and 15 other states, showcasing sculptures, upcycled materials, handcrafted wood, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and glass. Admission is free.
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
