⚡ Boulder County's new data center rules are 'basically a ban'

Good Friday morning, Boulder.

Leading today: Boulder County commissioners have approved some of Colorado’s strictest data center restrictions, effectively banning all but the smallest facilities in unincorporated areas. The new rules prohibit data centers using more than 50 kilowatts of electricity, a threshold one planning commissioner said “basically bans them.” The unanimous vote came despite the county planning commission’s recommendation for further study. Commissioners said the restrictions are needed to protect residents from data centers’ electricity and water demands, noise and other pollution. Brooke Stephenson reports.

Also today: The beloved Jamestown Mercantile, better known as The Merc, is at risk, and Boulder musicians are coming together to help save it. A Nov. 18 benefit concert at the Boulder Theater will raise money toward a $1.5 million effort to preserve the 134-year-old gathering place. We featured the story in this week’s Culture Club, along with a handpicked list of 41 things to do across Boulder County this weekend and beyond. Check it out!

And lastly, we launched our year-end campaign, Five to Forever, just four days ago, and already about 100 new donors have joined us! With three matching opportunities happening at once, now is a great time to triple your impact and help ensure local journalism lasts in Boulder. Thank you!

Plus more, Below the Fold:

BoulderCAST: Weekend cooldown, potential storms next week.
Election results: Audit starts Tuesday. Final results Nov. 24.
High-wind prep: Free workshops Monday and Tuesday.
Reservoir update: Union closes to boating; Boulder shifts to winter hours.
Veterans’ town hall: Meet county commissioners Monday in Longmont.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

Boulder County passes strict data center restrictions, ‘basically bans them’

County commissioners unanimously approved one of Colorado’s strictest data center limits, rejecting the county planning commission’s recommendation to take more time. Continue reading…

Jamestown’s beloved Merc is at risk. Boulder musicians are rallying to save it.

A Nov. 18 benefit concert at the Boulder Theater will help raise $1.5 million to preserve the 134-year-old Jamestown Mercantile as a community gathering place. Continue reading…

Weekend cooldown, with more storms brewing next week

After one more mild day Friday, the weather pattern is finally becoming more active heading into the weekend. Clouds will be prevalent today, with highs in the lower 60s across Boulder. Not bad for mid-November, but a noticeable change from our recent stretch of bluebird sunshine.

A Pacific storm system will move across southern Colorado this weekend, bringing accumulating snow to the mountains, especially the San Juans, where 4-10 inches are possible. Unfortunately, the storm track looks a little too far south to deliver much precipitation to the Front Range. Boulder has only a slight chance of a passing shower Saturday, with highs stuck in the upper 40s as extensive cloud cover and a shallow upslope keep things chilly.

Sunday brings a welcome return to sunshine, with temperatures rebounding into the mid-50s. Pleasant fall conditions continue Monday and Tuesday, with highs around 60 degrees.

Beyond that, a pair of southern-track systems will keep the weather pattern active next week, bringing renewed opportunities for mountain snow and perhaps even a few flakes here in town around this time next week. There’s already some buzz building in the community about the potential for a bigger snowstorm, but confidence remains quite low this far out. For now, we’d recommend keeping expectations in check and hoping to be pleasantly surprised!

—BoulderCAST

Boulder County election audit begins Tuesday; final results expected Nov. 24

The Boulder County Elections Division will begin its risk-limiting audit on Tuesday, Nov. 17, as part of the process to certify election results.

The audit checks the accuracy of ballot counting and uses open-source software available for public examination. The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will also provide an overview of risk-limiting audits on Monday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m.

The audit is open to the public and begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 1750 33rd St. in Boulder. It could continue through Thursday. Those wishing to attend must RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

The county’s Canvass Board will meet online Tuesday, Nov. 24, to review election records and certify the results. The public can RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23. Official election results are expected by the end of Nov. 24.

Boulder offers free workshops on high winds, power outages and wildfire risk

The Boulder Office of Disaster Management will host two high-wind preparedness workshops next week to help residents prepare for power outages, property damage and wildfire risk.

The first session is Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Boulder Fire-Rescue, 2967 Bluff St. A virtual session will follow Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. Register online.

Boulder’s fierce winds aren’t new, but the wildfire danger they pose has grown as high winds increasingly coincide with dry, snowless conditions. Last December, Xcel Energy implemented multiple public safety power shutoffs amid heightened wildfire risk, leaving some residents and businesses without electricity for several days.

Low water closes Union Reservoir to boating; Boulder Reservoir shifts to winter hours

Longmont’s Union Reservoir has closed to boating earlier than usual because of low water levels. Low water also limited swimming at Union Reservoir to wading this summer, though the restrictions did not lead to increased visitation at Boulder Reservoir, according to Boulder spokesperson Kate Hernandez.

Boulder Reservoir began its winter season Nov. 1, with water levels still within historical averages. Boating remains available to annual permit holders, though the city may close the water if ice forms. No safety services are provided between Nov. 1 and March 31.

“Use caution and always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions if you are boating in the winter,” Hernandez said.

Annual permits for 2027 go on sale Jan. 6.

Boulder County commissioners to hold veterans’ town hall Monday

Boulder County commissioners will host a townhall Monday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the St. Vrain Community Hub in Longmont.

The meeting will begin with a presentation on county services for veterans, followed by an opportunity for residents to ask commissioners questions about any county issue.

Boulder County offers free veterans services with no income eligibility requirement, including assistance with disability compensation, VA education and health care benefits, and burial benefits.

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⚡ Boulder County’s new data center rules are ‘basically a ban’