It’s Friday, March 22, 2024.
Hello, Boulder. I hope your week is wrapping up nicely.
Today, we have a story on energy codes. Boulder City Council has completed a first reading of an energy code update that, should it be approved in April, will make all new construction in Boulder electric starting July 1. A path already walked by Crested Butte and Lafayette, the code offers a few exceptions, such as commercial kitchens and hospitals, but for the most part it would mean new buildings in Boulder would sport heat pumps and induction stoves by default, with no gas allowed.
One of the main worries is that the code will require appliance replacement en masse. But worry not: No such requirement hides in the code. And, in fact, Boulderites will still be able to replace their gas furnace and stove so long as the replacement is not part of a significant remodel. And even then there are exceptions.
Also last night, city council voted to dispose of 2.2 acres of open space land permanently, and 1.9 acres temporarily, for the sake of flood mitigation. Located on the controversial CU South property, the disposal is a major step towards breaking ground on a $64 million project that will take some 2,300 Boulderites out of harm’s way.
Have a fabulous weekend. It should be nice until it’s not.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
How Boulder’s potential gas ban in new homes and buildings would impact you (or not)
The upcoming changes, slated for implementation on July 1 pending city council approval, would require all-electric in new construction and significant remodels. If you’re not planning to build a new home or undertake major renovations, it won’t affect you for now. Continue reading…
‘A very long road’: Boulder City Council greenlights open space use for flood mitigation near CU South, paving way toward construction
The decision is an important though incremental step toward building the long-planned and hotly contested $64 million flood project. Continue reading…
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In other news
If you have something to do outside, do it Saturday
Today and tomorrow promise ample sun and perfect temps, bouncing between the low- and mid-60s. Sunday, however, has a 97% chance of rain, with that rain likely turning to snow in the evening. Accumulations are estimated to be less than an inch, so hopefully your back you threw out shoveling last week won’t be pushed to the brink again.
Concealed carry ban considered at CU
Following a shooting on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus that left two dead, state senators and CU Regents are considering banning concealed carry on CU campuses, the CU Independent reports. The state Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on a bill that would prohibit firearms in sensitive spaces, including universities, while CU Regent Wanda James proposed a policy amendment to achieve the same end. Proponents argue for safety, while opponents cite constitutional rights. The state bill will no doubt be amended and potentially face legal challenges.
19th Street construction begins
The City of Boulder has started construction on 19th Street in North Boulder to enhance flood mitigation and travel connections. Lane closures are expected to begin on March 25, and last for two years between Sumac and Upland Avenues. Such closures are necessary for the installation of an underpass, along with new biking infrastructure and a bridge replacement over Fourmile Canyon Creek.
Cars and buses will detour around the project area using Quince Avenue to Broadway and then back down Violet Avenue to return to 19th Street. Bikes have a shorter option, being able to cut through Crestview Park to avoid the missing road.
Reminder, happening tonight: Boulder honors victims three years after King Soopers mass shooting
The Boulder Strong Day of Remembrance will be held this evening, March 22, to mark three years since the tragic mass shooting that took the lives of 10 people in our community. The event is free and open to the public.
The event will go from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. You can attend via livestream or in-person at eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce Street in Boulder. It will feature speakers, live music and a moment of silence to honor the lives lost too soon:
Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
Suzanne Fountain, 59
Kevin Mahoney, 61
Lynn Murray, 62
Rikki Olds, 25
Denny Stong, 20
Neven Stanisic, 23
Eric Talley, Boulder police officer, 51
Teri Leiker, 51
Jody Waters, 65
The Boulder Strong Resource Center is also available to provide healing and support services for those affected by trauma related to the mass shooting. The center is located at 2935 Baseline Road in Boulder.
Make a bid to farm county land
Boulder County has opened bid submissions for the Clark (John) agricultural property lease until April 12. Rent on the property will be $9,540 a year, which includes access to a hay shed. The rent is well below market rate, with the goal of farming the land to be financially viable. Additional resources, such as water assessments and help with prairie dog control, are available.
For details or to submit a bid, visit the bidding opportunities webpage.
Weed warriors needed
Boulder County is seeking volunteers for its weed warriors program to combat invasive plants without herbicides. Participants will manage a section of the Walker Ranch Loop trail, removing invasive species and collecting data several times a year. Training will teach those interested how to identify weeds and the best means for removal. Apply by April 1.
Coach Prime at the Conference on World Affairs
The man responsible for the national spotlight on Boulder will be a keynote speaker at the 2024 Conference on World Affairs in a co-hosted event with the Center for Leadership. The event is being held at Macky Auditorium on April 12, at 2 p.m. Following the keynote, Sanders will be asked questions about his leadership style by the in an event that’s free and open to the public.
Join the community garden
Louisville residents now have the chance to join its community garden for the 2024 season. With 24 plots available at Griffith and Garfield, the garden promotes not just local produce but also community bonding. Those interested should act fast, as plots fill up quickly.
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