It’s Friday, May 10, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder, and happy Friday.
For today, we have an explainer on the impact of new state housing laws on Boulder. This legislative session has seen several bills pass that aim to overhaul housing restrictions in cities along the Front Range, and while Boulder may be ahead of other municipalities in some respects, the laws will impact residents nonetheless. Occupancy limits will be lifted, accessory dwelling units will lose their parking requirements, and developments near bus lines will be prioritized, among other impacts.
Also, Boulder County is seeking owners for properties it acquired after the 2013 floods. These properties were purchased with federal disaster grants from residents who didn’t want to return to flood-damaged homes. Boulder County will not charge interested residents for the properties but will carefully review applications to ensure the properties will be used in an acceptable manner.
Finally, Boulder County resident Kylee Drugan-Eppich finished 4th for women and 19th overall in the 250-mile Cocodona ultramarathon yesterday. It took her just over 80 hours. She was aided by several members of the local running group Rocky Mountain Runners. She’s also my sister.
Have a lovely weekend.
— Tim, reporter
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How 5 new Colorado land-use measures will impact the City of Boulder
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Apply to transform free flood-ravaged land in Boulder County into a neighborhood park, garden or picnic area
Purchased from homeowners through disaster recovery grants, 16 properties currently managed by the county will be transferred to new owners at no cost, though the county will retain control over how the land can be used. Continue reading…
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In other news
Overzealous clouds through the weekend
After showers this morning, clouds will overstay their welcome through the weekend. There’s a chance of rain each day, though tomorrow also has a chance of thunder, so don’t hold your umbrella too high lest you tempt the lightning.
Daughter of woman fatally shot by police joins lawsuit over footage access
The daughter of Jeanette Alatorre, who was fatally shot by police on Dec. 17, 2023, has joined a lawsuit over access to body camera footage of the incident. The lawsuit, filed last month on behalf of Yellow Scene Magazine, alleges that the City of Boulder violated a Colorado police accountability law by charging fees for body camera footage of the shooting.
Alatorre’s daughter, Jeannette Orozco, said the city hasn’t provided her with all the body camera footage and hasn’t named an exact price, according to court records. She stated that she learned about her mother’s death through a letter in the mail.
Alatorre was shot and killed by two City of Boulder officers after residents leaving the North Boulder Recreation Center reported that she had pointed what appeared to be a gun at them. She ignored officers’ commands to drop the gun and walked onto residential side streets. Officers fired less-lethal bean bags at her, but they didn’t appear to affect her, according to officials. She later sustained eight rifle shot wounds and died at the scene. The gun was later determined to be an air pistol designed to resemble a more powerful 9-millimeter handgun.
The case is set for oral argument on July 11 at the Boulder County Justice Center. The city has yet to formally respond to the complaint. For more on the lawsuit, see our previous reporting. Read on BRL.
Two new trails opening this summer
The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks department hopes to unveil two new trails this summer as part of its extensive trail enhancement program. One is the 3.5-mile North Sky Trail, which will link Foothills Trail to Joder Ranch Trail and enable Boulderites to reach Left Hand Canyon without wandering onto Foothills Highway. It is expected to open in mid-July.
The 1.5-mile Vesper Trail on Gunbarrel Hill should also open in late June. OSMP will be working on several other city trails, including improvements to Mount Sanitas and the Royal Arch Trail to reduce erosion. Work at Sawhill Ponds will help Boulderites watch birds better through the upgrade of a “bird blind.” Some trail closures will be intermittent, with the Royal Arch Trail closed from Monday through Thursday during the day. Check for updates at OSMP’s trail website.
Provide input on Sumac Ave improvements
The City of Boulder is seeking community input on Sumac Avenue improvements at an upcoming open house on May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Crest View Elementary School. Residents can review proposed concept designs to enhance travel along Sumac Avenue between Broadway and 19th Street.
The project aims to reconstruct pavement, improve sidewalks and storm drainage, enhance traffic safety and provide a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.
Lafayette affordable housing presentation set for May 18
The Boulder County Housing Authority will hold an information session about Willoughby Corner, its newest affordable rental community, at Immaculate Conception Church on May 18 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Located in East Lafayette near 120th and Emma streets, Willoughby Corner will offer 400 affordable homes when completed. Phase 1 includes a 63-unit apartment complex for residents 55+, multifamily buildings, a community center and amenities. Phase 2 will add 128 rental units, while Phase 3 will feature 80 affordable for-sale homes.
The presentation will cover construction timelines, applications, eligibility, rental rates, security deposits and more. It will be in English with Spanish interpretation.
Several houses are under construction, with Búho Place, designed for seniors, now receiving siding and set to open for leasing this summer.
If you want to chat with a ranger, tomorrow’s your chance
The City of Boulder is inviting interested Boulderites to join rangers from the Parks and Rec and Open Space and Mountain Parks departments for coffee at Eben G. Fine Park tomorrow, May 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. Attendees can enjoy a free beverage from the Café Alejandro food truck while sharing feedback and opinions on the city’s parks and open space. Additional events in August and November at different parks are also planned.
Rocky Mountain Runner finishes 4th in 250-mile race
Lafayette resident Kylee Drugan-Eppich, 32, and a member of the area’s notorious Rocky Mountain Runners, came in 19th overall and 4th among women in the 250-mile ultramarathon Cocodona. The race, which meandered through Arizona from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, took Drugan-Eppich just over 80 hours.
“I mean, I get to run for, what, two days with my friends,” Drugan-Eppich said during her race when asked how she was doing. “And they clean my feet and get me food.”
“That’s the dream, right?” said Mario Castaneda of Boulder, who ran part of the way alongside Drugan-Eppich.
Castaneda was one of many pacers for Drugan-Eppich from the Rocky Mountain Runners, along with Gwen Golaszewski, Maggie Perkoff, Steve Lentine, Chantal Elmore and Chris Mavricos. Stephen and Stephanie Gnoza helped with crewing.
Two Coloradans finished ahead of Drugan-Eppich. Kevin Goldberg of Westminster finished 10th, and Mika Thewes of Lakewood finished one spot ahead of Drugan-Eppich at 18th overall and 3rd among women.
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