Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Bank of Colorado, a family-owned community bank serving Coloradans since 1978 with 45 locations statewide. Learn more
Leading today: Just last week, Boulder’s cycling community was celebrating after county commissioners scrapped a controversial trail-use pilot. Now riders have a new issue — this time with the City of Boulder. Cyclists are questioning the city’s decision to place a boulder on a long-used route near Boulder Reservoir, saying it disrupts an important regional connection. The city says the boulder is meant to improve safety and discourage people from bypassing reservoir entrance fees, not to close the route to cyclists. But its initial signs and emails suggested otherwise. The controversy has put the city between a rock and a hard place (our apologies). Brooke Stephenson has the story.
In Local History: Silvia Pettem profiles Boulder naturalist Martha Maxwell, whose lifelike wildlife displays captivated crowds at the 1876 Centennial Exposition and earned her the distinction of becoming the first woman to have a North American animal named in her honor.
And in BRL Opinion: Should fewer than 2,500 people decide the future of downtown funding? Transportation Advisory Board member Mike Mills argues Boulder voters should have a say before a new Downtown Development Authority redirects decades of future tax revenue.
Also today, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Storms return today as smoke clears.
- Aging in Boulder: City pursues home-sharing program for seniors.
- Plan ahead: Major roadwork coming to Pearl and Folsom.
- Last call: Today is the deadline to cure your primary ballot.
- Have your say: County seeks input on transportation plans.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Bank of Colorado is a family-owned, community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Throughout our 45 locations across the state, our values of honesty, integrity and clarity guide our every decision. We’re deeply rooted in Colorado’s history and fully invested in its future. Strong, Stable & Local Community Banking – reach out today to experience the best service in banking 303-476-7282.
Boulder places boulder on popular Reservoir bike route. Cyclists want answers.
The city says cyclists can still use the route. Initial signs and emails suggested otherwise. Continue reading…
Who was Martha Maxwell? The Boulder naturalist who built a wildlife museum and made history
In the late 1800s, Boulder naturalist Martha Maxwell’s lifelike wildlife displays captivated museumgoers and scientists alike. She became the first woman to have a North American animal named in her honor. Continue reading…
Storms return today as the smoke clears out
Boulder gets another shot at those scattered late-day showers and thunderstorms today as a little moisture sneaks in at the surface. Expect storms to pop over the higher terrain around lunchtime, then drift east through the afternoon and evening. Nothing too wild for us — brief moderate rain and some gusty winds will be the main features. The true severe threat will stay well east of Denver. Highs are set to reach the upper 80s to 90 before storm clouds cool us off.
Overnight lows will dip into the upper 50s.
Tomorrow brings a similar setup: another round of afternoon storms before we start drying out and heating up heading into the weekend. And that weekend heat? It’s the real deal. A prolonged, significant summer heatwave will kick off Saturday with highs blasting into the 95 to 100 range every day through the middle of next week, if not longer. Rain chances look basically nonexistent during this stretch.
One last note on the smoke: The worst of it appears to be behind us for now. Winds have shifted enough that we’re no longer directly downstream of the biggest fires. Expect noticeably bluer skies today with much clearer views of the Foothills and high peaks. Particulate air quality should continue to improve Thursday and Friday.
Boulder wants to help seniors rent out spare bedrooms to age in place
With Boulder’s senior population expected to grow sharply in the coming decades, the city is looking for housing options to meet anticipated needs. One solution the city is actively pursuing is a home-sharing program, which city staff presented to the Housing Advisory Board in June.
The city’s senior population is projected to grow significantly by 2050. While Boulder residents ages 40-59 are projected to increase by 15% by 2050, the city’s older population is expected to grow even faster. Residents ages 60-79 are projected to increase by 22%, and those ages 80 and older by 200%, according to the Colorado State Demographer’s Office.
Community feedback from seniors and caregivers revealed that many older adults are caught in the middle, earning too much to qualify for Boulder Housing Partners housing but not enough to comfortably afford market-rate housing. Some seniors also said they were struggling to maintain their homes.
Under the proposed home-sharing model, a senior would rent out a room in their home to a tenant. The city would help facilitate the process, potentially through a nonprofit partnership, by helping vet tenants and complete background checks to help create compatible matches. Read more on BRL.
Expect delays: Pearl and Folsom streets to see major construction
Drivers, cyclists and bus riders should expect two weeks of lane closures, detours and delays as the city begins pavement work on Pearl and Folsom streets in mid-July. Some bus stops may also be temporarily closed or relocated while crews repave roads, install new striping and other safety improvements.
On Pearl Street, work between 30th and Folsom streets will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. The intersection of 30th and Pearl will be fully closed on the nights of July 15 and 16. On Folsom Street, crews will work between Pine Street and Arapahoe Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17-28.
Meanwhile, nightly three-lane closures on Broadway between Balsam Street and Alpine Avenue continue through July 17 for the Alpine-Balsam redevelopment project. One lane in each direction will remain open all day on July 20 and 21.
Today is the deadline to fix problems with your primary ballot
If your primary ballot was flagged because of a signature mismatch or another issue, today is the deadline to “cure” it so your vote will be counted. Ballots that aren’t cured will not be counted and may be referred to the district attorney for review under state law.
Looking ahead, Boulder County will begin its risk-limiting election audit on Tuesday, July 14, at 1750 33rd St. in Boulder to verify the accuracy of the primary election results. Residents who want to observe must RSVP by emailing Vote@BoulderCounty.gov by Monday because space is limited. The county’s Canvass Board will meet online July 20 to certify the election.
Have ideas for Boulder County transportation? Here’s your chance.
Boulder County’s transportation team will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss transit service changes, new transportation projects and other updates. Residents are invited to ask questions and share feedback. The webinar will be offered in English with Spanish interpretation.
Recent county transit improvements include Erie Bee, a free on-demand shuttle serving Erie, and an RTD shuttle between Longmont and Denver International Airport expected to launch in September with stops in Niwot and Lafayette.
Commentaries are opinion pieces from community members and newsmakers. They reflect the views of the authors, not BRL. Want to submit one? Here’s how.
Mike Mills: Boulder’s proposed DDA would divert open space funds to downtown — without your vote
The proposed Downtown Development Authority would redirect future tax revenue approved by all Boulder voters while allowing fewer than 2,500 people to decide its fate. Continue reading…
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