It’s Friday, July 26, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder! You made it to Friday. Tim Drugan is off for a few days, so you have the rest of us at BRL informing you today. Here’s the news:
John Herrick is covering the latest developments with the Boulder Municipal Airport, an issue heating up as the November election nears. If you live in the city, you’ll be voting on the airport’s future, so it’s a good time to get informed.
As residents debate whether to decommission the decades-old Boulder Municipal Airport and build housing on the land, city officials have proposed a plan to attract more air traffic and private investment by leasing land to developers for new hangars to generate revenue. The city says it needs more airport revenue, especially if it has to forgo future FAA grants ahead of a potential closure. The city is considering two expansion plans, both of which have sparked community pushback from both sides of the debate.
Additionally, the city is aiming to crack down on repeat offenders for noise violations. And, if you like local produce but don’t enjoy making decisions, the Boulder County Farmers Market now offers seasonal boxes you can pick up once a week for eight weeks. After providing your dietary preferences, you’ll be surprised each week by what’s inside. Sounds great, right?
Have a great weekend.
— BRL team
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Featured stories
Boulder considers expanding its airport ahead of potential closure
City officials aim to address potential budget deficits for maintaining and operating the airport, even as a possible closure looms. Continue reading…
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In other news
Chance of rain today and tomorrow
Thunderstorms today and tomorrow could bring some much-needed rain, though they won’t break the heat. After a couple of days in the high 80s, we’ll climb back to almost 100 on Tuesday.
Boulder may soon revoke rental licenses for chronic nuisance violations under new ordinance
The Boulder City Council last night gave initial approval to a new ordinance that would allow the city to issue tougher penalties to property owners for repeated violations of city code and state laws.
The proposed “chronic nuisance” ordinance is the latest code update aimed at addressing “quality of life” issues in residential areas. Since 2022, the city has updated its code to make it easier to fine people for noise, trash and weeds violations.
The new ordinance seeks to make it easier for the city to hold property owners accountable for repeated violations, according to city officials. Under the proposed ordinance, the city would be able to issue escalating fines — up to $2,000 for the fourth violation within a single year — and potentially revoke a property owner’s rental license.
“Staff estimates that 20 properties or less a year will actually qualify as ‘chronic nuisance’ candidates, and of those, all would first be given the opportunity for compliance through an abatement agreement,” the memo says.
A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for Aug. 8. Read on BRL.
Boulder County introduces $6 million cash assistance program for families with young children
Boulder County is introducing “Nurturing Futures,” a $6 million direct cash assistance program for families with young children. The initiative will provide $300 monthly for two years to 725 households. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the program aims to help families meet essential needs and reduce financial stress.
Eligibility: Boulder County residents with at least one child under four and a family income under 30% of the area median income.
Application period: Aug. 6-27. Families will be selected via a lottery system.
Program start: First payments will begin in October 2024.
The City of Boulder launched a similar program last year, giving $500 a month to 200 families for two years. The programs come as inflation is driving up the cost of food, gas, childcare and other necessities, compounding the region’s high housing costs.
Boulder and tribes complete Fort Chambers concept plan to address Sand Creek Massacre legacy
The City of Boulder, in collaboration with Arapaho and Cheyenne tribal representatives, has completed a concept plan for the Fort Chambers – Poor Farm property, a site linked to the Sand Creek Massacre. This month, the Open Space Board of Trustees endorsed the plan, which aims to “Heal the Land; Heal the People.” Elements include ecological restoration, creating a Healing Trail with educational and reflective spaces, improving visitor access with a new entrance drive and parking area, and supporting agricultural operations. The city will incorporate public and tribal feedback before finalizing the plan.
Fort Chambers was used to train men in Boulder before they participated in the Sand Creek Massacre, the 1864 murder of approximately 230 Native Americans who believed they were in a protected area.
“I didn’t agree with this project at first because of what Fort Chambers led to, but after we started working on it and sharing our input on it, we realized the history needs to be told,” said Chester Whiteman, a Southern Cheyenne and Sand Creek representative. “We need to educate those who want to listen and understand both sides of the fence — our side and the non-native side — and see how we can best work together to make this a better place. There’s a story at Fort Chambers, and we need to get the truth out.”
In 2022, Boulder Reporting Lab spoke with Fred Mosqueda, a Southern Arapaho and Sand Creek representative, about the Sand Creek Massacre and Boulder’s involvement.
For more details, you can check out the full concept plan here.
Buy a subscription from the Farmers Market
The Boulder County Farmers Markets is offering a Seasonal Subscription Box that showcases an array of local seasonal produce. Available for purchase until Aug. 26, the eight-week program runs from Sept. 9 to Oct. 28, providing fresh groceries to participants. Customers can choose their protein preference and pick-up location to receive a curated selection of produce and specialty items.
There are three options for the subscription box: vegetarian, which includes local tempeh, eggs and cheese; vegan, which offers local tempeh, beans and quinoa; and omnivore, featuring beef, pork, and lamb. A fruit subscription add-on is available for $200.
The cost for the eight-week program is $400, with flexible payment options available. The program also accepts SNAP/EBT benefits. Pick-up locations include Boulder, Lafayette and Longmont. This seasonal box follows the success of the market’s winter share program.
Naming ceremony for future Primos Park set for July 27
Community members are invited to a ceremony on Saturday, July 27, at 1:30 p.m. to name the future “Primos Park.” The nine-acre site along Violet Avenue between Broadway and 19th Streets, previously called “the future park on Violet,” was named through community engagement. Construction is expected to begin in mid-to-late 2025, with the park opening in 2026.
The event will be at 4501 19th St., Boulder, near Appletree Court. Appletree Court will be closed to traffic, and parking along Violet Avenue is limited. Attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation.
“Primos,” meaning “cousins” in Spanish, reflects the community’s vision of the park as a gathering place for friends and family, the city said. Last year, we reported on the park, including plans for flood mitigation.
CU athletes set for Paris 2024 Olympics
Ten athletes with ties to CU will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to the Buffs athletics department. The games will run from today to Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympics from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The athletes include six former student athletes, three former students and one current student, Colin Duffy, a now two-time Olympian who became the youngest climber to qualify for the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo at 17. All told, they will compete in steeplechase, basketball, sport climbing, triathlon and paratriathlon. Seven will represent Team USA, while others will compete for Puerto Rico, Germany and the UK.
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