Good morning, Boulder. After a leap from October’s summer to November’s winter, today — Veterans Day — offers a touch of fall. To honor veterans and military personnel, the Boulder Chamber and City of Boulder will livestream the annual Boulder Star lighting tonight, Nov. 11, from 6 to 7 p.m.
In the news…
A Boulder election issue that almost made it to the ballot but didn’t: Should the city close Boulder Municipal Airport and build housing on that land? Although the measures were withdrawn, the city had sued the FAA seeking clarity on its authority to close the airport. The FAA has now moved to dismiss the case, marking the first step in what’s likely to be a lengthy legal process, John Herrick reports.
Also, the Boulder City Council has approved two housing projects to expand affordable options. Fulton Hill Properties’ Jay Road development will dedicate 30% of its 84 units to middle-income buyers, and a 183-unit mixed-use building on Folsom Street has been greenlit to proceed without further public hearings.
Lastly, Boulder County urges voters to verify mail ballots, mountain lion sightings are expected to rise near town this winter, and you can help shape BRL’s future by taking our three-minute survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Plus, check out our Monday to-do list for the week.
Have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading,
— The BRL team
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Featured stories
FAA seeks to dismiss City of Boulder’s lawsuit over municipal airport closure
Boulder sued the FAA for clarity on whether it can close its airport, but the FAA is pushing back. In a new motion, the agency argues that decades-old federal grants require the airport to remain open indefinitely. Continue reading…
ICYMI: DIY punk scene grows in Boulder as young musicians fuel community and an underground movement
From Boulder house concerts to organizing DIY series at coffee shops, young musicians are building community as they work to elevate and grow the local punk music scene outside of Denver. Continue reading…
In other news
Sunshine and melting show today
Sunshine returns today, bringing a lovely high near 60 and helping to melt lingering snow. Expect a mostly clear, cool evening with temperatures around freezing, followed by bright skies on Tuesday and a high in the 50s.
Help shape the future of BRL — and enter to win a $50 gift!
We want to hear from you! Take three minutes to fill out our survey before it closes at the end of the week, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift from our friends at Full Cycle, community bike shop and hub. Your feedback will help shape this newsletter, our reporting priorities and our newsroom — ensuring BRL is everything you want and need. It’s time well spent, with direct benefits to you and to high-quality local journalism in Boulder. Don’t miss out — help us keep you informed.
Boulder reaches annexation deal for Jay Road development, includes 30% for-sale affordable housing requirement
The Boulder City Council unanimously approved an annexation agreement last week with Fulton Hill Properties, the developer of a proposed housing project at 2801 Jay Road. Under the terms, 30% of the housing units will be for sale and deed-restricted to remain affordable for middle-income buyers.
The agreement marks a rare instance in which Boulder is mandating for-sale affordable housing rather than accepting cash contributions to its Affordable Housing Fund — a common practice, as developers have said building affordable units is financially challenging in Boulder. The developer also has the option to transfer lots directly to the city.
Fulton Hill Properties plans to demolish an existing church near the intersection of Jay Road and 28th Street to make way for approximately 84 townhomes, duplexes and triplexes, according to a 2022 concept plan. While the agreement does not specify who will build the affordable units, builders could include Boulder Housing Partners or Habitat for Humanity, both of which have built affordable housing in Boulder. At a public hearing last week, developer and applicant Margaret Freund said it could take a decade or more before any units go up for sale. The project has been in the works since 2015. Read more on BRL.
City council OKs concept plan for Folsom Street mixed-use project, moving 183-unit apartment building forward
The Boulder City Council also last week approved a concept plan for a mixed-use apartment building at 1840 and 1844 Folsom Street, effectively preventing delays for the project.
The developers, Coburn Partners and Element Properties, propose to demolish two office buildings to make way for a five-story structure with 183 apartments, ranging from 400-square-foot studios to three-bedroom units. Most parking will be underground.
Local housing advocates support the development, in part for its potential to provide affordable housing for Boulder’s workforce and revitalize the Folsom Street corridor. However, residents of the adjacent Horizon West condominiums have raised objections about the impact on their views, sunlight, traffic and property values.
The council’s decision not to call up the project for additional review means it will not hold a public hearing on the concept plan. Coburn Partners will still need site review approval and demolition and building permits before construction can begin. Read on BRL.
County urges voters to verify mail ballot status as rejected ballots await processing
Boulder County election officials are still processing thousands of ballots, including more than 5,000 that were initially rejected due to issues such as signature discrepancies. Voters must verify these ballots, or “cure” them, before they can be counted, with processing set to continue through Nov. 14. The Boulder County Elections Division is urging all voters — especially those not enrolled in BallotTrax, the statewide ballot-tracking service — to check their mail ballot status.
For ballots with signature issues, voters need to cure these discrepancies by Wednesday, Nov. 13, to ensure their votes are counted. Officials emphasize that curing ballots remains important, even if key races have already been decided, as all unresolved ballots and voter names are forwarded to the district attorney for potential investigation of voter fraud. For instructions on checking and curing your ballot, visit BoulderCountyVotes.gov.
Missed Boulder’s election results? Check out our reporting here.
Mountain lion sightings expected to rise near Boulder this winter
As winter approaches, you may notice more mountain lions near town. Although these sightings are expected, the risk to people remains low. If you encounter a mountain lion, remember to stay calm, back away slowly, and try to appear larger, the city is reminding residents. Keep pets indoors, especially at dusk and dawn, and supervise children outdoors. Mountain lions are territorial and typically avoid confrontation. For more information or to report sightings, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend
☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic at Etown: Monday, Nov. 11, 7-9:30 p.m., 1535 Spruce St. Additional Dates: Tuesday, Nov. 12; Wednesday, Nov. 13; Thursday, Nov. 14; Friday, Nov. 15; Saturday, Nov. 16, 7-9:30 p.m. Read More.
Aimee Mann with Jonathan Coulton at Boulder Theater: Monday, Nov. 11, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., 2032 14th St. Read More.
A Tree With My Name On It (Finding A Way Home) – Trident Author Series at Trident Booksellers & Cafe: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Read More.
Boulder Nordic Team Ski Swap at Boulder Elk’s Lodge: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 3975 28th St. Read More.
Warren Miller’s 75 (5 Shows!) at Boulder Theater: Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., 2032 14th St. Additional Dates: Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16, 3 p.m. Read More.
Heathers: The Musical at Imig Music Building: Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., 1020 18th Street. Additional Dates: Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. Read More.
Jerry Garcia Bluegrass Night at Etown: Friday, Nov. 15, 7-9:30 p.m., 1535 Spruce St. Virtual Event. Read More.
Pearl Street Stampedes at 1300 Block of Pearl: Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., 1300 Pearl St. Read More.
Colorado Symphony Cello Ensemble at Center for Musical Arts: Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30-9 p.m., 200 E Baseline Road, Lafayette, CO. Read More.
Speed Dating for Gay Men at OZO Coffee | East Pearl: Saturday, Nov. 16, 9-11 a.m., 1521 Pearl Street. Read More.
Thanksgiving Tasting Fair at Lucky’s Market: Saturday, Nov. 16, 12-3 p.m., 3960 Broadway #104. Read More.
Raised on Ronstadt at Etown: Sunday, Nov. 17, 6-7:45 p.m., 1535 Spruce St. Read More.