Good Friday morning, Boulder.
Leading today’s edition: A 4-1 vote by Boulder’s Landmarks Board has put a 60-unit affordable senior housing expansion in doubt.
The board moved to begin landmarking a nearly 100-year-old Craftsman bungalow on Arapahoe Avenue, one of four homes Presbyterian Manor planned to demolish for a four-story addition next to its existing tower across from the Boulder Public Library. If the homes are ultimately designated a historic landmark, Presbyterian Manor says the project would likely not move forward. John Herrick reports.
Also today: Boulder’s plan to turn homes and businesses into a “virtual power plant” is on hold after the loss of up to $12.7 million in federal funding. The project, announced in 2024, would have linked rooftop solar, batteries and smart devices into a coordinated network to improve grid reliability and help the city meet its climate goals. The grant was canceled amid broader federal renewable energy rollbacks, leaving the future of the pilot uncertain. Por Jaijongkit reports.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: : Red Flag Warning in effect, highs mid-60s.
- NIST misses House deadline: No briefing on foreign researcher limits.
- Forest thinning underway: Work continues near Ward, Allenspark.
- Fraud trainings launch: Sheriff offers free scam sessions.
- Dog auditions open: CSF casting for “Shakespeare in Love.”
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– the BRL team
Boulder Landmarks Board votes to protect century-old home, complicating senior housing project
The Landmarks Board voted 4-1 to initiate the designation process for a 1920s Craftsman bungalow, creating uncertainty for Presbyterian Manor’s plans for a 60-unit affordable housing expansion. Continue reading…
Boulder’s plan to use homes as a ‘virtual power plant’ stalls after federal funding cut
Loss of up to $12.7 million in Department of Energy funding threatens a project meant to boost grid reliability and help the city meet climate targets. Continue reading…
Critical fire danger on Friday, but winds relax for the weekend
Under stubborn high pressure, Boulder will endure one more warm, windy day before the pattern begins to shift this weekend.
Expect another mild late-winter day across the Front Range with highs in the mid‑60s. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be around much of the day (and some of tonight), especially closer to the Foothills and on the southwest side of town. Fire danger is very high with a Red Flag Warning in effect through 6 p.m. Avoid anything that could cause sparks!
Tonight we drop down into the middle to upper 30s.
Winds will relax significantly on Saturday, but temperatures will warm further toward 70, a few notches shy of our daily record high.
Sunday is the wildcard. A weak cold front may or may not fully settle into the area, and that makes temperatures tricky. Depending on how far south and west the cooler air entrenches, highs could land anywhere from the mid‑50s to upper‑60s. There’s also a small chance of a late‑day or evening rain shower, but that’s a stretch.
Early next week cools more decisively, with temperatures trending back toward normal by Tuesday or so and maybe even a chance for rain or snow east of the mountains.
NIST misses second U.S. House members’ deadline to explain limits on foreign researchers
Following a Boulder Reporting Lab article on new policies limiting work with foreign nationals at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), two members of the House Committee on Science sent a letter to NIST Acting Director Craig Burkhardt asking him to brief committee staff on the policies by Feb. 25.
That deadline passed this week without a response from NIST.
NIST staff also did not respond to earlier questions the representatives — Reps. Zoe Lofgren of California and April McClain Delaney of Maryland — sent on Jan. 28 with a Feb. 13 deadline.
“We have received the letter and will respond through the appropriate channels,” said Rich Press, a spokesperson for NIST.
As the minority party, House Democrats do not have the power to compel testimony or issue subpoenas to NIST staff. But Science Committee Democrats say they will continue to follow up and press for answers. Boulder’s representative Joe Neguse, who has advocated in Congress for Boulder’s federal labs, including NOAA and NCAR, did not respond to requests from Boulder Reporting Lab for comment about the changes at NIST. Read more on BRL.
Fire mitigation work continues near Ward and Allenspark
Forest-thinning work is continuing this year in the Gold Lake and Taylor Mountain areas as part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts in the St. Vrain watershed.
Crews are using small machinery, chainsaws and hand tools to thin dense forest, build slash piles and prepare the sites for future prescribed burns. The Gold Lake project is about 1.5 miles east of Ward near Gold Lake Road, while the Taylor Mountain work is roughly 3 miles east of Allenspark.
Officials say the work is aimed at reducing wildfire risk, protecting water supplies and improving forest health. When crews are active, visitors may see signage and are asked to use caution around work zones.
Last year, 519 acres were treated across both sites, with more work planned this year as conditions allow.
Sheriff’s Office launches fraud awareness training program
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new volunteer-run program offering free fraud awareness trainings for community groups across the county.
The one-hour sessions are designed to help residents recognize common scams, understand how fraud schemes work and learn steps to prevent or respond to victimization. The trainings are open to organizations including HOAs, senior centers, businesses and community groups.
Officials say fraud complaints have been rising nationally and in Colorado, which ranks among the states with the highest number of reports per capita.
Groups interested in hosting a training or residents looking for upcoming sessions can contact the Sheriff’s Office at SheriffFraudAwarenessTraining@bouldercounty.gov.
Audition your dog for a Shakespeare play
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is looking for two small dogs to split the role of “The Dog” in “Shakespeare in Love.” Dogs should be under 20 pounds, be able to stay put on command or with treats, and be able to jump on an actor. Interested dog owners must complete the dog audition form by March 23. The play’s rehearsal period is June 2-27, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., but dogs will only be called for rehearsal for their scenes.
Auditions will be held March 28 at 3 p.m. at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater. Casting comes with a stipend and complimentary tickets. The play opens June 28.
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