It’s Monday, August 14, 2023.
Welcome to Monday, Boulder. I hope you’re well.
For today, John Herrick covers the future of the Millennium Hotel — a future that doesn’t include a hotel. Last week, the city’s Planning Board voted 4-2 to tear down the beleaguered 28th Street building in favor of student apartments. Though the developer, a Georgia-based firm, still needs to get demolition approval and a building permit from the city, the planning board vote brings the project one step closer to reality.
Not only would the hotel become apartments, but many of the nearby tennis courts, owned by Rocky Mountain Tennis Center, would be replaced with a dog park, some pickleball courts and open space.
Plus: Lots more local news below — including a pilot program to make commercial space more affordable, e-bike rebate applications opening and free tulips on Pearl Street.
Have a good start to your week.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Planning Board votes to replace Boulder’s Millennium Hotel with 303 student apartments
The Planning Board’s approval on Aug. 8 marks a major step in the development of the housing project. The Boulder City Council may decide to weigh in. And the developer still needs to get a city demolition and building permit. Continue reading…
This week in Boulder: Blind Cafe Experience, peach festival and Havana Nights
Other events include the Nederland Farmers Market, a Rainbow Rodeo and Sanitas Makers series. Continue reading…
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In other news
70s? 70s!
Did you think yesterday was lovely? That’s because it was a lovely day in the 70s, in some areas not even getting out of the 60s. And you get one more day of loveliness before the heat returns with vengeance. As though punishing us for the respite, Mother Nature will bring a stretch of high 80s and low 90s that only plentiful iced tea will get us through.
City officials consider pilot program to make commercial space more affordable
Last week, Boulder City Council gave city officials informal approval to explore the creation of an “affordable commercial pilot program” to try and make it less pricey for businesses to lease property in the city.
During the council meeting, city officials presented data from Newmark, a commercial real estate agency in Denver, that showed the cost of leasing commercial property in Boulder increased considerably over the last decade. City officials said they have about $380,000 in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act that could be spent on the program — potentially covering expenses related to operations, management and maintenance, so costs for businesses to lease a building are lessened. Before finalizing details of the pilot, city staff said they would launch a community engagement process.
Traffic pole replacement might cause delays
Two swaths of traffic poles on Baseline, at 17th and 20th Streets, are being replaced starting this week. The intersections will be turned into four-way stops, and headaches for all trying to pass through. The work is expected to continue for roughly two weeks, with other impacts including partial lane closures, sidewalk impacts and daytime noise from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If that sounds less than enjoyable, you’d do best to find an alternate route.
Free tulips for those who want free tulips
Ever wonder how you’d use tulip bulbs you didn’t have to pay for? Plant them? Or just put them on a shelf to look at?
Well wonder no more. On Aug. 23, the City of Boulder Parks and Rec Department is partnering with 10 downtown businesses — including Ana’s Art Gallery and OZO Coffee Company — to distribute free bags of tulip bulbs. The tradition that dates back to the 1970s aims to maintain spring blooms on Pearl Street Mall that are so much prettier than dirt patches.
The bulbs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with only one bag per family. If you’re willing to donate, anything you give will benefit the PLAY Boulder Foundation.
State e-bike rebate application opens this Wednesday
With similar guidelines to Boulder’s e-bike rebate program, the Colorado program offers Boulderites another opportunity to get help buying a pedal assist. The application is only open for five days though, so make sure you have all the necessary documents ready beforehand so you don’t miss the window. You have to prove you live in Colorado, and that you’re income-eligible.
Give feedback on Chautauqua shuttle
The City of Boulder is assessing its Chautauqua Access Management Program (CAMP), which includes the park-to-park shuttle. The shuttle’s goal is getting people to the Flatirons without causing so much congestion in the parking lot and nearby neighborhoods. If you have feedback on the initiative, there’s a survey to fill out where you can voice your opinion until Sept. 30.
CAMP’s ordinance expires in 2023, and survey input will shape future recommendations for the City Council. The assessment will also guide potential trailhead management efforts. A survey in Spanish is also available.
New concrete coming to Lafayette
Starting this week and extending through October, the City of Lafayette, partnering with Keene Concrete, will be undertaking concrete maintenance throughout the city. The priority is ensuring a safe pedestrian experience for all those choosing to promenade. If you see markings on the road in your neighborhood, they’re likely signaling utilities working below. Door hangers will let you know if your home will be affected.
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