Boulder Bulletin

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Finally, a Plan for the Plaza
By Bob Yates

We ask residents who apply for appointment to Boulder’s Planning Board to identify an area in the city where they believe planning has been a failure. Invariably, the top of most applicants’ lists is Diagonal Plaza, the 24-acre commercial site at the southeast corner of 28^th and Iris. Constructed in 1965, the plaza has been in decline for years, especially following the departure of Albertson’s in 2006 and Sports Authority in 2016.

A brief attempt by Walmart to maintain a grocery store at the plaza failed in 2017, and the future of the former Rite Aid store is uncertain after it was taken over recently by Walgreens, which has another pharmacy a few hundred yards away. The massive parking lot is devoid of cars, and even sports a depression that is invariably filled with stagnant water (in my family, we call it Lake Diagonal). In short, Diagonal Plaza is a problem begging for a solution.

It’s not been for lack of trying. A technical advisory panel was convened by the Urban Land Institute in 2011 to find a successful future for Diagonal Plaza. They identified the area’s promise, observing, “It holds a potentially vibrant location near high-quality, high-density housing, a major RTD transit stop, and a growing system of greenways.”

Several other studies by City Council, the Planning Board, and the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority over the last decade all concluded the same thing: That the site had potential, but needed someone with deep pockets to come forward and present a vibrant vision.

Well, that just happened. A consortium including Boulder Housing Partners—the city’s housing authority—is proposing to take more than nine acres in the western and southern portion of Diagonal Plaza and convert it into... Read more ☞

OUR COMMUNITY

Downtown's Back!

The pandemic put a dent in many of Boulder’s cherished community events. The Bolder Boulder was cancelled for two years in a row, and this year’s Boulder International Film Festival and the Boulder Creek Festival were postponed from spring to summer, when vaccination rates presumably will be higher. Events traditionally held downtown were not immune, with the cancellation last year of all of our beloved downtown programs, including the Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival, Taste of Pearl, Bands on the Bricks, the Beer Festival, the Munchkin Masquerade, and the year-end holiday celebrations. The loss of community was felt by all of us.

But, our long social winter is ending. Starting this month, Downtown Boulder is roaring back, presenting long-time favorites, and a few new ones. The kick-off for a COVD-free summer began last week when the Tebo Train pulled out of its station in front of Capital One Cafe at 13^th & Pearl, giving kids under 10 long-awaited free tours of the bricks. The fun expands to kids of all ages next month when Bands on the Bricks returns on Wednesday evenings, starting July 21, with a line-up that will include community favorites Hazel Miller and Eagles tribute band, The Long Run.

As the summer winds down, Downtown Boulder will welcome families to concerts, games, food, and fun at Fall Fest, September 10-12. While last year’s Halloween was a bust, we can make up for it this year with the most outrageous and creative costumes, door-to-door trick-or-treating at our downtown businesses on the afternoon of Sunday, October 31. The Munchkin Masquerade isn’t limited to munchkins; some of the best costumes in past years have been sported by the grown-ups, who are really just tall kids.

We’ll wrap up 2021 with... Read more ☞

Tents & Propane Tanks: At the May 11 study session, I joined a majority on council in supporting the banning of certain tents and propane tanks in city parks. What was I thinking ☞

Marpa House: At the May 18 council meeting, I joined a majority on council to add further conditions to the use of the apartment building at the former Marpa House on University Hill. What was I thinking ☞

Library District: At the May 18 council meeting, I joined a unanimous council in directing city staff to explore the possible formation of a library district next year, subject to an ultimate vote of the community. What was I thinking ☞

May 2021 issue on homelessness and new city manager here
Find other recent past issues here
Next monthly issue July 5

Unless otherwise noted, all council meetings and study sessions and other meetings begin at 6:00 at City Council Chambers, second floor, 1777 Broadway. Information current as of first Monday of the month, but subject to change.
Confirm agendas here.
NOTE: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED AND COUNCIL MEETINGS WILL BE BROADCAST ON CHANNEL 8 AND STREAMED AT CHANNEL 8 ONLINE.

Tuesday, June 8: Study Session
Climate action plan

Tuesday, June 15: Council Meeting
Eviction prevention; vaping tax

Tuesday, June 22: Study Session
Crime update; parking pricing

Tuesdays, June 29 & July 6: No Council Meetings
Summer break

Tuesday, July 13: Special Council Meeting
Diagonal Plaza concept review; land use community benefit

Email: yatesb@bouldercolorado.gov
Voice Message: 720.310.5829

Office: 1777 Broadway, Boulder (email in advance for appointment)

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