I wanted to share some of the great new buildings/plans coming up in the city of Boulder. Our city manager, community planner, public works department, economic vitality coordinator and transportation planners have been busy. I’m excited about everything that is happening as a resident of this great town, but also knowing it can only help the value of real estate here in Boulder. I learned that the City vision is “Service Excellence for an inspired future.”
Companies coming to town:
- Trader Joe’s – coming to 29th street (the corner or Walnut and 28th street) by the end of 2013.
- H&M – Opening at 29th Street Mall this summer
- Boulder Brands (with products like Earth Balance)
- Head USA Winter Sports Division (came last year)
Downtown Boulder (right now there is a near zero vacancy rate)
11th and Pearl (old Daily Camera Building) – currently in the final planning/approval phase
- 6 screen cinema
- Rooftop Public Garden
- Rooftop Restaurant (the view are going to be spectacular!)
- Automated Parking Robots (they are looking into this option so they can park even more cars in a smaller space)
Gunbarrel (or “Funbarrel” if you want to call it that):
- Town Center (more of a walking downtown area)
- Hotels
- New Rental housing near the town center
Boulder Junction (30th and Pearl):
- Changes are underway. The old depot will be moved and part of a park area near some new housing and bike paths.
Boulder Civic Area Project: (this is the area between Arapahoe and Canyon from 9th to 17th)
- There was an international competition for ideas for the area. The City is going to include ideas from all the submittals. No final decisions have been made. This a long term project but they do hope to make a few changes toward the final goal in the near future.
- Talk to possibly making the Farmer’s Market year round (but this would require an interior space as well).
- Possible performing arts center.
- The library will be remodeled in the not too distant future.
US36 Improvements:
- If you have driven to Denver you’ve seen the construction. This project is underway
- Managed lane in the center of US36. 1st priority for bus rapid transit, 2nd priority for HOV and 3rd priority (if there is space) for pay-in single occupancy vehicles
- Bus Rapid Transit (Beginning of 2016): What makes it fast is you have to pay for the pass before you get on the bus and there will be more doors to enter the bus (a little more like the feeling on a subway)
- There are 70,000 Eco Passes in our community (studies have shown that folks with an EcoPass are 9 times more likely to use public transportation (is there a way to create more a community wide program? They are looking into it)
CU East Campus:
- This area is going to grow. Eventually they expect there to be more faculty, staff and students living and working there
Comprehensive Housing Strategy Discussion:
- Boulder has good options for affordable housing (those making about 40% of the average income) and lots of higher end housing. What about the middle housing? This discussion will attempt to address that issue
Transportation Maintenance Fee (TMF):
- Since 2001, transportation funding has decreased while inflation and construction costs have increased. This scenario creates a substantial gap in transportation’s purchasing power.
- Due to this funding gap, the city has been forced to:
1. Defer maintenance on some streets, sidewalks, and multi-use paths;
2. Reduce transit services since 2000; and
3. Cut back on snow plowing, street sweeping, + many more
- To close this gap, the city is proposing a Transportation Maintenance Fee (TMF) as a local and reliable funding source. This potential fee would be paid by all commercial and residential properties in the city (through utility bills) and used to maintain core transportation infrastructure. Find out more
Business Incentives:
- The City is focused on keeping the business they have (on retention) rather than seeking out new business
- The government would like to hear from you. If you own a business or are looking to start a business check out City of Boulder’s business portal.
Join the conversation. The city would like your input. Check out the community online portal at InsireBoulder.com