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Planning and Jobs

The Planning Commission meets tomorrow night at 6:30 in City Council Chambers. They will consider a 650 car parking garage that the School of Mines would like to build at 14th and Elm Streets. This is a complicated issue in several ways.

First, the Golden community has been unhappy with the school for failure to provide adequate parking for their students. Because Mines charges for parking, students and staff flood the surrounding streets in search of free parking. This garage is Mines’ proposed solution. They will still charge for parking, but it’s a very convenient location for people going to the campus.

The people in the 12th Street Historic District neighborhood are concerned because the location of the garage will cause more traffic to filter through their neighborhoods. There is no direct route to the eastern entrance to the garage, because 14th Street dead-ends a block before it would reach the garage. This forces cars approaching from the east to take 11th, 12th, or 13th to get to the garage.

The neighbors would like the missing block of 14th Street to be built before the garage opens.

The other case before the Commission tomorrow night involves a proposed expansion of Powder 7 in the Catamount Business Park. Powder 7 has both a local retail presence and a very successful online business, and they need more space.


Speaking of successful businesses, Ball Corporation’s Golden Plant is hiring Production Technicians.  These are full-time jobs with starting pay of $24.58 and excellent benefits.  They are holding a job fair this Friday afternoon from noon-4PM and this Saturday morning from 9AM-1PM.  Learn more….

Mines & Neighbors

The Planning Commission will meet tomorrow night at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  The Kong Company, located in the Coors Technology Center, is requesting an amendment to the Planned Unit Development to allow them to do manufacturing within their existing building.

They will also be considering a request by the Colorado School of Mines to vacate a city right of way, in order to allow them to construct a parking garage.  Over the past several years, the City has allowed the School to close several streets through the campus, including parts of 16th, 18th, and Maple Streets.  When the city allowed the School to close 16th Street, they did so in exchange for a right of way to extend 14th Street to the west.  This piece of 14th Street hasn’t been built to date, and the school now wants the right of way back, in order to build the parking garage.

14th St.

Residents of the adjacent 12th Street Historic District have seen traffic levels through their neighborhoods rise as Mines continues to expand, and they are concerned that the proposed parking garage will bring even more traffic through their streets.  They want 14th Street, which is currently used by Mines for surface parking lots, to go straight through to the new garage.  If you have an opinion on this topic, plan to attend the Planning Commission meeting and voice your concerns or approval.  Learn more….

Parking and Transportation Issues

Downtown Parking - Golden Colorado

City Council will have a study session (no voting and no public comment) tonight at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  The Assistant City Manager has been researching the costs and logistics of having the city provide broadband services, and he will report on his findings to date.

Councilors Charis-Graves and Brown have been leading a group that has studied the charters of our various boards and commissions.  The group concluded that our two biggest gaps were in museum oversight and citizen input on transportation design.  The Parks & Rec Board has promised to spend more time on the museums, with occasional input by the Historic Preservation Board.  A new board is proposed to advise on transportation issues.  This need was inspired by strong citizen responses to the odd and torturous street designs along Heritage Road, 8th Street, and Eagle Ridge Drive.

Council will consider working with RTD to add another “flex route” green bus to improve public transit options in Golden.

They will review the status of several parking and transportation initiatives, including paid parking downtown, neighborhood parking permits, the bike library, a car share program, and West Colfax and Washington Avenue street redesigns.

The paid parking kiosks have definitely freed up parking in the downtown lots.  Some of the people from Mines who used to park downtown have now moved to the lot west of the library and to 16th, 18th, and Ford Streets.  The School of Mines has announced plans to build a parking garage on campus to accommodate their students and employees.

There is a lot of interest in the bike library, but the weather the past two weekends has minimized actual bike loans.  The city will be adding three more bike stations this summer–in Parfet Park, on the Mines Campus, and at the Light Rail Station.  These will be “bike shares” and there will be a charge for using the bikes.

Zip Car plans to establish a car share location in Golden, and is requesting two reserved parking spaces in the Jackson Street garage.

For more information on any of these issues, see the agenda and meeting packet.  The meeting will be broadcast live through the city website.


The Colorado Scientific Society is hosting a lecture tonight at 7PM at the Mountaineering Center–Too Warm, Two Poles: How Past Super Interglacials Should Inform Future Coastal Policy.  It’s free and open to the public.  Learn more….

This Week’s Meetings

The Downtown Development Authority meets tonight at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  They will consider a facade improvement grant request by the owners of 1200 Arapahoe.  They may also discuss the “mobility hub”–which is the term used to describe an upgrade to the bus stops in Parfet Park.  Check their meeting packet for more information.

Parks & Recreation will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 7 in the Community Center.  They will discuss the new skatepark at Ulysses Park, which is nearly complete.  There will be a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 22nd.  The Golden Lions Club is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year.  The have built pavilions in the Norman D and Beverly Heights Parks, and would like to build one in Vanover Park to commemorate their anniversary.  The Parks Board will consider several possible designs. Check their meeting packet for more information.

The Local Licensing Authority will meet on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 in Cit Council Chambers.  The judge will accept a liquor license application for the property at 1100 Arapahoe Street (currently a dry cleaner/laundromat).  The applicant  is “New Vinters, doing business as Colorado Plus Cidery & Pub. Check the meeting packet for more information.

The Sustainability Board will meet Wednesdsay night at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  Their meeting packet is not yet available.

Condominiums - Golden Colorado

City Council will meet on Thursday the 23rd at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  They will vote on an ordinance requiring the Farmers Market to accept SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps).  They will discuss an ordinance that clarifies the “cash in lieu” requirements for downtown parking.  Finally, they will have a public hearing on a request to subdivide a single lot at 19th and Ford Streets into 12 lots.  The lot (currently a parking lot) will be used to build 12 condominiums. Check their meeting packet for more information.

City Business

Yesterday, I remarked that City Council would be proclaiming Golden to be a “Welcoming and Inclusive City” at tonight’s Council meeting.  I received several comments on the subject, saying that we’re both better and worse than we think.  On the one hand, someone corrected my statement that our police only check immigration status if they’re arresting someone for a felony.  My reader is under the impression that our police never check immigration status.  On the other hand, another reader pointed out that we’ll never be completely “inclusive” while we have an on-going city celebration of Christmas–the ultimate Christian holiday.  The same reader remarked that we have about 70 countries represented at the School of Mines, and do little to enfold those residents in the life of the city.  And so the conversation continues.  Thanks to everyone who wrote–I always enjoy hearing from my readers.

In other business, Council will vote tonight to approve a new food vendor for the club house at Fossil Trace Golf Club.  City staff reviewed several proposals, and is recommending Biscuits and Berries, a long-time Golden-based business.  Congratulations to the owner, Gwen Neely!

Downtown Golden Colorado

The February 23rd Council meeting had an impassioned discussion about paid parking for downtown residents.  The two newest downtown buildings–one at 12th and Jackson and one at 13th and Jackson–include some on-site parking, but not enough for all residents.  The developer paid a “cash in lieu” sum to the city to help fund public parking.  The developer believed–and told the new residents–that the cash in lieu payments guaranteed them parking places in the city garage.  When our new paid parking plan went into effect, all downtown residents who planned to use public parking were required to buy an annual parking pass.  This included the residents in those two new buildings.  The residents and the developer feel they shouldn’t have to pay for parking; the City feels they should.  Tonight, Council will vote on a compromise, which allows the new residents to pay lower parking fees for the first five years.

This is the last day to bid in Shelton Elementary’s online auction.  Bid soon and often!  As I remarked several days ago, you may get some great deals, and you will certainly benefit a good cause.

The Railroad Museum is holding their monthly storytime & craft today at 10AM.  Join fellow young train enthusiasts, in collaboration with the Golden Public Library, for a morning of rail stories and make-and-take crafts.  Today’s story – The Huffin Puff Express by David L. Harrison.  Recommended ages 4-6 years old.  Free for Museum Members and $2 for nonmembers with general admission.

The Library has Lego Play & Build at 4.  All ages are welcome.  Their Tuesday Night Book Group will discuss Nora Webster tonight from 6-7.  The final event of their Girls STEM Competition will be held tomorrow (Feb 22nd) from 5:30-7:30.  It will be set up like a science fair, where people can visit the competitors & learn about their projects.  Make a point of stopping by the library during that time!

This Week’s Meetings
The Parks & Recreation Board will meet tonight at 7PM in the Community Center.  They will discuss a draft of their work plan for the year, which they plan to send to City Council later in the month.  This board will have several openings this spring, so if you’re interested in serving, you might want to observe this meeting.

The Local Licensing Authority will meet tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:30 in City Council Chambers.  Safeway and the Old Capitol Grill are changing managers.  El Tapatio is changing ownership.  Loaf & Jug on Rubey Dr is renewing their license.  Several local stores & restaurants will be asking the judge to impose a fine rather than suspending their license after police found them serving alocohol to under-aged undercover agents.

The Sustainability Board meets tomorrow night at 6:30 in City Council Chambers.  Their agenda is not yet available.

City Council’s meeting (Thursday at 6:30 in City Council Chambers) will include a report on affording housing policies being recommended by the Planning Commission.  They recommend that Golden take steps to have at least 30% low & moderate income housing and 15% middle income housing.  In order to effect that, they suggest subsidized rentals and loan assistance to be funded by “new development and existing community.”  Council will also discuss the “cash in lieu” policy for downtown parking.  This policy has allowed developers to pay the city cash rather than providing parking on their own property.  The cash was intended to be used to build parking structures.  The builder of the newest downtown buildings–at 12th & Jackson and 13th & Jackson–is arguing that their cash in lieu payments entitles their tenants to dedicated parking spaces for no additional charge in the city parking garages.  See the meeting packet for more information.

Paid Parking Starts Tomorrow

Parking Ticket - Golden Colorado

The City of Golden will start charging for parking in some parts of Downtown tomorrow, February 1st.  See the City’s parking page to learn more about where you can and cannot park, and for how long.

The School of Mines is promising to build a parking structure to accommodate their students, staff, and faculty.  They are considering two locations, and will reveal them at a Town Hall meeting today from 11:30-1 in the Student Center, Ballrooms D and E.  The meeting will be repeated on Thursday February 2nd from 4-5:30 in Ballroom B.  Learn more….  There is also a report of a public meeting (for the Golden Community) tonight from 5:30-6:30 in Ballroom B.  I haven’t been able to find an online link about this meeting.

UPDATE:  Mines contacted me to inform me that today’s 11:30 meeting and Thursday’s 4PM meeting are only open to the Mines community.  There is a public meeting tonight, January 31st from 5:30-6:30 to discuss an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Golden, share information on the parking structure and other general updates.  They also plan a meeting to specifically discuss the parking garage during the week of February 13th.  Date, time, and location are to be determined.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing tomorrow night at 6:30 in City Council Chambers regarding the home at 1107 Illinois Street (map).  The owners are requesting a Special Use Permit to allow them to rent part of the home to tourists via AirBnB or VRBO.  See the meeting packet for more information.

Preview of July Events in Golden

July 2016 Events in Golden Colorado

For more information on any of these events, please check the Golden.com calendar.

Foothills Art Center:  Fine Craft Invitational
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum:  Australia Uncovered through 7/26; New York Beauty Quilts and Quilts of Caohagen Island opens 7/28
Buffalo Bill Museum: From Prairie to Palace
Colorado Railroad Museum: Eating on the Rails, Trains in Politics, Colorado Trains in Building Blocks
CSM Geology Museum:  Rare Earth
Miners Alley Playhouse opens July 15th

6
NREL Power Lunch Lecture – The World’s Most Water Repellant Material and Beyond
Golden Community Kayak Rodeo Series – Down River Race
Downton Abbey-inspired long chain necklace
AirBnB Hosting Workshop
7
Clear Creek Jazz Quintet at the Golden Hotel
Leadership Golden Mixer at the Olde Capitol Grill
9
Homesteaders’ Day at the Clear Creek History Park
Celebrate Steam Locomotive No. 346’s birthday at the Railroad Museum
Preschool Nature Nuts: Nature’s Shapes-n-Textures
Magical History Tours: A Tribute to the Beatles at the Golden Gate Grange
“Stay Cool” Summer Foods & Skin Care at Earthsweet Botanicals
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Ladies Day – Colorado State Patrol Track
Downton Abbey-inspired long chain necklace
Friends of Apex Trail Day
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MOMS Club of Golden
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Paint Your Own Growler at Golden City Brewery
Golden Beer Talks – Mosquitoes, Bed Bugs and Other Blood-Sucking Monsters
13
Courthouse Hill Walking Tour
14
Backyard Bluegrass Series at the Columbine Bar
Beer Class at Golden City Brewery
City Council accepts public comment about downtown parking
15
Opening Night for Little Shop of Horrors at Miners Alley
Denver Postcard Show at the Jeffco Fairgrounds (Fri & Sat)
16
Coffee with a Councilor – Casey Brown
Author Tom Brunner will be signing books at the Railroad Museum
Dances with Branches – Recreational Tree Climbing
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Making Musical Notes with Heather
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Storytime & Craft at the Railroad Museum
Sustainable Water Resources Roundtable Mtg at NREL
21
Mopar Street Party
City Council study session – the Astor House
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Summer in Paris at Earthsweet Botanicals
The Skeleton Dolls at Windy Saddle
23
VegFest Colorado at the Jeffco Fairgrounds (23&24th)
Dinosaur Express Train at the Railroad Museum
Art Show at Pangea Coffee Roasters
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Author Carol Ann Wilson at Windy Saddle
Model trains camp at the Railroad Museum (24th-29th…register by the 18th)
26
Golden Bike Cruise – Star Wars Theme
27
Gold Rush Walking Tour
Golden Foothills Caravan Tour
28
Buffalo Bill Days Chamber Luncheon
Buffalo Bill Days Golf Tournament
Art on Tap at Foothills Art Center
Rocky Mountain Road Exhibit opens at the Quilt Museum
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Buffalo Bills Days Begins
The Jazz Cats at Windy Saddle
30
Buffalo Bill Days Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Wild West Show
Town Hall Meeting with State Rep Jessie Danielson
31
Buffalo Bill Days Community Worship Service, Car Show, Muttin’ Bustin’, Duck Race
RMNW Juror Katherine Chang Liu Lecture and Welcome Reception – Foothills Art Center

Parking: speak now, or hold your peace

Downtown Parking

The City will hold an Open House tonight to acquaint the public with issues and plans regarding parking.  The proposal under consideration calls for some of the downtown parking to be PAID.

There are pros and cons to this plan.  The objective is to discourage people from leaving their car there all day, while they are at school or work, thereby making parking hard to find.  It would definitely be nice to have less parking congestion.

However, we have never had to pay for any parking downtown.  In fact, we’ve highlighted free parking as a draw in our tourism campaigns.  Some people will likely find the idea of paid parking in downtown Golden infuriating.

If you have a strong opinion about paid parking, speak up NOW, while City Council is asking for public comment.  It’s much easier to affect a plan before it goes into effect than it is afterwards.  Tonight’s open house will be held at the Community Center from 5:30-7:30PM.  Learn more….

Golden to take a bite out of parking pickle

By Christy Steadman

Parking in Golden is possible, but finding a spot can be a challenge at times.

“Sometimes, it takes a while,” said Margaret Vera, a Golden resident since 2005. “The summer is when it gets kind of crazy here.”

Vera and her friend Kathy Fisher, a Golden resident since 1998, agree that although they can always find parking downtown, it is a bit of an issue…  Read more…