6-8PM
There has been much consternation about the roundabouts on Heritage Road and the traffic calming on Eagle Ridge drive. The neighborhood requested an independent assessment of the design by engineering firm Bohannan Huston. The final report will be presented tonight from 6-8 at Shelton Elementary School (720 Crawford St. – map). Can’t make the meeting? You can view the report here.
6:30PM
The Planning Commission meets tonight at 6:30 in City Council Chambers. They are considering 3 cases and a set of proposed regulations for short-term rentals in Golden. The most controversial topic will be the new, 4-story, 107-unit apartment building at 1750 Jackson St.
There have been a lot of conversations about this project around town. Here are some of the pros and cons that I’ve been hearing:
Pros
Mines is working towards requiring all freshmen and sophomores to live on campus. This requirement might result in fewer cars, less in-city parking, and less traffic.
It’s right across from a grocery store and walking distance to classes, so students might choose not to have cars.
The developer plans to use several innovative sustainability features and the Sustainability Board strongly approved the design.
Cons
The developer is sidestepping the 1% growth limit by leasing the building to the School of Mines. The School claims that, as a state institution, it is not subject to local zoning. During the neighborhood meeting, the developer mentioned that if the Planning Commission does not approve the project, the School can pursue the “nuclear option.” This means build it anyway, in defiance of Golden’s 1% growth limit and design guidelines.
It’s big–both in girth and height. It will fill the lot from side to side and will loom 4 stories above Jackson Street and 2-1/2 stories above Washington Avenue. Tall buildings block views.
It will occupy property that could be used for affordable housing or tax-generating commercial development.
The project includes 182 parking spaces for 249 residents. Neighbors near the project worry that the overflow of cars will park in front of their houses.
People are wondering why the School wants to spread into the surrounding neighborhoods instead of using the land they own at 19th and Hwy 6 (the old car dealership) or adjacent to Mines Park.
If you have an opinion about this project, come to the meeting and contribute to public comment. Tonight is your one and only time to weigh in on it. See the details by reviewing the meeting packet.
7:30
Miners Alley Playhouse is hosting SCRIPTprov–improvisational comedy–at 7:30 tonight. The admission price is $15.
