Open houses, walking tours, online feedback scheduled July 13 – July 24
After more than a year of community, board and council engagement, the city is narrowing down options for future development at the 8.8-acre former Boulder Community Health campus and surrounding area. To inform the next council conversation in August, staff is hosting open houses, walking tours and online engagement on BeHeardBoulder.org.
The city purchased the former hospital site in 2015 to create a welcoming and inclusive community hub, relocate city offices that are currently in a high hazard floodplain and create a vision for redevelopment in the area. Key goals of the area plan include strengthening the retail core while exploring how to add affordable housing and balance the mix of uses that make this area the thriving center and diverse neighborhood that it is today.
For the former hospital site, density and the type of housing that should be emphasized are two of the key choices staff is seeking input on, with potential housing ranging from single family townhomes to compact apartments. Three land use options under consideration for the area emphasize how to meet goals for affordable housing and mixed use. A fourth option emphasizes mixed use with more city and county services and less potential for housing.
Staff is also seeking feedback on urban design, access and mobility, flood management and civic uses of the area.
“Hundreds of Boulder community members have provided input into the Alpine-Balsam Vision Plan and area plan development,” said Jean Gatza, senior planner. “As we narrow the options for the area plan, this is the opportunity for people to review what is on the table, understand the opportunities and impacts, and provide feedback before a draft plan is presented to Planning Board and City Council.”
Community members are invited to attend an open house and walking tour and provide feedback online at BeHeardBoulder.org from July 12 – July 24.
Open Houses: Drop in any time to view boards and talk to staff about land use options and urban design elements, as well as a range of ideas for improving public spaces, creating diverse and affordable housing and improving mobility and flood management.
- Saturday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1136 Alpine Ave.
- Wednesday, July 17, 4:30 – 7 p.m., 1777 Broadway, Municipal Building Lobby
- Monday, July 22, 4:30 – 7 p.m., 2775 Valmont Rd., The Rayback Collective
Walking Tours: Walk and talk with staff to learn more and provide feedback on the draft Connections Plan for the area. Space is limited—please use Eventbrite to sign up.
City Council is scheduled to provide direction on the proposed area plan on Aug. 27 and provide final acceptance at a public hearing this October.
More information on the vision, goals and options for the Alpine-Balsam Area Plan can be found www.bouldercolorado.gov/planning/alpinebalsam.
Published: July 10, 2019
Media Contacts:
Meghan Wilson, Communication Manager, 303-441-4073
Samantha Glavin, Communication Specialist, 720-564-2362
