Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
University Hill Neighborhood Association
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
The Castle House, January 17, 2019, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
ATTENDING: Nancy Blackwood, Stephen Clark, Jyotsna Raj, Beanne Rothenberg, Lori Schuyler, Linda Sparn, Scott Thomas
ABSENT: Andrea Clark, Lisa Spalding
HRWG REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa Nelson
INVITED GUESTS: Marcel de Lange, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Colorado Environmental Design Program; Brenda Ritenour, City of Boulder Neighborhood Liaison; Jennifer Wert
HOMELESS/TRANSIENT ISSUE
Neighbors have noticed an increased number of Boulder’s homeless and transient population occupying Beach Park on The Hill, often in large groups
Complaints were registered to UNHA; some neighbors stating that they did not feel safe in the park or playground
City of Boulder Neighborhood Liaison Brenda Ritenour offered suggestions and resources, including contacting the Boulder Police Department
Neighbors are reminded that if you have a crime to report call Boulder Police Communications at 303-441-3333. For in-progress crimes, call 911
The police department has more officers assigned to The Hill than any other neighborhood and officers assigned can be contacted through email. More information on the Neighborhood Policing Area Program, including a map to locate your Neighborhood Police Officer, is on the City of Boulder’s website at:
https://bouldercolorado.gov/police/neighborhood-policing-area-program
UHNA also will contact the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation Department, as better upkeep of Beach Park will improve the safety and enjoyment of the park
Also noted is that the empty Harbeck-Bergheim House makes loitering around this area more feasible
UNIVERSITY HILL PUBLIC ART PROJECT (CU): Nancy Blackwood, Marcel de Lange
Marcel de Lange, an instructor in the University of Colorado environmental design program attended the EC meeting. He teaches a Design-Build class and, with his class of 12 students, is working on a public art project on The Hill. The students will design, fabricate, and install a semi-permanent public art project, with a lifespan of roughly 5 years
The team members of CU environmental design students who attended the October EC meeting were responsible for a public engagement project to research ideas for a public art project on The Hill. This information will be used by Marcel’s class, which has received a grant from the City of Boulder for the project
EC members were supportive of targeting Beach Park for a public art project. Key criteria include facilitating community and placemaking
On February 1, Brian Muller, faculty director of CU Boulder’s Community Engagement, Design and Research Center (CEDaR), and students who conducted the community engagement research last year will present their findings. Marcel and the students in his class will present their ideas for their class project. The meeting is scheduled on February 1, 5:00-6:00pm at the Canyon Theatre and Gallery, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue
More information on the public art projects is on the City of Boulder Office of Arts + Culture website at: https://boulderarts.org/public-art/
HILL HOTEL UPDATE: Nancy Blackwood and Lisa Nelson
Discussion by the City Council regarding The Hill Hotel and Parking Garage resumes on January 22, 2019
The Hill Reinvestment Working Group (HRWG) and the University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission (UHCAMC) support the development of the Hill Hotel. The study session memorandum which includes the recommendations by the HRWG and UHCAMC can be viewed at: https://boulder.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/MeetingView.aspx?MeetingID=530&MinutesMeetingID=579&doctype=Agenda
Neighbors are encouraged to continue to send letters to City Council
UPDATE: At the January 22 study session, City Council requested more financial analysis delaying any action on the Hill Hotel
HARBECK-BERGHEIM HOUSE UPDATE: Jyotsna Raj and Linda Sparn
Jyotsna and Linda reported on their attendance at the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s stakeholder meeting held January 16. Attendees included representatives from UHNA, Historic Boulder, CU, The Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau and various representatives from the City of Boulder
The department prepared a comprehensive review and analysis, including more up-to-date financial information and examples of successful projects in other cities, of the options for the house. Primary options are selling or leasing the property, for single family use or office space. Leasing could be at market rate or below market rate (but cover expenses) which would be more feasible for a not-for-profit organization
The department has identified no existing need for the house to be used by the City, eliminating that option
An interiors preservation easement for the house is being considered which would ensure more extensive preservation of this historic home, regardless of the disposition
Historic Boulder has presented a vision statement for the house
Boulder Parks and Rec will host a Department-wide Open House January 31, 2019, 5:30 – 7:00pm, at the Municipal Service Center at 5050 East Pearl Street. The Harbeck-Bergheim house will be one of the projects featured. More information is at: https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/parks-and-recreation-department-wide-open-house-january-2019
More information on the house is on the City of Boulder website page: https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/harbeck-bergheim-house
OTHER BUSINESS:
Neighborhood Liaison Brenda Ritenour mentioned the availability of funds and a trailer for block parties. Applications can be submitted eight weeks prior to the planned event. Check out the resources available at: https://bouldercolorado.gov/neighborhood-services
UHNA 2019 Priorities were sent to City Council
The February EC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2019
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:
Linda Sparn
Member, Executive Committee
UNIVERSITY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION