HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivicAreamemo_HRC_091112
MEMORANDUM
TO: Human Relations Commission
FROM: Sam Assefa, Senior Urban Designer, Project Coordinator
Lesli Ellis, Senior Planner, Project Coordinator
DATE: September 11, 2012
SUBJECT: September 17, 2012 Meeting - Boulder Civic Area Project
Update and Discussion
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this informational session is the following:
1.Provide an update on the Boulder Civic Area projectwhich began this summer;and
2.Provide opportunity for questions and discussion, as a lead-in to development of project
Guiding Principles.
II. QUESTIONS
1.Does the Human Relations Commission have feedback on the project goals, objectives,
and issues identified to date (from Project Purpose document)?
2.Does the Human Relations Commission have feedback on qualities and characteristics
to consider for the future of the Boulder Civic Area?
3.Does the Human Relations Commission have feedback or questions regarding the
process (Attachment A)?
III. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ROLE IN BOULDER CIVIC AREA PROJECT
The Human Relations Commission is being requested to provide feedback about issues for the
Civic Area project to address, the general approach to the project, and characteristics for the
future of the area.
IV. PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Purpose
The purpose of the Boulder Civic Area project is to create a shared community vision for the
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civic heart of Boulder– from 9to 17streets and from Arapahoe Avenue to Canyon Boulevard
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as shown in the Aerial View map. Link to: the project purpose document. The project
purpose document includes an outline of the goals, objectives, and issues identified to date.
One of the major products of the planning process will be an area plan, adopted by City Council
and the Planning Board. Because this process will touch on many topics and issues, its findings
also may feed into operational master plans for capital improvements, such as the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Process and Timeline
The effort is a robust one-and-a-half year long process involving multiple city departments and
numerous and diverse public engagement opportunities, including input from City Boards and
Commissions. (See Attachment A: Process and Timeline).
Public Launch of Project
The Boulder Civic Area project was launched to the public in June with a news release
www.BoulderCivicArea.com) and several events (July 11 and
introducing the project website (
September 12, 2012).
Resource Inventory
The resource inventory is mostly complete and is available online. See project maps and
inventory information on the project webpage. Link to:About the Planning Area. The
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resource information helps to build an understanding of the physical parameters for the core
planning area and to help determine and quantify development suitability for various parcels
within the study area.
Draft Project Assumptions
The draft project assumptions have been developed and revised based on council feedback.
The assumptions are meant as a foundation for developing the vision for the area, and the
topics introduced in the assumptions (e.g., flood hazard and municipal facilities), will be further
explored in the planning process, such as in discussing opportunities and constraints and
Guiding Principles. (See Attachment B: Draft Assumptions.)
Developing Guiding Principles
As a next step,staffwill work with the community and council toward developing Guiding
Principles for the project. The Guiding Principles for the Boulder Civic Area will articulate the
area’s general desired characteristicsand type of place envisioned by the community. They will
capture the community’s values and priorities and become the backdrop against which to
evaluate scenarios and programmatic options for the area. Ideas that comply with the Guiding
Principles may find a home in the plan; ideas that are in conflict will not. Once a plan is
adopted, the Guiding Principles can help steer directions about future uses, activities, or
developments.
Guiding Principles are different from programmatic uses, which will describe specific uses or
activities. For instance, a Guiding Principle might say “The Civic Area will enhance the quality of
life for Boulder residents by supporting initiatives for civic involvement, recreation, and
environmentally, socially economically sustainable activities,” whereas a programmatic use
might be something like “a market place, playground, plaza, performance center, or more
retail.”
V. PROJECT NEXT STEPS
1.Through Mid-September: MindMixer website collaboration for public
input
2.September 12, 2012: Public workshop at Boulder High School
3.September 24, 2012: City Council study session on Guiding Principles
4.October 16, 2012: City Council agenda item on Guiding Principles
5.October and Beyond: Additional phases, as illustrated in the process
chart(Attachment A) including possible check-
in with other boards and commissions in
January/February to discuss initial project
options
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