01.21.15 UHCAMC PacketUNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING — January 21, 2015
9 — 11 a.m.
Council Chambers, 1777 Broadway
AGENDA
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of the December 10, 2014 Meeting Minutes
3. Police Update
4. Public Participation
5. CUSG Update
6. Hill Boulder Update — Rubino
7. UHNA Update — Nancy Blackwood
8. Parking Services Update — Matthews
9. Hill Moratorium Update & Feedback for Study Session Memo - McHeyser
10. Matters from the Commissioners
11. Matters from Staff
• Hill Reinvestment Strategy Update: Wiebenson & Matthews
i. Benchmark Baseline Focus Groups
ii. Analysis of Hill Employee Eco Pass Program (draft survey)
http : / /tinyurl.com /14hdwzt
iii. Parking Utilization Study
iv. RSD Contract
v. Update on 2A Projects
vi. Hill Reinvestment Strategy (HRS) Draft Work Plan
• AMPS Update — Joint Board Meeting January 21S
• Joint Board Meeting Date
• Commissioner Recruitment Resident position; Griffith term expires 2014
• New Policy Regarding Televising Board and Commission Meetings
• 2015 Retreat Date
Attachments
• Sales and Use Tax Revenue Reports — October 2014
• Police Stats
• Response to City Council Retreat Questions for 2015
• Hill Reinvestment Strategy (HRS) Draft Work Plan
• UHNA 2015 Letter to City Council re Priorities
• Feedback from Hill Residents
Upcoming Meetings:
January 21, 2015 AMPS Joint Board Meeting
January 23 & 24, 2015 City Council Retreat
January 27, 2015 Hill Moratorium &HRS Update City Council Study Session
February 11, 2015 UHCAMC Meeting and Moratorium Public Hearing (note 2 " Wednesday)
Commissioner Terms
Soifer 2019 (business owner)
Griffith 2014 (resident)
Rubino 2017 (business owner)
Raj 2016 (resident)
Liguori 2017 (business /property owner)
UHCAMC 2015 Priorities
- Establish baseline /benchmarks for Hill Reinvestment Strategy
- Determine feasibility of Hill employee Eco Pass program
- Extend Hill Community Development Coordinator funding
- Pursue anchor tenant and public - private partnerships on UHGID sites
- Pursue short -term incentive program for building improvements
- Enhance communication and coordination with CU
- Integrate arts into planning for'Event Street'
- Evaluate liquor restriction impacts
- Greater engagement with Hill Commercial Area Community
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
NAME OF BOARD /COMMISSION: UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NAME /TELEPHONE OF PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Ruth Weiss — 303 - 413 -7318
NAMES OF MEMBERS, STAFF, AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS: RAJ (arrived at 9:22 am) GRIFFITH, SOIFER, RUBINO, LIGUORI
STAFF: WINTER, MATTHEWS, WIEBENSON, LANDRITH, JUDD
GUESTS: NANCY BLACKWOOD, CAROLINE JACOBS (Ye Ye Cafe)
AGENDA ITEM 5 — CUSG Update: None
AGENDA ITEM 6 — Hill Boulder Update: Rubino said the Light the Hill event last Friday was abig success. A Small
Business Saturday series on the website brought in traffic and page views were up. Soifer said that the Hill Boulder will
try to bring back the Hill Rail Jam event and looking at ski/snowboard industries to sponsor. Also, working on a Hill
specific coupon book and coordinating with UHNA and CU for distribution. Rubino said that the second Hill meeting
had a huge turnout. Rubino continued with seeking from CU as to why student orientation does not go through the hill
commercial district and looking to move forward with CU in 2015. Liguori said Rail Jam hopes to happen in March and
businesses seem to be talking more with one another creating momentum.
AGENDA ITEM 7 — UHNA Update: Nancy Blackwood, UHNA, mentioned the joint effort between UHNA and
UHCAMC to have a fund raiser in the spring to raise money for plants and then plant them. UHNA is excited to get the
neighbors and merchants together for an interactive day and combining it with the Clean Up Day in May. Blackwood
mentioned that many items have been addressed from UHNA's letter of priorities to city council in 2014, however, over
occupancy remains a serious concern in the neighborhoods. Soifer asked if this letter could be provided to the
commission. Blackwood said the 2015 UHNA letter to council on priorities will compliment council on the issues that
have already been addressed and revisit issues not yet handled. UHNA will be asking council to continue to support the
Reinvestment Strategy. Discussion regarding a small commercial property at 9 and College that would revert to
residential within the year if abusiness does not open at this site challenged the commission to brainstorm tactics to keep
the site commercial and preserve it.
AGENDA ITEM 8 — Public Hearing and Feedback on the University Hill Commercial District Moratorium
Project — McHeyser: McHeyser said that the first two phases of the five phases have been completed. A report had
been issued after the first phase, and there was an open house. The phase two report contained comments to date. Both
Phase One and Phase Two reports can be found online at University Hill Moratorium website at
https://bouldercolorado.gov/planriing/Uh-moratorium Phase One report issued preliminary findings and some draft
strategies to address those findings. The moratorium addresses the concern of over concentration of student housing in
the hill commercial district. The potential strategies are a list of tools and looking for feedback on which tools to further
pursue. McHeyser will be back to the commission in January for a recommendation. Soifer asked to discuss community
anchors for the hill and what possible anchors may be in the works. McHeyser replied that their consultant
recommended that to attract a variety of users and uses on the hill an anchor is needed. Winter mentioned conversations
with CU over their interest in a meeting facility and hotel facility for parents. Winter continued that the city is interested
in pursuing a conference facility. McHeyser mentioned a strategy that is more robust to go after potential anchors could
be a game changer for uses on the hill. Soifer questioned elderly /affordable housing. Parking concerns and bus routes
were discussed. Soifer suggested contacting the neighborhood at large for businesses that would draw people to the hill
commercial area.
AGENDA ITEM 9 — 2015 Commission Goals: Winter said feedback is needed for the questions posed by city
council. Wiebenson collected the email responses by questions. Below is the synopsis of the responses that will be
provided to council.
What are your top priorities within the framework of the current Council work plan adopted at the last City
Council retreat (e.g. business /residential diversity, the arts, multi -modal access, health and safety, stakeholder
partnerships and code enforcement)?
- Business/Residential Diversity: given that the Moratorium has identified parking as a major issue for
attracting a diversity of uses and users to the Hill Commercial District, work with the owners of the catalyst
sites to facilitate their redevelopment to achieve this goal; aggressively pursue the Moratorium finding that
the Hill Commercial District lacks an anchor use to attract a diversity of users; survey the Hill neighbors to
determine what type of businesses would bring them back; and consider dedicating a portion of the parking
spaces created by the UHGID lot redevelopments as an incentive to attract new office uses;
- Multi -Modal Access: evaluate usage of current transportation options and investigate the feasibility of a
district -wide Eco -Pass for Hill employees; look at location of bus stops and possible re- routing to bring in
more users to the district; look at locating a taxi stand on the Hill;
- Stakeholder Partnerships: involve UHCAMC members in CU partnership efforts and reintroduce student
orientation tours to the Hill Commercial District;
- The Arts: integrate arts and creativity into the planning for the event street, multi -modal access and into
future efforts to develop a brand identity for the Hill Commercial District.
Liquori said that a short term tax incentive to stakeholders on the hill that could be earmarked for improvements to
their properties, or a rebate. Winter suggested funding for fagade renovation. Liguori continued that extending the
Hill Coordinator position is critical to the hill and having UHCAMC more involved with the University stakeholders
as a critical communication/partnership. Griffith said that branding is critical. Winter said she heard that the
Innovation/Creative district is a lesser priority and needs more definition.
What would you like to see done that would further advance the Council Goals?
- Establish baseline existing conditions to be able to evaluate and benchmark the progress of the Hill
Reinvestment Strategy;
- Extend the Hill Community Development Coordinator funding for an additional three years (five years total) to
carry out the initiatives of the Hill Reinvestment Strategy;
- Short-term incentive or funding program (e.g. revolving loan) to encourage investment in the commercial
exteriors in the Hill Commercial District;
- Develop a citywide business attraction incentive to complement the existing business retention programs, to
help with the current goal of achieving business diversity;
- Look at how current liquor restrictions are impacting the goals of a diversity of uses and health and safety, e.g.
ability to attract new businesses and the safety of students traveling Downtown between 11 p.m. -2 a.m.;
- Work with CU to reintroduce student orientation tours to the Hill Commercial District.
Liquori asked if the city private /public partnership with Boyers be included. Griffith suggested creative small arts
projects such as a public RFP for bike racks.
How can your board specifically help reach the current Council goals?
- Review and comment on the UHGID and Hill Reinvestment Strategy budget for 2015 and 2016;
- Take a more active role in engaging Hill Commercial District stakeholders, and generally be more visible in the
community;
- Engage Hill neighbors to return to the Hill Commercial District and show their support for existing businesses;
- Host an open house or other outreach effort to capture input from community members that cannot attend
commission meetings.
Are there City policies that need to be addressed that would enable your board to function at a higher level?
- Zoning Code: look at the current zoning for the Hill Commercial District to ensure that the regulations are
aligned with City Council goals (not in any way creating abarrier to achieving these goals); look at making the
district more of a central location, not a pass - through;
- Alcohol restrictions: work with the Police Department to evaluate the change in commercial district nuisances
before /after the change in liquor rules, identify pros /cons of adopting rules that are more in keeping with those
applicable to the Downtown commercial area; work with UHNA to understand current perceptions and whether
nuisances are related to commercial district activity.
Liguori questioned having open houses during the year to bring in more public participation. Winter replied that one
option is to change the meeting time to after business hours to get more public participation, but current attendance levels
are not unusual.
Are there other priorities outside of the Council Goals that your Board /Commission would like to address in the
coming year?
- Support for event programming on the Hill;
- Develop abrand identity to reinforce the existing Bohemian' character of the district and to support marketing
the district to more diverse uses and users;
- Develop retail strategy to attract diversity of uses and support existing businesses;
- Work with UHNA on the pros /cons of Historic District designation as a tool to achieve the Council goals for the
Hill Commercial district.
An active police station was suggested.
AGENDA ITEM 10 — Matters from the Commissioners:
AGENDA ITEM 11 — Matters from the Staff: Matthews introduced Patrick Judd to the commission and his
affiliation with the Hill. Matthews continued that the Hill remains one maintenance staff member short but should be
returning in January. The Residential Service District is in its final draft form with the City Attorney's office. The
Ready to Work crew is active on the Hill.
Wiebenson said that the holiday lights on the hill will be up through January 26 th .
Winter advised of the January 21s AMPS Joint Board meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:53 a.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
MOTION: Griffith motioned to approve the November 19, 2014 meeting minutes. Soifer seconded. Motion
passed 3 -0, with Rubino and Raj absent at motion.
FUTURE MEETINGS:
January 21, 2014 Council Chambers Regular Meeting
APPROVED BY:
Attest:
Ruth Weiss, Secretary
UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Dakota Soifer, Vice Chair
��
ft
0
0
2
0
I
■
■
■
I' ■ x
- A� 0
%PAM,
y t V
- 1
®r
F � E E E f
S
° . a - <Y s
I i
r 1,
i s
` i
` 7
4
t
I 1
M1
V
i I
I
Al
�r
a !
u
!
1 �.
I.
I w
s
I
r �t
�d —
_ =3
M 77
rzp
Pik
mo
DT,
/�\
, y � �
-� �
\ \j
\ \'
/� \)
\. \�
� y \�
� ^ \�
. \�
�< /)
\ \
\ /
V
'V
O
0
0
0
0
m
O
N
Lo
N
N
O
R
N
C
a)
N
co
A
LC)
F
ao
V
I—
LO
O
M
L(7
M
O
C
C7
N
N
N
0
0
0
N
N
N
O
O
N
N
0
0
0
V
LL
L
N
O
O
CO
N
O
O
O
CO
O
V
0
O
V
I--
I--
O
(O
(O
O
Lo
V
R
N
_
N
co
a 0
0
�
V
°
(O
00
CO
CO
00
N
�
00
O
K
N
a)
V
cn
0
CO
CO
V
V
CO
N
LO
LO
LO
O
V
U)
N
N
0
O
O
O
O
O
N
O
0
N
O
c`>
�
O
V
N
(o
(o
Ln
O
O
�
Lo
N
�
Lo
N
1
0
O
N
N
O
V
(O
O
O
O
m
0
co
N
a)
L
O
N
V
O
m
V
LO
0
0
O
m
V
V
0
O
N
+P
N
O
co
L
° . . .a0co vLn m
0°
U o
�
Z
N
v
co
O
CO
CO
N
CO
N
CO
O
V
�
O
N
CO
L
U
m
a0
O
N
°
I--
m
I�
N
('7
Ln
N
('7
N
('2
N
N
N
'N
O
R
O
N
W
N
�
N
N
N
J
V
O
N
V
a0
a0
°
N
N
O
0
N
CD
N
R
L
m
=
1—
O
N
co
(O
N
Ln
V
O
LO
m
N
N
N
N
V
O
O
r--
O
Lo
N
(2
LO
N
y o
O
CO
O
N
O
O
N
L
N
H
Cl)
aC
=O
co
(:y)
O��Oc)0
(o
(o
LO
m
0�
2
N
N
co
co
O
V
++
0
Cl)
V
O
LO
(O
Cl)
7
N
N
N
M
LO
M
V
V
V
O
O
R
N
N
U)
`"
N
L
0
CO
CO
N
O
V
CO
O
N
2
N
E
E
H
T
a3
7
Z
0
>
O
0
�LL
Q
<
Z
--)
<co0z0
N
U
w
V
O
L(7
O
O
O
O
O
ao
V
O
V
N
co
a)
LC)
F
ao
V
I—
LO
O
M
L(7
M
O
L
O
N
N
N
N
V
0
O
O
CO
N
O
O
O
CO
O
N
R
N
co
a 0
N
O
N
N
O
O
O
K
a)
cn
V
0
O
O
O
O
O
N
O
N
0
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
0
O
N
a'
v
V
O
m
V
LO
0
0
O
m
V
V
0
O
N
+P
N
O
L
cc
Z
CO
0
co
O
CO
CO
N
CO
N
CO
O
V
N
a0
O
N
°
I--
m
I�
N
N
N
N
R
J
J
m
=
1—
O
N
co
(O
N
Ln
V
O
LO
O
N
N
V
N
O
O
r--
O
Lo
N
(2
LO
N
O
Z
N
Z
c2
(:y)
co
(:y)
v
(o
(o
LO
m
0
2
O
N
co
co
O
N
C
a)
0
N
N
M
LO
M
V
V
V
O
O
E
N
N
N
L
CO
2
N
Z
�
—
T
a>
7
Q
O
N
a)
>+
0)
>
U
LL
�
Q�
-)
Q
(o
0
z
0
University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission
Retreat Questions for Boards and Commission for 2015
What are your top priorities within the framework of the current Council work
plan adopted at the last City Council retreat (e.g. business /residential diversity, the
arts, multi -modal access, health and safety, stakeholder partnerships and code
enforcement)?
- Business/Residential Diversity: given that the Moratorium has identified parking
as a major issue for attracting a diversity of uses and users to the Hill Commercial
District, work with the owners of the catalyst sites to facilitate their
redevelopment to achieve this goal; aggressively pursue the Moratorium finding
that the Hill Commercial District lacks an anchor use to attract a diversity of
users; survey the Hill neighbors to determine what type of businesses would bring
them back; and consider dedicating a portion of the parking spaces created by the
UHGID lot redevelopments as an incentive to attract new office uses;
- Multi -Modal Access: evaluate usage of current transportation options and
investigate the feasibility of a district -wide Eco -Pass for Hill employees; look at
location of bus stops and possible re- routing to bring in more users to the district;
look at locating a taxi stand on the Hill;
- Stakeholder Partnerships: involve UHCAMC members in CU partnership efforts
and reintroduce student orientation tours to the Hill Commercial District;
- The Arts: integrate arts and creativity into the planning for the event street, multi -
modal access and into future efforts to develop a brand identity for the Hill
Commercial District.
What would you like to see done that would further advance the Council Goals?
- Establish baseline existing conditions to be able to evaluate and benchmark the
progress of the Hill Reinvestment Strategy;
- Extend the Hill Community Development Coordinator funding for an additional
three years (five years total) to carry out the initiatives of the Hill Reinvestment
Strategy;
- Short-term incentive or funding program (e.g. revolving loan) to encourage
investment in the commercial exteriors in the Hill Commercial District;
- Develop a citywide business attraction incentive to complement the existing
business retention programs, to help with the current goal of achieving business
diversity;
- Look at how current liquor restrictions are impacting the goals of a diversity of
uses and health and safety, e.g. ability to attract new businesses and the safety of
students traveling Downtown between 11 p.m. -2 a.m.;
- Work with CU to reintroduce student orientation tours to the Hill Commercial
District.
How can your board specifically help reach the current Council goals?
- Review and comment on the UHGID and Hill Reinvestment Strategy budget for
2015 and 2016;
Take a more active role in engaging Hill Commercial District stakeholders, and
generally be more visible in the community;
Engage Hill neighbors to return to the Hill Commercial District and show their
support for existing businesses;
Host an open house or other outreach effort to capture input from community
members that cannot attend commission meetings.
Are there City policies that need to be addressed that would enable your board to
function at a higher level?
- Zoning Code: look at the current zoning for the Hill Commercial District to
ensure that the regulations are aligned with City Council goals (not in any way
creating a barrier to achieving these goals); look at making the district more of a
central location, not a pass - through;
- Alcohol restrictions: work with the Police Department to evaluate the change in
commercial district nuisances before /after the change in liquor rules, identify
pros /cons of adopting rules that are more in keeping with those applicable to the
Downtown commercial area; work with UHNA to understand current perceptions
and whether nuisances are related to commercial district activity.
Are there other priorities outside of the Council Goals that your Board /Commission
would like to address in the coming year?
- Support for event programming on the Hill;
- Develop a brand identity to reinforce the existing `Bohemian' character of the
district and to support marketing the district to more diverse uses and users;
- Develop retail strategy to attract diversity of uses and support existing businesses;
- Work with UHNA on the pros /cons of Historic District designation as a tool to
achieve the Council goals for the Hill Commercial district.
UNIVERSITY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
www.hillneighbors.com
January 12, 2015
Dear City of Boulder City Council Members:
We are writing as the Executive Committee of the University Hill Neighborhood
Association. First, we would like to thank City Council members for all of the work you have
done this past year, and in particular, for the efforts you have undertaken to improve University
Hill and revitalize the Hill Business District.
This past year has been very positive for our neighborhood. Many of the issues UHNA
requested the City to address last year have come to fruition. The City increased staffing for
environmental and code enforcement, hired a Hill coordinator for the commercial area, required
bear- resistant trash and compost containers, and took a more pro- active approach to address
house parties and noise offences. For the first time in years, the City's nuisance abatement
ordinance was used against a house at 1090 Lincoln — after years of putting up with loud noise
and litter from this notorious party house, neighbors report that it has been quiet.
It is very gratifying to see the positive effects of the City's increased commitment to the
Hill. However, work remains to be done.
Over - occupancy of homes on the Hill continues to be the primary concern of long -term
residents here because of all the related problems, such as parking, noise, and litter. This past
year, we were very alarmed by a public effort to loosen — or even do away with — the occupancy
regulations in residential zones. We strongly oppose this because it's poor neighborhood
planning and will drastically degrade the character of established neighborhoods throughout the
City.
Lack of enforcement of existing occupancy limits is already contributing to the trend of
owner - occupied, single - family homes being converted to investment properties because they are
more valuable as rentals. For example, a house with a legal limit of three unrelated people might
be advertised for sale as a 6- bedroom home, including income and expense estimates based on
renting it to six (or more) occupants. Here are some ways the City could increase enforcement
of occupancy rules:
• Requiring inspectors to do a "bed check" at time of rental license renewal and application to
verify occupancy limits are not being violated.
• Passing an ordinance requiring an occupancy disclosure in the advertising of rentals and
homes for sale in Boulder (this is already done in Fort Collins).
• Requiring a rental license when parents purchase a home for their children to live in while
attending CU if that home is rented to additional occupants not related to the owners.
Please make this a top priority for 2015.
UNIVERSITY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
www.hillneighbors.com
Revitalization of the Hill Business District is also a major concern for the neighborhood.
We support the idea of increasing office space on the Hill to bring a more diverse clientele to
the area year- round, which will foster a healthy, vibrant business district. We also support the
proposed public- private partnerships for new underground parking structures in the Hill
Business District because any businesses that come to the Hill will require adequate parking for
their employees.
We have also reviewed the UHCAMC's responses to the questions from City Council for
the upcoming retreat and are in full support of their priorities. We are excited about the
possibilities for renewing and revitalizing one of Boulder's most unique and beloved places.
Thank you for your time and consideration in addressing these issues. Taking concrete steps
now will ensure that the City of Boulder protects one of its greatest assets.
Regards,
UHNA -EC
Ellen Aiken, Nancy Blackwood, Monique Cole, Lisa Shoemaker, Scott Thomas;
l0.aikenhillC gmail.com, moniqueC moniquecole.com, lisashoemakerl C msn.com,
mailto:cwa.boulder@gmail.com
From: William Marine [ mailto :william.marine@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 7:35 AM
To: Council
Subject: University Hill
Dear All:
As a 34 -year resident of the Hill living in the same home at 1005 Lincoln Place, I applaud your
efforts to focus on the Hill, especially in light of the change that will brought about by the closing
of the Book Store announced in the Camera today. In order to restore vibrancy on the Hill and
the direction is toward less vibrancy, there needs to be a focus on the Hill diversity which is why
I was so glad that you put a temporary moratorium on student housing that was being planned
by the business interests. In order to see diversity there needs to be increased parking so that
small businesses can thrive. Every encouragement needs to be offered to encourage more
diversity and encourage the public to see the Hill as a destination location for more than pot and
alcohol. More high quality restaurants need to be encouraged like Cafe Aion.
Best of luck as you concentrate your attention to how to improve the Hill.
Sincerely,
Bill Marine
1005 Lincoln Place
From: Ken Wilson [ mailto:ken.wilsonO@gmail.com ]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 5:06 PM
To: Council
Subject: Redevelopment in the Hill Business District
Council Members. I believe this is the first time I have sent you an email since retiring from
Council. I wanted to share with you a few thoughts on the redevelopment of the University Hill
Business District. In June I will have lived on the Hill for 20 years. I have seen various efforts for
Hill revitalization struggle over those years.
I agree with the current efforts to diversify the business district and bring some much needed
economic revitalization. I have seen the diversity of businesses go down in the years I have
been here, and have talked many times with my older neighbors who remember the business
district when you could buy clothing, groceries and many other things that we can no longer
walk to shop for.
I would love to see some office based uses in the business district. We need that far more than
more upscale housing. Offices for start up companies would bring new people to the district,
with money and interest in a better district and a better neighborhood. We have been looking
for this type of change since I helped found UHNA over 15 years ago.
We also need parking. This is one of the biggest problem for the business district and the
neighborhood. Many good businesses won't locate on the Hill because of lack of parking. While
I applaud your efforts to reduce auto traffic, blocking better parking in the business district will
only have the effect of preventing good businesses from moving there and continuing the
practice of people parking in front of my house at night to go to the District to party. The lack of
parking prevents families from going to restaurants on the Hill, especially those with young
children.
I know I speak for many of the older neighbors on the Hill. There will no doubt be a few nay
sayers to zoning or other changes that would open up the Hill for future office and commercial
use. They don't represent the majority of neighbors who have always supported more density
in the business district in exchange for better diversity and more services.
Thank you for your service to the community. It is tough sledding. I know.
Very best,
Ken Wilson
970 11th St.
From: Peter Howser [ maiIto:peter peterhowser.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 1:01 PM
To: Wiebenson, Sarah
Subject: RE: University Hill Stakeholder Update
Sarah,
If we were able to get Eco- passes for employees what do you think the timing is on this?
Approx? I know nothing moves fast.
In general my main priority for success on the Hill is to drive more "non- student" traffic to the
Hill.
You probably don't know this but I was also the owner of the "Del Taco" that failed on the Hill.
We closed our doors about 3 years ago. As the corner we are successful right now but only
because we filled a niche that was not on the Hill. If more healthy restaurants open up on the
Hill then this may change dramatically.
In a Nutshell, the only businesses that are making decent money and are successful have a non -
student population that frequents their establishments ( Sink, Illegal Petes, Fox theatre, etc.) If
a business relies only on Students then there is really only 7 months of business on the Hill.
December and January are shot with the almost 4 weeks students get off for the Holidays.
May, June, July, and half of August are losing months. No business can pay 12 Months of Bills
on 7 months of business. This is the cycle we are in right now.
Most of the retail businesses and restaurants on the Hill are just barely hanging on. The owners
might be paying themselves a wage but there is very little profit in the business.
So until we can get the rest of Boulder to come to the Hill, nothing is going to change with the
revolving doors of businesses. Nothing!
Unfortunately, the rest of Boulder likes fine dining and Bars. The City banned liquor licenses
after 10 pm from the Hill about 12 years ago and all of the good restaurant operators and most
of the Bars have disappeared from the Hill. Good restaurant operators will not come to the Hill
because of the restrictions on Alcohol.
So we are left with unprofessional restaurant operations that the general Boulder population
doesn't want to visit.
Students still drink just as much at house parties and now they have to walk back and forth to
Pearl Street at 230am which is not safe. The restriction on alcohol on the HII did NOTHING to
stop the drinking but it killed the lively business district.
I don't know how to attract more people to the Hill, I just know that until we can attract the
general population to the Hill on a consistent basis( Not 1 day events) that it will continue to be
run down and look vacant.
In the 6 years that I have been on the Hill this is the most organized and the most momentum
that I have seen in trying to "really change" the Hill.
I appreciate the work that you are doing and I hope we can see real change. I am happy to help
support the cause.
Thank you,
Peter
From: Wade Paschall < wpaschall @grenadierco.com
Date: January 12, 2015 at 1:05:51 PM MST
To: council @bouldercolorado.gov
Cc: "Winter, Molly" < winterm @bouldercolorado.gov >, McHeyserR @bouldercolorado.gov
Sarah Wiebenson < sarah webenson@yahoo.com Jeff Graham < igraham @grenadierco.com >,
Rob Hofferman < rhofferman @grenadierco.com >, Randy Rogers < rrogers @grenadierco.com >,
Mark St Amant < mstamant @grenadierco.com
Subject: A place on The Hill
Dear Councilmembers:
As business owners in the University Hill neighborhood, we wanted to bring to your attention a dilemma
we are currently facing.
We opened our advertising agency, Grenadier, on August 15 2012 at 1221 Pennsylvania Avenue,
behind AI's Barbershop — we occupy about 3200 square feet on 2 floors in what had previously been a
tanning salon. On day one, we were five people. Today, Grenadier is fifteen and growing.
We love being on The Hill. We love the atmosphere, the easy access to coffee shops and places to eat. We
love the energy the students bring to the area and being able to take a stroll through the beautiful CU
campus when we need to stretch our legs. Are there some things we could do without, like trash,
transients and graffiti? Sure. But, all in all, we feel the good of The Hill outweighs the bad.
We are coming to the end of our lease in our current space. Due to our growth and a need for more
square footage, staying in our current space isn't really an option for us. As we've begun looking for new
space, we've found that staying on The Hill really isn't an option for us either. For a professional, office -
oriented business like ours, there simply isn't available space to meet our needs. And by that we don't
mean all the office space is leased up, we mean there literally isn't any. It's all either retail space or
student housing. And there doesn't appear to be any future vision for the neighborhood beyond those
two uses. Even if we were to find a space that could handle our needs, finding parking for our employees
is another problem that is becoming increasingly impossible.
While this may sound like a letter of complaint, we can assure you that's not our intent. More than
anything, we want you to know that you have a healthy, growing business that loves our Hill location, yet
may not be able to stay given the severe lack of professional office space and parking constraints of the
neighborhood.
Thank you for your time,
Wade Paschall
Jeff Graham
Rob Hofferman
Randy Rogers
Mark St. Amant
Wade Paschall
Partner Creative
E: wpaschall @grenadierco.com
P: 303 - 386 -3957
T: @grenadier
F: facebook.com /GrenadierCO
Grenadier is an ad agency. Grenadiers were also fiercely nimble, 17th- century wartime
specialists capable of changing the course of battle.
This is no coincidence.
NOTE: The information contained in this e-mail message, including any attachments, may be
privileged or confidential. Use or dissemination of this message is prohibited by anyone other
than the intended recipient. Although our computer system is supposed to scan incoming e-mail
and any attachments for viruses or other defects that might harm computer systems, BARKLEY
disclaims any responsibility for any resulting loss or damage.