We, the undersigned, ask BOULDER CITY COUNCIL to:
Protect the South Boulder Creek Floodplain, which includes rare and endangered species and habitat. Use it to help detain floodwaters, especially when restored to a more natural condition. Preserve the floodplain for passive recreation enjoyed by tens of thousands of residents, and particularly those in Southeast Boulder, the most populous part of the city. And finally, to maintain the spectacular mountain views that make this special place the Gateway to Boulder.
Convince the University of Colorado to swap its property, “CU South,” for city-owned property in the Boulder Planning Reserve. “CU South” is in and adjacent to the South Boulder Creek Floodplain. The Boulder Planning Reserve property is high, dry, and on bus lines, not in a floodplain of wetlands, rare species, and threatened habitat.
Why is this important?
The University of Colorado (“CU”) wants to build a massive new campus on land that is in and near the South Boulder Creek Floodplain. The new campus could include housing for several thousand students, staff, and faculty; 8 academic buildings; permanent sports facilities; and parking lots.
Development at CU South will destroy habitat for endangered species and many other plants and animals that live there now. It would eliminate a hugely popular recreation spot, and put people in harm’s way in the event of another catastrophic flood.
CU cannot build unless and until the City annexes the land. We believe that a land swap would be much better than building in the floodplain and ask Council to take the following actions:
1. Prior to decisions about annexation, Council should expedite a planning process and urban services study to evaluate city-owned land in North Boulder suitable for development that could be exchanged for the “CU South” land. The urban services study is the first step towards a land exchange.
2. The Planning Reserve land at Jay Road and 28th St. is the best option and has already been identified as "potentially suitable for new urban development.”
3. Commit to preserving and restoring the wetlands and grasslands in the South Boulder Creek Floodplain for flood mitigation, environmental values, and recreation.
CU SHOULD DEVELOP ELSEWHERE
1. Since the 1970s, the popular recreation area now known as “CU South,” has been targeted for official designation as Open Space. The land is bordered by Open Space and a State Natural Area, and is considered the missing piece in Boulder’s Open Space greenway. It's also a key part of the South Boulder Creek Floodplain.
2. CU could build on higher, drier land appropriate for development, not a floodplain containing endangered species as well as rare and irreplaceable habitat.
3. CU's demands for annexation and development at "CU South" would cost the City tens of millions of dollars initially and create long-term financial risks and liabilities for the City.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR A LAND EXCHANGE
1. The University of Colorado has stated its willingness to consider a land swap for the Boulder Planning Reserve land.
2. A land exchange would protect wetlands and open space in and adjacent to the South Boulder Creek Floodplain, be consistent with intelligent land use planning and science, and meet CU's need for housing plus 30 acres of playing fields. These are substantial advantages to a “CU North” campus.
City Council should ACT NOW on this opportunity for a win-win solution.
How it will be delivered
Press event and in-person & email delivery to City Council.
