By Patrick O’Rourke
The Daily Camera has published several opinion pieces recently about the CU Boulder South project that contain misinformation, exaggerations and inaccuracies. Some members of the community are attempting to build a case against the annexation by making a case against the university itself, and I would like to set the record straight.
CU and the city
Boulder and CU are deeply entwined and have been since 1876 when the townspeople of Boulder pledged their own funds to have the state’s flagship university located here. The city and the university have collaborated for decades to improve our community and promote shared values. The continuing efforts to arrive at a fair balance of benefit and costs between CU and the city in CU Boulder South annexation negotiations furthers that collaboration.
CU Boulder South project
CU Boulder has long appreciated the city’s needs for flood mitigation, and a key proposal of the CU Boulder South project addresses these needs. In 2015, CU agreed with the city’s request to enter the property into the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) update process so necessary changes to the land use designation for annexation could be made.
CU made clear at the time, and at every turn since, that it has no near-term plans to develop the property.
Also, it is incorrect for anyone to assert that CU is seeking the ability to later develop the property free of any constraints. Instead, the city, Boulder County and CU worked together to create the first set of binding commitments, known as the Guiding Principles, in the BVCP 2015 update. These commitments address land use restrictions; site design; environmental standards; building mass, height and views; performance-based transportation plans; multi-modal hub connections and systems; limitations on creating a bypass between Highway 93 and US 36; and emergency access. These foundational agreements are now being translated into more refined terms of annexation. CU must honor these terms.
At the city’s request, CU formally applied for annexation in February 2019 and has twice since updated its application, which demonstrates CU is refining its proposal as a result of the negotiations with the city and to incorporate the community’s input. Annexation legally binds CU and constrains the types and location of development allowable on the site.
When CU is prepared to develop a master plan for CU Boulder South, the city can ensure that it complies with the annexation agreement. The city will also have review and comment periods for each phase of future development at the site.
Additionally, CU Boulder will fund all improvements to the developable area including, but not limited to, connections to utilities; on-site utility and transportation infrastructure; and extensions and connections to the city’s trail network.
Benefits to the community: Free land, recreation facilities and housing
Chief among the many benefits to the community are the 80 acres of land CU Boulder is giving to the city for free for flood mitigation and open space.
In addition, CU has committed to donating an additional 2 acres for public safety use (fire and police), offering continued access for the community, creating connections to existing trails and bike paths and developing recreational fields available to our community partners.
The university will develop only 129 acres of the 308 acre parcel, and the development at CU Boulder South will help alleviate pressure on Boulder’s housing market by providing up to 1,100 housing units for non-first-year CU students, faculty and staff.
Additional housing will help reduce pollution and highway congestion with less commuting. It will provide more dollars spent locally by residents supporting local businesses and sending more tax dollars to city coffers.
Next steps
CU Boulder remains focused on CU Boulder South annexation discussions with the city and appreciates the many points of agreement we’ve been able to reach. We are confident we will find a solution that achieves vital flood mitigation and other community benefits, along with our intent to create much-needed housing and continue to deliver on the university’s mission for decades to come.
Patrick O’Rourke is the Chief Operating Officer at the University of Colorado Boulder. He also teaches at the University of Colorado School of Law and the Colorado School of Public Health on the Anschutz Medical Campus.