The Boulder Civic Area project will develop a community-powered vision for the study area and better define the area’s role in the larger city. The (eventual) adopted plan will:
develop an urban design vision for public and private properties in the area
determine best uses for city land
guide decisions for the future of city facilities currently in high hazard flood zones
The planning process will explore potential civic, cultural, recreational and commercial uses and take into consideration the trade-offs inherent in different flood mitigation realities.
Q:What is the planning area boundary? A: The plan will cover the area between 9th and 17th Streets and Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, with the greatest focus on city-owned properties west of 14th Street. The plan will also address connections and synergies between the civic area and influence area. Check out the study area map.
Q:Why is the City of Boulder doing the plan now? A: For several years, City Council has prioritized doing a plan for the civic area. A lot of the land and buildings are within flood zones, so there is a need to address the "what ifs" of hazard planning. The community has expressed desire to take a fresh look at the area to explore potential for new activities, capital improvements, and possible expansion of the Boulder Farmers' Market either for seasonal or year-round use
Q:How long will the plan take? A: The vision plan will be complete by the middle of 2013. Additional detailed planning may be necessary beyond that time frame, but the city wants to be sure the community answers some key questions about the area fairly quickly and avoids burdening the community with an arduous process.
Q:Is this a plan for a building – like a convention center or a performing arts center? A: No – the plan is not about designing or building a specific building, although a physical "center" or building could be a component of the future civic area plan if desired by the community.
Q: What is the plan's time frame? A: This is a long range plan that could shape the civic area for 50+ years, but it will aim to satisfy some short-term needs and desires as well.
Q:How will decisions occur? A: Ultimately, the City Council will approve a final plan. But, well before a plan goes to council for a hearing, the community will have multiple opportunities to help guide its content – its guiding principles, criteria for selecting options, options, and finally, the preferred plan. City staff will provide factual information about the area and its constraints to ensure the process yields realistic and implementable results. In addition, the city will use tools to test the community's alignment with certain positions or ideas. Finally, staff will advance all ideas to council –those with majority support and those with less support.
Q: What does the Boulder Civic Area look like, do you have any pictures? A: Yes. Check out the Flickr collection below
About the Project
