Posts tagged Capital Improvement Bond
City of Boulder: Nightmare on Arapahoe postponed due to snow
0April 8, 2013
Temporary lane closures for tree removals along Arapahoe Avenue rescheduled for Monday, April 15
With a winter storm warning in effect for Boulder, the tree removal work that was planned for Tuesday, April 9, and Friday, April 12, has been rescheduled to April 15 due to the inclement weather forecast.
On Monday, April 15, there will be intermittent lane closures in both directions on Arapahoe Avenue between 18th and 19th streets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contractors working for the City of Boulder Urban Forestry Division will be removing three high-risk trees in preparation for the upcoming Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project. The two-lane section of Arapahoe Avenue, between Folsom and 17th streets, is in poor condition and in need of a reconstruction.
During the tree removals, traffic will be directed into the center lane. The work schedule is weather-dependent.
In the 1800 block of Arapahoe Avenue, two silver maple trees with significant trunk cavities and restricted root zones will be removed for safety reasons. In the 2100 block, a Siberian elm will be removed due to past storm damage. These are the only large trees planned for removal as part of the Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction. The city has contacted adjacent property owners in advance and will explore opportunities to plant replacement trees.
The city’s Urban Forestry Division inspects street trees in neighborhoods and parks for structural integrity and safety using industry-set standards and techniques. For more information about the tree removals, contact Patrick Bohin with the Urban Forestry Division at 303-519-8750 or watch the video at vimeo.com/63247248.
The Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project includes reconstruction of the street into concrete, storm drainage improvements, and sidewalk, bus stop, and landscaping improvements, as space and funding allow.The reconstruction is planned to begin in late May 2013 and will be completed in fall 2013. The project is funded by the 2011 voter-approved Capital Improvement Bond, which allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for approximately $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies, such as this one, and high priority infrastructure improvements. A community stakeholder committee prioritized projects to be funded by the bond and Arapahoe improvements were given a high priority due to current deteriorating conditions.
For more information about the Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project, contact Noreen Walsh at 303-441-3266 or visit www.bouldertransportation.net > “Projects & Programs” > “Arapahoe Avenue.”
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Summer nightmare on Arapahoe between Folsom and 17th
0February 24, 2013
Community invited to open-house meeting to learn more about upcoming Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project for much needed repairs
The City of Boulder invites the community to an open-house meeting for the upcoming Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project on Monday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Creekside Room at the West Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave. Please attend the meeting to learn more about the proposed transportation improvements and the anticipated construction timeline, traffic impacts, and detours associated with the project.
Naropa U could be hard hit by the project.
Arapahoe Avenue, between Folsom Street and approximately 17th Street, is in poor condition and in need of a reconstruction. The proposed improvements include:
• reconstructing Arapahoe Avenue into concrete between Folsom and 17th streets, and potentially
continuing to 15th Street, as funding allows;
• reconstructing deteriorated sidewalks and driveways, installing ADA-compliant curb ramps, and
widening sidewalks, where space allows;
• extension of the student-drop off area and multi-use path on the south side of Arapahoe Avenue
along the Boulder High School property;
• improving underground utilities and installing storm sewers; and
• improving urban design, landscaping and transit stops, as funding allows.
Rocky Mountain Anglers could be seriously disrupted by limited parking and high foot traffic.
The reconstruction is planned to begin in late May 2013 and will be completed in fall 2013. The project is funded by the 2011 voter-approved Capital Improvement Bond, which allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for approximately $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies, such as this one, and high priority infrastructure improvements.
If you cannot attend the public meeting, but would like to view the meeting information and stay informed about the project, visit www.bouldertransportation.net > “Projects & Programs” > “Arapahoe Avenue.” For more information, please contact Noreen Walsh at 303-441-3266.
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Valmont Dog Park reopens Friday, Aug. 24
0August 23, 2012
Valmont Dog Park, located at 5325 Valmont Road, will reopen to the public this Friday, Aug. 24, after being closed since early May for major renovations and improvements.
Valmont Dog Park improvements included widening the parking lot access, putting in a new entry plaza, fencing, surfacing, landscaping and water hydrants. A portion of the new park will also include an enclosed, irrigated turf area, low berms, a new 16-foot square shade shelter (to be installed later this fall), and two smaller shelters. The shelters are funded by the Capital Improvement Bond passed by voters in November 2011. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated for later this fall.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department is now offering dog waste composting at the newly remodeled Valmont Dog Park as part of the department’s efforts to create a more environmentally sustainable community. The city will be providing compostable dog waste bags for use by dog guardians to pick up their dog’s waste and place it into a specially marked container at the main entrance of the dog park.
The dog waste compost container will be emptied periodically and its contents will be made into compost using a special high temperature composting technique. Placing dog waste in your yard compost bin is not recommended. Dog guardians are encouraged not to bring plastic bags to Valmont Dog Park anymore, but instead use the compostable bags provided by the city. Please continue to donate unwanted plastic bags at any public park, trails and the other three dog parks in town: East Boulder (5660 Sioux Drive), Foothills (west of Broadway between Locust Avenue and Lee Hill Road), and Howard Heuston (on 34th Street, south of Iris Avenue and east of 30th Street).
Information: Boulder Parks & Recreation Department, 303-413-7200.
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CIP bonds building a head of steam
0July 28, 2012
City makes progress on Capital Improvement Bond projects throughout Boulder
Just six months into the implementation of the Capital Improvement Bond, three projects have already been completed and 13 more are currently under construction. The community projects are funded by the voter-approved bond, a citywide initiative to address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements throughout Boulder.
The city first completed a missing sidewalk link on Gillaspie Drive, along the border of Harlow Platts Park, between Greenbriar Boulevard and Juilliard Street. Next, a new pedestrian crossing was installed at the intersection of Canyon Boulevard and 21st Street. In addition, all of the city’s traffic signalincandescent lamps have been replaced with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.
“Replacing all of the city’s traffic signals with LEDs is a significant improvement that will make our transportation system more energy efficient and will require less frequent maintenance,” said Director of Public Works for Transportation Tracy Winfree. “Each of the LED lamps will use approximately 80 percent less energy, which will save the city thousands of dollars per year.”
During the next three years, the city will continue to utilize Capital Improvement Bond funds to implement 89 individual projects throughout the community. The projects include roadway reconstruction, park facility upgrades, critical software updates, police equipment needs and a renovation of the Main Boulder Public Library.
The 89 individual projects are grouped into 26 categories and three status types. Three projects have been completed, 13 are under construction, and 73 are in the planning and design phase. Since 85 percent of the bond money must be spent within three years, the city will provide the community with continuous project updates and regular reports on progress toward overall completion.
Other construction project updates include:
- Police equipment replacements are underway, including the assembly of a bomb robot.
- Park shelter replacements and improvements are ongoing at Valmont Park, Palo East Park and Valmont Dog Park.
- Substandard traffic signs are being replaced throughout the city.
- A new multi-use path connection is being constructed on Baseline Road from the Bear Creek Path to U.S. 36.
- Renovations and replacements of existing Parks and Recreation facilities are in progress at Canyon Park, Columbine Park and Palo East Park.
- The South Boulder Recreation Center gym floor and racquetball courts have been replaced and are now being upgraded to achieve full compliance with ADA requirements.
- Deteriorating road pavements are being reconstructed and repaired throughout the city.
- The Columbia Cemetery is being upgraded and enhanced, including irrigation system improvements, new fencing and headstone repairs.
- A new sidewalk is being built on the east side of Folsom Street from Arapahoe Avenue to 200 feet south of Arapahoe Avenue.
“The Capital Improvement Bond is allowing the city to make some significant investments in the community,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “These investments help to maintain our valuable existing assets and will improve our quality of life in Boulder.”
Keep an eye out for projects around town!
Capital Improvement Bond signs are posted on site as construction begins so that the community can identify the projects that are funded by the bond. The community can also track the progress of the bond implementation online at www.bouldercolorado.gov/bondprojects.
Boulder’s Capital Improvement Bond
In the November 2011 election, Boulder voters approved a ballot measure that allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for up to $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements. Because the bond was paid for using existing revenues, the measure did not raise taxes.
The bond sale was completed on March 22, 2012. The $49 million bond has a 20-year payback and 85 percent of the total is required be spent by March 22, 2015. As of July 2012, 10 percent of the total funding towards the 85 percent goal has been spent.
For the latest information on construction traffic impacts associated with the bond projects, visit www.boulderconezones.net.
Capital Improvement Bond video series
The website hosts an online video series that highlights what the community can expect to see during the next few years as a result of the Capital Improvement Bond. Each video focuses on different types of investments that the bond will allow the city to make, including transportation, parks, parking, library and downtown. Watch the Capital Improvement Bond videos.
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R U ready for CONE ZONE HELL in Boulder this summer??
0Summer transportation and utilities construction ramps up
As the summer season progresses, additional construction may be noticeable to those traveling around Boulder as the city continues to improve the community’s transportation and utilities infrastructure. Although construction projects happen throughout the year, the city schedules more work during the summer months to take advantage of warmer temperatures, longer days and less traffic. During summer 2012, construction crews will be working to replace aging waterlines, resurface city streets and improve travel options.
All active projects and the associated traffic impacts will be updated weekly at
www.boulderconezones.net. Some of the major summer construction projects with potential traffic impacts are summarized below.
2012 Street Resurfacing Projects
The city’s annual street resurfacing projects began in May and will continue through the fall. More than 60 city streets are targeted for either chip seal, resurfacing (overlay) or reconstruction in 2012. View a list and map of streets planned for resurfacing and reconstruction.
In general, these projects will involve daytime traffic impacts, intermittent lane or road closures, and parking restrictions. More streets are scheduled for resurfacing than in past summers as a result of the 2011 voter-approved Capital Improvement Bond; however, budgeting and project coordination may cause some of the projects to be put on the list for next year.
Broadway (Euclid to 18th) Transportation Improvements Project
Construction on Broadway, between Euclid Avenue and 18th Street, is currently on schedule to be completed by mid-August 2012. For more information about the project, visit www.bouldertransportation.net.
2012 Boulder Waterline Replacement Project
Beginning on Monday, June 18, and continuing through mid-November, construction crews will be working to replace corroded waterlines throughout Boulder. The annual waterline replacement project involves temporarily disconnecting then reconnecting water service.Significant delays and traffic impacts are expected while crews work across the intersection of Alpine Avenue and 19th Street during the week of June 18.
The waterline replacements will improve the city’s water distribution system, including service reliability and water quality. The city has coordinated utilities and transportation improvements so that the streets impacted by the construction will be patched after the waterlines are replaced and then repaved as part of the city’s annual pavement resurfacing program.
More information about the 2012 Boulder Waterline Replacement Project is available at www.boulderwater.net.
2012 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project
This project will begin on Monday, June 18, and involves the rehabilitation of sanitary sewer lines at various locations throughout the city. In general, motorists can expect intermittent delays, daytime lane closures and parking restrictions at the work sites. Individual work sites and times will be scheduled on a weekly basis and posted at www.boulderconezones.net. The project is scheduled for completion by September.
For the latest information on travel impacts associated with city construction projects, visit www.boulderconezones.net or follow@boulderconezone on Twitter.
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Boulder pooch poo-poo park closing for upgrade
0April 23, 2012
Valmont Dog Park closing May 7 for three-month renovation
The dog park at Valmont City Park, located at 5275 Valmont Road, will close May 7 for major renovations and improvements. The dog park is scheduled to re-open in August (contingent upon weather-related construction progress).
Improvements at the dog park will include widening parking lot access, a new entry plaza, fencing, surfacing, landscaping and water hydrants. A portion of the new park will also include an enclosed, irrigated turf area, low berms, a new 16-foot square shade shelter, and two smaller shelters. The shelters are funded by the Capital Improvement Bond passed in November 2011.
To view the construction plans for Valmont Dog Park, please visit: www.BoulderParks-Rec.org and click on the “Parks” link on the left side, and scroll down to “Dog Parks.”
While under construction, dog guardians are encouraged to use the city’s other dog parks at:
- Foothills Community Dog Park, 7th Street and Silver Lake (between Locust and Lee Hill);
- East Boulder Community Park, 55th Street and Sioux Drive (south of the Community Center);
- Howard Heuston Dog Park, 34th Street, south of Iris Avenue (un-fenced dog park – voice and sight control required).
For more information, call Jennifer Bray, Parks and Recreation, at 303-441-4160.
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Open house for proposed #Boulder Transit Center area improvements
0March 9, 2012
The City of Boulder is evaluating a variety of options for multimodal transportation improvements to the Boulder Transit Center area on 14th Street, between Canyon Boulevard and Walnut Street (in and around the area where the current RTD transit center is located).
The public is invited to attend an open house on Monday, March 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building lobby, 1777 Broadway, to review a variety of concepts currently being considered as part of this project.
The project, which will be jointly funded by the City of Boulder Capital Improvement Bond and a Colorado Department of Transportation FASTER grant, has the following goals:
- Improve bus access, capacity and circulation;
- Improve pedestrian safety, access and experience;
- Enhance the streetscape and landscaping in the area;
- Enhance the transit passenger drop-off zone;
- Improve bicycle access and parking;
- Minimize impacts to automobile parking and circulation; and
- Improve the character and utility of the existing transit center.
For those unable to attend the March 12 open house, meeting materials and an online comment form are available atwww.bouldertransportation.net.
For more information about the open house and options being considered for Boulder Transit Center area improvements, contact Cris Jones at 303-441-3217.
This project is partially funded by the city’s Capital Improvement Bond, which is the result of a 2011 ballot item that voters approved, giving the city the authority to issue a bond to address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements throughout Boulder. For more information on the Capital Improvement Bond projects, visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/bondprojects.
