Dan Caruso drops hammer on Boulders housing policies, Cities failure to address crime. In Boulder Caruso said today: ” Since 2020, serious crimes—“crimes against society” and “crimes against persons”—have risen significantly. Safety is not a side issue; it is the foundation on which everything else depends. ”

Caruso also said in his newsletter: “The City’s strained budget is directly tied to its failure to keep Boulder safe, secure, and clean. Half-empty business parks east of 28th Street and vacant storefronts on Pearl Street are lost opportunities. When good businesses stay away and working families can’t afford to live here, Boulder forfeits not only tax revenue but also the vitality that comes from a strong cluster of local employers.

Boulder’s culture and economy both suffer. Council’s housing policies make matters worse. Instead of enabling new housing for working families, bureaucracy delays projects, adds costs, and drives up prices. The result is a vicious cycle: fewer businesses and residents, more vacancies, declining revenues, and an even weaker ability to maintain safety and services. ” Caruso went on to tell this story cited in local news: “An owner of a 32 year downtown local restaurant echoed this frustration in an email to City Council: Yesterday at 5 PM, I biked through Central Park, past the Farmers Market, and by Penfield Tate/City Council Chambers.

What I encountered was deeply concerning. In addition to the presence of drug addicts sprawled throughout the park, the area was covered in dirty laundry, feces, vomit, and urine. This is not just a matter of homelessness; it is a matter of neglect and public safety. This is unacceptable, especially considering the recent opening of a $150 million hotel downtown.

Visitors walking past this filth will be deterred from returning. Boulder has the resources and the responsibility to do better. Our parks and public spaces deserve consistent, professional maintenance to ensure safety and dignity for all residents and visitors. “