Every 10 years, the city and county review and update the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which serves as the long-range urban planning guideline for our community. The next major review is scheduled for 2025 and is expected to encompass considerations for the use of the Area III Planning Reserve - an approximately 300 acre swath of land north of Boulder that is available for potential future development. This parcel represents some of the last remaining developable land in Boulder and could be considered for an ambitious affordable housing project. Given the unique nature of this site, any planning to develop this space must be done in a thoughtful and collaborative manner with an eye toward making something “special” that is worthy of this valuable open space.

As the municipal airport plan approaches renewal, the city is considering alternative uses for the property that can benefit a wider range of residents and contribute to the achievement of the community’s housing goals. At the same time, it is considering the environmental impacts of the airport and changes needed to address noise and air pollution concerns.  I think there is value to reimagining this site as a future housing opportunity, however any discussion of site conversion would need to address the impacts on wildfire emergency services as well as the costs to buyout of the FAA contract.