GGNA neighorhood meeting minutes for July 14, 2010

Goss-Grove Neighborhood Association


Minutes of July 14, 2010 meeting

Twelve neighbors gathered. Our co-chairs, Jerrie and Jon Hurd once again graciously hosted and fed us.
The minutes of the April 13, 2010, GGNA meeting were approved.
The revised bylaws were approved and will be posted on the blog site.

Bike program

Rich Points from Community Cycles presented his idea that the Goss-Grove neighborhood would be an ideal starting point for creating a car-free area in Boulder. He proposed to start with a PR campaign that maintains an attitude of pro-bike rather than anti-car. He agreed that this is a long-range (at least 4-5 years) project and needs to involve Naropa and CU students. We noted that permanent resident of Goss-Grove are already using bikes and public transportation more than their cars, but encouraged Rich to “dream” further. Marty Crigler agreed to be the liaison with Rich.

Parking permits

There are currently 340 resident permits, 440 visitor hangtags, and 34 commuter permits assigned to Goss-Grove’s NPP Zone. Up to four commuter permits are allowed per block. The problems neighbors are having with noisy and rude Boulder High students seem to be with those who park without a permit. No further action was recommended for the moment. Mary and other neighbors have met with the BHS principal about the problems, and will meet again with him in August.

Rezoning issues

Mary Hey recapped our last meeting with Jessica Vaughn and Louise Grauer of the City Planning Staff. Since then on May 25 Jerrie and Mary attended the City Council meeting. In preparation, Mary sent the 3/29/10 memo approved by GGNA and called Council members. The memo was well received. Before we can be considered for RMX-1 zoning, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BCVP) land use designation must be changed to MXR. At the meeting the Council voted to include Goss-Grove as an area for Planning Staff specifically to study for possible redesignation.

The next event will be a Council Meeting on plans for SoDA currently planned for August 3rd, but the date may change. The Council’s next consideration of the changes in RH zoning is planned for September 7, but date may change. Prior to September 7, Jessica Vaughn and Louise Grauer are planning a walk-through of Goss-Grove that would include members of Council and Planning Board .

How would the proposed new RH2 zoning affect us?

-The new rules would allow continue to allow high-density development while lowering parking requirements for new development.

-Dorms, shelters, mobile homes, fraternities, sororities, restaurants, B&Bs, day shelters, and large convenience stores would still be allowed.

We are asking for RMX-1 because we want to protect the residential feel of our neighborhood, not have more density and more commercial. Goss-Grove clearly matches the definition of that zone. RMX-1 zoning would make it easier for single-family homes to be enlarged or built, which would help attract young families to Goss-Grove and increase neighborhood stability.

The co-chairs appointed Mary Hey to be GGNA representative with the city regarding the rezoning issues.

Community Garden

Michele Bishop and Jenny Devaud are overseeing the community garden. There is a “weedathon” once a month. Come even if for 15 minutes, the garden is a great way to meet your neighbors!

Yard Sale

The date of the yard sale will be Sunday, August 22nd, starting at 9:00 am. Stephen Haydel volunteered to coordinate the event and take care of advertising. There is a “to do” checklist that either Roseanne or Jerrie has. Michele will see whether we can get drinks donated, but we will not sell food.

Our blog

News and minutes are posted at http://goss-grove.blogspot.com. The blog serves the neighbors as well as those who want to know more about GGNA. Send photos and stuff related to the neighborhood to Jenny Devaud for posting. Jenny and Jerrie are in charge of the blog.

CU future plans

The university has long-term expansion plans, not into our neighborhood but between the university and the south side of Arapahoe. Nevertheless their plans will have an impact on the neighborhood.

Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 2010 Major Update

The City is convening focus group meetings to get feedback on draft revisions to the entire BVCP. Because this affects Goss-Grove and our efforts to rezone, we were asked to send a representative to participate those meetings. Jerrie will represent GGNA there.

Next meeting: Thursday, October 21. We will have elections at that meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria Krenz, Secretary