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This week we take a look at Golden Police targeting noise and speed in the Beverly Heights Area, the 8th and 9th Street Neighborhood Plan is nearing completion and you can weigh in. Also, find out about the North Golden Neighborhood Plan, openings on the Economic Development Commission and upcoming events around town like Goldenfest and Golden Gallop.
1. Golden Police Target Noise and Speed in the Beverly Heights Area
2. 8th and 9th Street Neighborhood Plan Nearing Completion: Your Chance to Weigh In
3. North Golden Neighborhood Plan Getting Started
4. Two Openings on the Economic Development Commission
5. Upcoming Community Events
** The Broomfield City Council approved the agreement I mentioned last time. In exchange for a potential $40 million payoff to the Northwest Parkway Authority they have now committed themselves to aggressively promoting construction of the superhighway from the Boulder Turnpike down through Golden to I-70. I posted an update on YourHub.com . **
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1. Golden Police Target Noise and Speed in the Beverly Heights Area
In response to complaints by residents of the Beverly Heights area, the Golden Police Department is targeting speeders, loud cars, and loud motorcycles on 19th and Lookout Mountain Road. Noise, in particular, has been a persistent challenge for the neighborhood, especially during the summer months. I know that the Golden Police Department's traffic folks have been working up there at various times this week and through the summer, but they are also planning to focus on the area on Saturday (tomorrow) of this holiday weekend.
We can't really fix the problem through enforcement alone, though. To do that, we'd need to devote one or more officers to just this area indefinitely, which would mean that other parts of town with speed and noise problems would get neglected. Instead, if we are strategic about when and how often we undertake focused enforcement efforts we can help establish a reputation among the cruising and motorcycle communities for being intolerant of loud vehicle noise. This is at least part of the solution.
We are exploring longer-term solutions as well. For example, the Golden Police Department is collaborating with several Golden bars (those with a lot of motorcycle riders as patrons) on a "Silence is Golden" education campaign encouraging folks to be community friendly in their riding and driving. We should see posters around town before the next season starts in the spring. I'll write more about this when they launch the program.
2. 8th and 9th Street Neighborhood Plan Nearing Completion: Your Chance to Weigh In
After many months of work by the planning commission, the city's planning staff, and many residents of the 8th and 9th Street Neighborhood, the planning commission is close to having a final proposed neighborhood plan to present to city council. I began advocating for neighborhood plans because I believe in empowering neighborhoods to decide on their own vision for themselves, and I had heard from many residents who were frustrated with the changes they were experiencing and wanted more control over those changes. This draft plan is based on a series of neighborhood meetings and other public comment. Some of its provisions include protecting the historic character of the neighborhood, reducing the maximum size of new buildings, better integrating the commercial and residential areas (e.g., 8th Street west of Washington), and improving pedestrian connections. I like the overall vision, but one of my major concerns is making sure that city council really does adopt the final plan as an enforceable part of our code and Comprehensive Plan. I also want to make sure the plan is specific enough that it really does guide city council decisions into the future.
If you live in the 8th and 9th Street Neighborhood and haven't had a chance to weigh in on this draft please consider doing so. You can download it from the city's web site or I can send you a hard copy (just email me and let me know).
3. North Golden Neighborhood Plan Getting Started
Just as we are finishing up the plan for one neighborhood we are starting work on the next one. The planning commission held a community meeting a couple of months ago to kick off the process, and they are midway through their two "Neighborhood Walking Tours." On Saturday I joined neighborhood residents, planning commission members, city staff, and one other city councilor for part of a walk through the western half of the North Golden area. It was very helpful to walk through the neighborhood (where I am very excited to buying a home), identify specific things people liked and didn't like, and to start thinking about what we want North Golden to look like in twenty years. The next opportunity to get involved is a neighborhood walk on the east side of Washington on September 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at the corner of Ford and 7th Place, up the Tucker Gulch trail, and ending by 12:30 p.m. at Norman D. Park. If you live in North Golden (basically anything north of Highway 58 and west of Ford) and have thoughts about the future of your neighborhood please consider joining us on the hike or attending one of the upcoming neighborhood meetings. If you are interested in being involved but can't attend the walk on the 8th let me know and I'll make sure you know about upcoming meetings and other opportunities.
4. Two Openings on the Economic Development Commission
We have a number of citizen advisory boards that provide guidance and advice to city council on a variety of issues. One of these is called the Economic Development Commission , and it is responsible for a joint community marketing plan (such as the Two Hour Vacation campaign), helping local businesses prosper, and attracting, retaining, and creating high quality jobs in the Golden area. I am very committed to Golden's economic health, and serve as the city council liaison to the Economic Development Commission, and I encourage anyone with an interest in helping local businesses or helping sustain our local economy to consider applying. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 5 at 5:00 p.m. (submitted to city hall).
5. Upcoming Community Events
Golden First Friday (September 7) - You'll find Golden First Friday events all over historic downtown Golden on the first Friday of every month until the end of the year. Family-friendly entertainment includes performances by Jubilant Bridge, face painting, balloon animals, Wes the Puppet Man, free horse drawn carriage rides, and on and on. A bunch of downtown Golden stores have special promotions and events as well, and many will be open until 8 p.m.
Golden Gallop (September 8) - This is a locally organized benefit 5k and 10k run/walk to benefit pancreatic cancer research and support groups. Last year's inaugural event was a huge success and I plan on volunteering again this year. Join us if you can on Saturday, September 8 starting near the Splash.
Goldenfest (September 8) - This is a terrific community Oktoberfest event benefiting the Golden Landmarks Association on September 8th at Lions Park (10th and Maple). The festivities start at noon and run until 7 p.m., and include Golden City Brewery beer, brats, and live music. The barbershop music starts at noon, BluJazz Dixieland at 1:30, and Wendy Woo at 4. Bring your folding chairs and spend the afternoon.
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Jacob Smith
Golden City Council
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(303) 216-1680
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