By Rhonda Good
RonG@lhvc.com
April
1, Niwot, Colo. – On
any given Sunday morning the Cottonwood Square Shopping Center is bustling with
social activity as locals arrive for breakfast and to greet friends at the
Garden Gate Café. On Sunday, Feb. 30, the mood was somber as astonished locals
viewed a pile of woodchips and the ground-level stump where baby bear once
stood looking up lovingly at mama bear.
The
bear pair is no longer there. Here is the sad story directly from the sheriff’s
daily report form as submitted by Sheriff Deputy Fredrick Twiddler, based at
the Niwot sub-station:
“Time
Word
spread quickly in Niwot. At lunch time on Monday the parking lot was full of
high school students looking at the raw stump. There was talk of a senior class
prank and the sheriff’s office has opened an investigation.
Monday
evening we stopped by the Niwot Tavern to assess the mood. Everyone leaning
on the bar was melancholy. “I don’t know how she can bear it,” a slightly
tipsy unidentified blond, at the dark end of the bar, mumbled into the beer
she was nursing.
The
Channel 9,
The RMCCCC, responding to
the loss felt by the Niwot community, held a Bear Memorial Service the
following Sunday. A parishioner misunderstanding the intent of the service was
stopped in the parking lot by a minister and asked to go home and return properly
attired.
There
have been no further developments at press time. Meanwhile, sad Niwotians have
been leaving small jars of honey around the stump, hoping for the best.
Photo by Ron Goodman
A forlorn mama bear looks
over the empty stump where her baby bear stood for so long.
By N.G. Angie
While schussing down the slopes in
When asked if there was anything he could do to make
amends for the incident, the quick thinking Abb said, “How about playing a
short gig at our Niwot bandstand this summer?” To which, Jagger said,
“Ni-what?”
Abb told him about her own band, ROX OFF!. She also
described the renovated bandstand and Niwot’s plan to hold several live music
events during the summer.
Jagger replied, “Right.
I was planning to come back to
Days later, after her bruises were healed, Abb received
a phone call from agent, “Jumpin” Jack Flash, who said, “Yes, yes, yes. It isn’t
widely known, but each year, members of the band play small, surprise gigs. If
you guys can take care of the details, Mick and Keith will swing by and sit in
on a couple of songs with ROX OFF! on their way up to
Abb was delighted and agreed to coordinate all of the
logistics. “This is a dream come true!”
she exclaimed. She also said that given
the high level of secrecy that will be necessary, it is impossible to divulge
which specific concert Jagger and Richards will participate in. She said, “People should plan to attend the
entire summer concert series if they want the chance to see the Stones.”
In conclusion, Abb laughed and said, “Who says you can’t
get no satisfaction?”
Photo by LuAnn Piccard
The Free And
By Nellie Nibnose
NellieN@lhvc.om
April 1,
With
his RV parked along Highway 52 and
The
problem? With the completion of the bridges, underpasses and footpaths that
connect the
“As
you all know, I’m really into building walls. Walls are good. Walls protect by
keeping the good in and the undesirables out. Look what the Maginot Line did
for
“In
this case, it’s not the Germans we’re worried about. It’s vermin, rodents –
prairie dogs.”
One
resident, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed. “I feel like I’m under
attack. It was bad enough before this supposed trail system was put in. Those
damned dogs learned how to avoid all the cars on (Hwy) 52, came across the field
and right into my neighborhood.”
“(Expletive.)
We don’t need no damned trail system,” he continued. “That’s why we have dirt
bikes and dune buggies. I’m thinking of asking my cousin from Nucla to come on
down and help with a little target practice.”
Tancryo
said he realizes that control through firearms would be a tough sell.
Congressman Mark Be-all-to-all, who actually represents Congressional District
2, underscored this sentiment. “This problem has reverberated all the way to
He
then added, “I’m surprised that I agree with Tom on this one. Building a wall
will protect the prairie dogs and it won’t endanger any rivers.”
Tancryo wants to take the
existing barrier at the corner of Hwy. 52 and
He
hopes this subterranean fence will act as a model not only to stop prairie dog
migration, but will eventually be used along the US/Mexican border and in Iraqi
prisons as well.
When
asked for their comments, the Boulder City Council and the Boulder County
Commissioners replied in unison, a la the ancient Greek chorus in such plays
as
“Lysistrata.” While moving first to the left and then to the right, they
chanted, “We must study, review and ponder. / We’ll get back to you sometime
in the yonder.”
For
Tancryo, there is a clear and present danger. “First, look at what those
critters did to that Suburban on TV. They looked it over, inside and out,
decided they liked it and dug their insidious holes so the whole vehicle
dropped down to their level. If it’s Suburbans now, what’s next, my RV?”
Tancryo
did have one question for me. As he packed up his staffers, mobile satellite
dish and soap box for his next stump at
The Courier Unveils Scented Ink
News Print You Rub And Smell
By Sue Doe-Nimn
SueDM@lhvc.com
April 1, Niwot, Colo – You
might know that some time ago, most newspapers switched to soy-based inks. What
you may not know is that ink manufacturers have been using other substances to
create additional environmentally friendly inks. An added attraction is that
the inks are slightly scented, replacing the oily-ink scent with a more
pleasant fragrance.
The Courier is testing some
of these new inks and would like your input. To get the full impact, gently rub
the spots below and sniff. You should
notice a slight scent.
The first ink is an east coast creation, made from squid
ink and kelp. Most testers describe it as being like a beach - salty and fresh,
but not overly fishy.
The second ink is a
The third ink is a mountain blend, containing pine tar
and several types of tree bark. Some testers describe it as piney or minty.
The fourth ink is a west coast blend containing nut-based
oils left over from sunscreen manufacture along with wine grape residues. Most
testers describe it as nutty, but fruity.
Do
you have a preference? Let the Courier know. Just email to editorial@lhvc.com.
Niwot – The Ultimate
Gated Community
By Sue Doe-Nimn
SueDM@lhvc.com
April 1,
“People
are saying that Niwot is losing its small-town feel,” Neil Alderman said. “By
making the town a gated community, we’re keeping ourselves insulated from
outside influences.”
The
project includes putting automated gates at each entrance to Niwot. Major
through-streets and those that access shopping areas would also include a
small, manned guard shack.
“Residents
will be issued cards that activate the automatic gates,” Alderman explained.
“Non-residents would have to access the town via the guarded entries.”
At
first, access would initially be free, but Alderman sees the gates as a revenue
source. “Residents would have completely free access, and they would be given
a number of guest passes as well. That way, any planned visitors would be able
to enter free of charge.”
Homeowners
could call in to the guard shacks with guest lists. While homeowners could use
these for contractors such as plumbers or other business visitors, unsolicited
sellers, like those pesky Girl Scouts and save-the-whale nuts would be
discouraged. “Those people are making money in Niwot,” Alderman said. “They can
pay for the privilege.”
As
for businesses, Alderman claimed. “Businesses would be given tokens that they
would give to shoppers. While non-resident shoppers would have to pay a toll
to enter the city, they would get a refund upon presenting the
token.”
He noted that this would stop drive-though visitors to
Niwot, which only increases traffic and noise and brings in an “unknown
element.” Alderman said, “Look at the recent burglaries. Do you think the
burglars live in Niwot? I think not. If we had the gates already installed,
those people would not have come in.”
Homeowners and businesses
would not be charged for the visitor’s passes and tokens, but homeowners who
give out too many passes might be subject to some scrutiny.
“If
someone is giving passes to every plumber and electrician and Girl Scout cookie
seller, we’re going to question that person’s motives,” Alderman said. “Those
professional people can add to Niwot’s economy – either by paying the toll or
by shopping here. There’s no reason to let them in for free. They can go buy
coffee to get a token. What’s wrong with that?”
The
first gate has already been erected at an undisclosed location as a test, and
ID cards are being mailed to residents. Tokens are being manufactured, and will
be distributed to businesses before the remaining gates are erected.
“This
is just the first step,” Alderman said. “We’ll be fencing in the whole town and
blocking walk-in access as well. While not that many people walk from, say,
While
toll fees have not been finalized, Alderman said that $5 did not seem
unreasonable to him. He said that the first to benefit from the gates will be
the businesses. “We expect that coffee shops and food places will benefit when
people realize they can buy a coffee or a soda or pick up some food and get a
token that’s worth more than they spend.
“We’re
still trying to figure out a way to charge the trains for coming though town,”
Alderman said. “They own the tracks, but we’re looking into our options.”
Alderma
n said that train fees might make FasTracks more appealing to Niwotians.
“Just think, every time a train roars through town or blows its horn, it would
be like a cash register ringing for Niwot.”
When
asked about events like Nostalgia Day, and whether the town will charge
everyone who enters, Alderman said, “We’re not sure about that, yet. I’m
leaning towards free entry for town-sponsored events. But if it’s someone
else’s ‘party,’ we should charge. I’m expecting that in the future, Sundays
will be very lucrative.”
The first gate and guard
shack have been erected, and the rest will follow soon. Niwot residents should
expect their ID cards and a limited supply of guest passes in the mail
beginning April 1.
Compiled by Sue Doe-Nimn
SueDM@lhvc.com
Niwot – apparently, someone has stolen all of the parking
meters that were erected last year. One store owner (who declined to be named)
said, “I don’t know when they went missing … it must have been some time ago.”
A
customer added, “I don’t recall seeing them anywhere except for the picture in
the Courier. Maybe they got stolen last year.”
Gunbarrel – A woman called police, reporting her husband
for felony menacing with a pun. When police arrived, they couldn’t arrest the
man. According to the officer at the scene, “There was nothing we could do – it
was only two-thirds of a pun – P.U.”
Vicinity – a fistfight broke out at a public meeting where
planners were discussing expanding the boundaries of Vicinity. “We’ve hit water
on two coasts,” one protester commented. “How much farther do you think we can
go? Atlantis?”
By Sue Doe-Nimn
SueDM@lhvc.com
April 1, Niwot, Colo. – In a
move that stunned civic leaders and politicians alike, a proposal has been put
forth to condemn of Niwot under the state’s power of eminent domain in a bid
to win the summer Olympics in 2012.
One
politician, who declined to be named in print said, “The plan, as I understand
it, is to raze most of Niwot. Some buildings, deemed of value for the Olympics,
would remain. But most of it would go.”
He
shook his head, and then said, “I hate to see Niwot go, but on the other hand,
it would erase some of the more pesky problems we’ve had – the FasTracks thing,
RMCC expansion – all that would go away.”
Big Box Store To
By Samantha Walton
April 1, Niwot,
She
added, “The current location under consideration is the vacant lot on the
northeast corner of Highways 52 and 119. We successfully purchased the land
from its previous owners with just such a move in mind. The original plans
called for a hotel similar to
Going
further, she said, “Our catchment area is roughly a seven to 10 mile radius
from that location. In addition to residents of Niwot, Gunbarrel, north
When
asked how the structure would blend in with the architecture of Historic
Downtown Niwot and
County
commissioners plan to hold several hearings to evaluate community support for
the project. The first such hearing will be held at
Photo by Samantha Walton
An unnamed national retailer
has purchased the lot across from
Tom Theobald Retires From
By Mark Beran
editorial@lhvc.com
The
organization was originally formed as an informal group of local beekeepers who
met to discuss the impact of agricultural spraying on their bee yards. Some of
the original members still attend the bi-annual meetings at Grange Hall.
Theobald’s
contribution to local beekeeping cannot be overstated. He has helped on all
levels, from inspiring fledgling beekeepers to confronting the EPA, Department
of Agriculture and Division of Wildlife whenever he felt that their views
conflicted with the needs and health of the beekeeping industry.
Photo courtesy of Tom Nangle
Tom Theobald, pictured with
his wife Barb, was presented with an antique smoker by the Boulder County
Beekeepers in honor of his 30 years of service.
For her contribution,
Barb was presented with a right hand leather glove for her steadfast work
in being Tom’s right hand whenever she was needed.
Help Needed To Nab Area
Burglar
By Betty Parham
BettyP@lhvc.com
The
Niwot/Gunbarrel area experienced a possible crime wave when seven residential
burglaries took place in just three weeks. Four were reported in one day alone.
“It
is not unusual for this area to have one or two residential burglaries a month,
so when you had four in one day you could definitely say it was unusual,” said
Cmdr. Phil West of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities also have
concluded that these burglaries were likely the work of one perpetrator, which
creates a higher probability that the person will eventually be caught,
according to West.
He
emphasized that help from the public has been crucial to the effort. “It is
evident by the higher number of calls we have gotten about suspicious
individuals that the public is paying attention to this,” said West.
Those tips appear to
be paying off, having led to a number of positive leads and a possible suspect.
Without wanting to give an impression that an arrest was imminent, West said
he was “feeling encouraged” about the direction of the case.
But
catching a burglar after the fact is still a tough proposition. “The percentage
of times we apprehend a residential burglar is about 20 to 30 percent, which is
well above the national average,” said West. Although there has been positive
progress in the investigation, West is still urging the public to continue to
be vigilant.
At
the time of the burglaries, residents reported seeing a white male, in his 40s,
approximately six feet tall, 150 lbs with long “scruffy” brown hair in the
area. He was described as wearing a dark-colored Navy-style pea coat and a blue
knit cap.
The
break-ins were also linked because they all involved a forced entry, six of the
seven were committed on a Monday, all occurred in the daylight hours, and only
cash, jewelry and easily disposed of items were taken.
Since the residential
burglaries began there have been unrelated incidents at two Niwot businesses.
Some artwork was taken from the walls of an unlocked public area in Old Town
and some money was stolen from the Niwot Market. West did not want to divulge
the amount of money or the method of entry in the latter case so as not to
hinder the investigation.
“We
are asking the public to continue to call in about anyone or anything that
looks suspicious. Don’t be afraid to call. You won’t be bothering us,” he said.
Any
suspicious activity should be reported immediately by calling the Boulder
County Sheriff’s Office at 303-441-4444.
Crimes in progress should be
reported via 911.
Anyone
with information about the residential burglaries should call Det. Jason
Oehlkers at 303-441-4763.
Persons
with information about the business burglaries should call Det. Brian Zierlein
at 303-441-1681.
By Stephany L. Larsen
editorial@lhvc.com
Editor’s
Note: Stephany Larsen is a freshman at Niwot High School and is interested in
pursuing journalism as a career.
On
March 15, area residents gathered to give input on plans for new area trails
and trail improvements. Suggestions ranged from dog waste disposal stations,
to concerns over wild animal access to water and a “No more concrete PLEASE,” from
one concerned resident.
“I
want to keep the horses and the tractors and the old farm feel,” said Edie
Tesone, a Niwot local.
The
meeting was hosted by Boulder County Parks and Open Space, which is currently
working with two local consulting firms, Architerra and ERO Resources, to
develop a master trail plan for the Niwot area. The plan will identify
alternative trail alignments and will involve adding maps, information signs
and rest areas as well as improving existing trails.
About
35 people attended the meeting. “I’d say this is a pretty good turnout,” said
Ron Stewart, director of Boulder County Parks and Open Space. One thing was
clear after the meeting; Niwotians love their open space.
The
most ambitious part of the proposal is a new trail that will run from Longmont
to Boulder along the Diagonal Highway. “I’m really excited about the connection
into Boulder,” said Jennifer Sleek-Klevdal, who is on the trails weekly riding
her horse.
Money
for the new plan will come from federal funding and the from the .01 percent
county transportation improvement sales tax that was approved in 2001.
A
second public meeting to present plan options and to gather more feedback will be
held at Niwot High School on April 26, at 7 p.m.
The final plan will be
presented to the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee at a
public meeting on May 25, at 6:30 p.m. at a public meeting. The county
commissioners will make their decision after this meeting.
As to when construction
will begin, Stewart said, “It’s possible that some stuff will happen later
this year. It may be three or four years for the whole plan to be done.”
For
more information, see www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace.
Photo By Curtis Jones
Area
residents John and June Green discuss the proposed trails with Ron Stewart,
Director of Boulder County Parks and Open Space. The Greens are in their 70s
and are avid tricyclists.
Walter Smith Names
Whistlestop Park
By LuAnn Piccard
LuAnnP@lhvc.com
And the winning name is… Whistle Stop Park in the Name
The Park Contest sponsored by the Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) and the Niwot
Business Association (NBA). The park, located near the railroad tracks at the
intersection of Murray Avenue and First Street in Niwot is home to a red
caboose and the renovated gazebo. Bank of the West, the owner of the property,
graciously agreed to allow the park to be named.
Niwot
resident Walter Hollis Smith provided the winning entry. Smith said, “Whistle
Stop seemed like a good name because of the very small town charm of the area
(and) of the park which has been enhanced by the gazebo and caboose.”
A
panel of judges including Biff Warren, Neal Anderson, Pam Martin, Anne Dyni and
Selene Hall selected the winner from 106 entries. According to Mary Lopert,
LHVC editor, the contest was one of the most successful in recent years. “It was a real hit and it was great to get
this level of community involvement.”
Smith’s
name was drawn as the prizewinner from four other entries suggesting Whistle
Stop Park. These were submitted by the Foy family, Carl Buck and Robyn
Meinhardt, the Williams family and Pierce von Schlesien.
Smith
will be receiving prizes donated by NBA members. A sign with the winning name
will be posted at the park and all the winning entrants will be invited to
participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 7 at the grand opening of the
Niwot Farmers’ Market.
Photo by Mandy Sutyak
Walter Hollis Smith, winner
of the Name the Park Contest, visits Whistle Stop Park to be congratulated by
Selene Hall, manager of the Niwot branch of Bank of the West.
“Honorable Mention” for
Name the Park Contest:
Caboose on the Loose
Conductor’s Park
Cupola Park
Dance to the Beet Park
Depot Park
Diagon Alley
Future Site of Rocky
Mountain Christian Church
Hinman Park
Honeyside Park
Jake’s Park
Legacy Park
Left Hand Crossing
Left Hand Park
Lefthand Railway Park
The Little Park That Could
Little Red Caboose Park
Loose Caboose Park
Niwot Community Park
Niwot Not So Central Park
Niwot Park
Niwot Prairie Dog Park
Niwot Station
Once Upon a Park
Park of the West
R & R Park
Randall S. Rehn Memorial
Park
South Pawk
Step in Time Park
The Finalists were:
Chief Niwot Park
Niwot Nostalgia Park
Niwot Olde Town Park
Peacekeeper Park
Peacemaker Park
Sugar Beet Park
And the winner:
Whistle Stop Park
This
rare photograph once belonged to Niwot Tribune editor Doyle Hornbaker and was
donated to the historical society by his nephew Don Spangler.
Many
people stopped by the Tribune office over the years to give mementoes to
Hornbaker because they knew he would value and take care of them. Most were
labeled so that the details would be available for future generations.
However,
the information for this particular photograph has been lost. Numbers penciled
in the margins show that Hornbaker took time to identify each individual, but
the key to those numbers is gone.
The
historical society needs your help. Behind the beards, large hats and heavy
clothing, do you recognize an ancestor? If so, please contact Niwot Historical
Society president Anne Dyni at 303-665-6932.
By Claire Chase
ClaireC@lhvc.com
On Feb. 20, the Mountain View Fire Protection District
(MVFPD) Board of Directors announced a decision to ask for two separate mill
levy increases to be placed on the ballot in May’s general election. A general
operating mill levy increase of 2 mills and a bond mill levy of 1.5 mills will
be requested.
Deputy Chief Steven Pischke cited safety as the most
critical reason for the requested mill levy increase. “Our intent is to make
sure that everyone goes home,” said Pischke.
According to a detailed outline of the plan from MVFPD, a
general operating mill levy increase would allow the district to hire a
recruitment/retention volunteer program coordinator, hire and maintain 18
additional firefighting/
Pischke said that volunteer programs need to be increased
to continue to support growth and operations of the district. In addition, at
least 18 new firefighting positions are needed to ensure that three people are
on each engine responding to calls, satisfying National Fire Protection Association
standards.
Pischke said that in the eyes of the MVFPD both the mill
levy and the bond issue are crucial. New stations are needed to keep response
time low in all areas of the district. Fewer stations and facilities mean that
response times could increase. According to Pischke, the key figure with regard
to response time is eight to 10 minutes. He explained that if response is
greater than that, a fire is likely to reach the point of flashover, where the
temperature has increased to such a high level that irreparable damage is
inevitable.
A bond mill levy of 1.5 mills would provide funding for
construction of three new stations to be built in Dacono, Erie and Mead,
renovation of the Niwot and Central Fire Stations and refinancing of current
lease purchases.
The renovation of the Niwot Station would include an
addition on the south side of the building for additional sleep facilities, so
that it could accommodate at least two extra firefighters.
According to MVFPD, a population boom in both Weld and
Boulder Counties and the increased need for protection for those people require
additional funding, mainly to support the need for staff increases. According
to Pischke, the growth is not at present paying for itself. Part of the concern
has to do with protecting those who live in the district’s boundaries, but
there is also an increased need for patrol and coverage due to increased
traffic on I-25 as well as Highways 52, 119 and 66.
Weld County Road 13 becomes Colorado Avenue in Denver and
has become a major throughway. “The population of the fire district is
approximately 50,000. There are an additional 20,000 plus people on the
roadways in the district every day,” said Pischke.
“The current bond from 1991 will be paid back in full in
2008, four years earlier than projected,” said Pischke. In May 2004, MVFPD requested that the general
fund tax be increased by three mills. Taxpayers denied the requested increase
by a vote of 470 for and 577 against.
MVFPD used information garnered from that election to
re-evaluate its ballot questions. Pischke said that MVFPD believes the revised
request will be more amenable to taxpayers and stressed that MVFPD considered
it a matter of need, not merely want.
The requested mill levy and bond increase is not without
opposition. There are those in district who have voiced concern about a tax
increase. In a letter to the editor, retired Niwot station chief and
firefighter Cliff Tharp stated that the proposed increase is unnecessary. According to Tharp, the increase would
represent a 43 percent increase, while the department has received $1 million
in funds generated by new homes and increased valuations of existing homes.
He feels that the MVFPD needs to stay within its budget. For the complete text, see page 2.
MVFPD will post official opposition to the proposal on
its website. For more information,
www.mountainviewfire.org.
Out and About in Niwot
By Ron Goodman
RonG@lhvc.com
We
often write about what is happening in the constantly changing retail scene in
Historic Downtown Niwot. This month I decided to explore why some shops are
successful and the challenges the owners face. In short, what these businesses
are doing right.
Customer Relations
Lisa
Tilley of NicNats in the Cottonwood Square Shopping Center, now in her second
year, said, “You have to be in the store and like what you do and have a good
attitude.” Tilley also will put any amount on a credit card and will gift wrap
without charge. NicNats is a kid friendly store.
Jan
Kahl of Niwot Jewelry and Gifts feels that all her customers are good friends
and she greets them “like best friends.” She said, “I am happy to see my
customers come in with their kids. We have established a feeling of trust. They
often will leave a ring for cleaning and not bother with a ticket.”
Tim
Wise of Wise Buys Antiques said, “We are good at customer service, even if it
means sending them to someone else (for what they need).”
Canvasback Gallery owner Ed
McGill believes that he has been successful by offering good service and a high
quality product.
Advertising
NicNats
relies heavily on advertising. In addition to the Courier, she advertises in
the Pocket Coupon Book, a nascent web site and maintains a mailing list of
1,000 customers. “Still,” Tilley said, “there are people who don’t know I’m
here.”
Niwot
Jewelry and Gifts, another Courier advertiser, does a minimal amount of
advertising in the Longmont paper. Their customer base is 50 percent from
Longmont, the remainder equally from Niwot and Boulder.
Besides
advertising in the Courier, Ed McGill said that he has reached out of town for
clients, which has been an important part of his staying in business plan.
Also, he is working with an artist on developing a website to market a new line
of western photography.
Unique Products
“You
have to have some unique merchandise,” Tilley said, an opinion that was
mirrored by Kahl who also emphasized service and unique products. “I’m working
to make our merchandise more unique,” Kahl said.
In
addition to antique furniture, Wise Buys Antiques carries a very extensive
selection of fireplace mantels. Antique dealers in Denver have been known to
tell customers, “For fireplace mantels, go to Wise Buys in Niwot.”
As
part of its business survival plan, Wise Buys offers a refinishing service.
“You need something beyond retail sales to make it in Niwot,” according to
Wise.
In
the new and unique category, Canvasback Gallery is about to undergo an interior
renovation, which will emphasize the art gallery aspect of the business. Corner
framing samples and an enlarged selection of frames will be exhibited on three
walls of the rear framing room.
Other Contributing Factors
Besides
customer relations, advertising and product selection, what became apparent in
these interviews is that many felt the area is in a difficult retail
atmosphere. Among the reasons cited were the demise of Rev Taylor’s, the
relocation of the auction house to Longmont, rising rental rates and the
closing of the Niwot Antique Emporium with its substantial advertising budget.
“We simply don’t have the foot traffic we had several years ago,” was an
often-repeated theme.
In
terms of the rental market, Cotton Burden, who owns several retail buildings
in town, had an interesting perspective. While rental cost is the largest
fixed expense retailers have to face, Burden said, “The market dictates the
rental level.”
From
his perspective, the current problem is not rental rates, but the lack of
potential tenants with interest in the space. Until recently, there were always
tenants ready to move into the Niwot Antique Emporium space on Second Avenue.
Burden said that is no longer the situation, Burden feels that the tenant
shortage is not unique to Niwot. “The shortage of tenants will be felt
initially in the outer areas, Niwot first, Longmont and then, eventually
Boulder,” he said.
Commenting
on the closure of Rev Taylor’s, which many retailers feel reduced the foot
traffic in town, Burden suggested that if the restaurant had been doing well,
someone would have stepped up to purchase it. No one did. He and Chris Finger
were the only prospective buyers and their interest was limited to the real
estate.
Closing Thoughts
For
retail shops to be successful, Niwot must become a retail destination. The
population base of Niwot alone is not large enough to support our retail space.
To achieve that destination status, retailers must offer unique merchandise,
superior service and reach a larger population with print advertising, web
sites and personal marketing activities. Landlords can help by encouraging a
good mix of retail tenants.
Burlington Elementary
Burlington Cares For The
Homeless
By the fourth graders of Burlington
Elementary School
Burlington@lhvc.com
Fourth
graders at Burlington Elementary School are learning about homeless children.
They found out the average age of the homeless child in the Longmont-Boulder
area is only 12 years old. The fourth graders decided to reach out and
help the homeless children.
One
class is creating posters for the RTD buses to raise awareness of this
situation. Another class is creating a resource list to help the adults know
where to go for help.
Two
more classes are creating small gift bags of kid-friendly hygiene products for
the children. Their goal is to collect enough items to fill 100 bags to be
delivered to the homeless children through the homeless organizations and
shelters in the Longmont and Boulder area.
Each
bag would contain the following: a youth size toothbrush, 4 to 5 ounce size of
children’s flavored toothpaste, 9 to 10 ounce size of children’s shampoo, a
tube of ChapStick, Band-Aids and a caring note from the fourth graders.
If
you would like to help with the project, please drop off any of the listed
items to Burlington Elementary School located at 1051 South Pratt Parkway
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The
students will collect these items until Friday, April 28. Your donations
will really help the homeless children.
If
you have any questions, please call Nancy Ferraro or LaReina Romero at
303-776-8861.
Photo by Nancy Ferraro
Burlington
fourth grade students work with University of Colorado Student, Coleen Pruisner
to learn about the problems associated with being homeless in Longmont and
Boulder County.
These
students are creating a list of hygiene items that will be put into special
bags for homeless children when they arrive at shelters. Pictured are Stella
Cooper, Hannah Whisman, Jessie Noyes, Andrew Fiamengo, and Dakota Rodeback.