Thread by @shayshinecastle

OK, our lone public hearing item of the night: The historic landmarking of September School, 1902 Walnut.

Presentation: documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocVie…

I didn't take notes, but the presentation says this is the 12th-oldest building still standing in Boulder.

Kelly Molinet, with September School, says the current owner has not taken care of the property. They are trading on the school's good name for this project, which she doesn't have a problem with. But...
"I do have a problem with the character and behavior of the current owner."

This in addition to neighborhood concerns about the project.

Michael Bosma, the owner, "I do apologize if there's confusion with September School. I thought we worked well with you guys."

Regarding the upkeep, Bosma said, the building has been vacant. It's old; we boarded the windows and tried to protect it, but that's tough when it's empty.

"I don't have the ability to make changes to (it) bc it's in this process."

Wallach: I'd like to hear from the applicant why they can't shovel the snow on their property.
Bosma: We were cited one time when I think there was some confusion on whose responsibility it was.

But it's been a nonissue since, Bosma says, which Wallach accepts.

Or at least moves on.

Friend: A lot of the comments were ppl upset about the building being in disrepair. If we don't landmark, would that help?

James Hewat: "I don't think it would necessarily be to the benefit of the historic building not to landmark, bc it wouldn't be protected."

Wallach: "I do have concerns that the owner is going to be a responsible steward, but looking at the building itself, I think it's an easy case for landmarking."

Do you have the necessary tools to ensure the building doesn't further deteriorate? Wallach asks staff.

Hewat: Technically the building needs to be kept up to the standard at which it is when it is landmarked. So as it is today, that is the min maintenance requirement.

But there is an application pending to rehabilitate the building, Hewat says, which would improve its condition.

Unanimous vote to landmark.

Apologies I didn't have more details about the nature of this issue; landmarkings aren't typically controversial.

Quick 5-min break before we continue.

@threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!