July 2023

Hi everyone – I hope you are all having a great summer!  Here’s my update for things going on in Superior for July 2023.  Read on for an update on Marshall Fire recovery, Rock Creek Parkway survey and plans for its future, street improvement projects coming soon, airport issues, Downtown Superior developments, Home Rule, YMCA, and more…

4th of July Recap

This was my first July 4th celebration as Mayor and couldn’t be prouder of our Town Staff for the amazing job they did organizing the festivities.  From the downhill mile… to the parade… to the pancake breakfast (where over 5,000 pancakes served in one hour!)… to the kickball tournament (congrats to the winning team Superior Kickballers and special thanks to our Superior Youth Leadership Council for organizing!) and finally, ending with the Community Center BBQ afterparty… it was a long day, but was filled with laughs and smiles and everything that makes our community so special.  I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting so many new residents who have recently moved to town.  Bravo Superior!

Marshall Fire Recovery & Memorial Planning

Of the 394 properties in Superior that were destroyed in the Marshall Fire, over 2/3 of them have received or have applied for a permit to rebuild.  To date, we have issued 39 residential Certificates of Occupancies and expect to see at least 100 families moved back home by the end of the year.  Every family that moves back home is a huge accomplishment for our community and should be celebrated.  We’ve also rebated over $2.3 million in use taxes and building permit fees, which has helped fire survivors close their underinsurance gaps.  

Our Cultural Arts & Public Spaces (CAPS) advisory committee is currently surveying the community to get input on a Marshall Fire Memorial.  If you’d like to participate, please give us your thoughts: https://shapesuperior.com/marshall-fire-memorial

Upcoming Road Construction Projects

Each year, the Town spends a significant percentage of its total capital improvement plan budget on the 42 miles of roads in Superior.  From general maintenance to full roadway reconstruction, the Town keeps regular tabs on the conditions of our roads so we can plan and budget on our road projects.  

The Town maintains a “report card” which notes the Pavement Conditions Index (PCI) scores for all of our roads.  As of 2019, 7.4% of our roads had a PCI score of 40 or less indicating that they were in “very poor, serious, or failing” condition.  Another 10.7% of the roads scored between 40-55 which indicates that they are in “poor” condition.  Another 10.7% of the roads scored between 55-70 showing they are in “fair” condition.  On the flip side, 71.1% of our roads scored in “good” or “satisfactory” condition.

In an effort to address these needs, In 2021 the Town Board sent voters a ballot measure that asked for a .44% transportation sales tax increase (inclusive of a .16% sales tax that was sun-setting in 2022), that would have generated an additional estimated $1.6 million for transportation improvements, including road construction projects.  At the time, the Town identified over $33 million in unfunded transportation projects.  This ballot measure did not pass.  And with the Marshall Fire causing additional unfunded and unbudgeted-for expenses for the Town, our Town’s roadway needs have increased.    

Over the past few years, we’ve made some progress: we reconstructed 88th Street; McCaslin (between Hwy 128 and Coalton); and Coalton Road (between Indiana and Rock Creek Parkway).  This year, we’re going to tackle more.

Road Projects in 2023

Over the past several years, the Town Board would typically authorize 1-2 roadway projects every other year.  This year, however, the Board is being more aggressive.  We are tackling 4 major road projects and are in the midst of planning for substantial reconstruction of Rock Creek Parkway in 2024.

At the Town Board meeting on June 26, 2023, the Town Board unanimously approved contracts for reconstruction of (1) Coalton Road (between McCaslin and Indiana) and (2) Indiana Street (between Coalton and N. Torreys Peak).  In addition, we approved a Cape Seal project for McCaslin Boulevard (between Coalton and Rock Creek Parkway).  These projects will be getting underway in July.  Based on the estimated schedule presented at the June 26 Board Meeting, we anticipate McCaslin will be completed in August, Indiana in late August/early September, and Coalton in late September/early October.  Stay tuned for additional communication from the Town as these projects get underway.  Also slated for later this year, the pedestrian underpass between McCaslin and Wiggins on Rock Creek Parkway (near Purple Park) will be rebuilt.  These projects are estimated to cost $4.8 million.

Rock Creek Parkway Survey & Reconstruction Plans

But what about Rock Creek Parkway (RCP)?  RCP is in need of work.  Originally, various segments of RCP were scheduled for reconstruction in 2023.  However, earlier this year the Town Board asked Town Staff to consider tackling RCP in a more comprehensive manner.  Rather than doing sections of RCP in piecemeal projects over the next 10 years, we asked Town Staff if we could do a larger amount of RCP (from McCaslin down to the roundabout at 88th), in a single project.  Doing so would have the added benefit of potentially saving the Town money through economies of scale on a larger single project and would also alleviate the inconvenience to residents with a single project, instead of several projects spread out over several years.

As we pressed pause on proceeding with the original plan to work on sections of RCP, the Board asked Town Staff to engage the community to see what improvements — if any — should be made to RCP as it is reconstructed.  That engagement is currently underway.  

RCP hosts 6,000 – 9,000 vehicles PER DAY.  It is also a critical crossing point for pedestrians (most importantly, kids) as they travel to Superior Elementary, the North Pool, and Purple Park.  It’s a wide road and we have heard from the public that pedestrians do not feel safe crossing it.  Due to its width and slope, vehicles do not obey the posted speed limits.  Most vehicles average 8 MPH over the posted limit, and during school hours, vehicles average 15 MPH over the posted speed limit.

I’ve seen some posts on social media which suggest that we’re planning on making RCP into a 2-lane road.  We are not.  No decisions have yet been made and the Board remains open to any and all suggestions on how to improve the roadway before we spend any money.  Put simply, the goal is to develop a better and safer multi-modal transportation system.  Many RCP intersections have had pedestrian, bike, and/or vehicle crashes.  How can we make those intersections safer?  What traffic calming solutions should we implement to slow down vehicles?  What specifically should we do in the school zone?  

But even if the Town Board decides simply to “repave” RCP next year, that work is estimated to cost approximately $10-12 million.  That amount will be the single largest road construction project that the Town has ever undertaken and we want to get it right.  To that end, please take the survey and participate in the meetings (comments on social media will not be read by the project coordinator.)  This will be our main road project for 2024.  We are doing all the leg work this year to be able to budget for next year.  Link to survey, map, and video presentation found here: (https://shapesuperior.com/rock-creek-parkway-study)

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport

On Monday, July 10, the Town Board will discuss various issues related to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA).  As part of that discussion, we will review and provide input on a draft map of noise sensitive areas for consideration by the RMMA Community Noise Roundtable.  We’ll also have an Executive Session where we’ll discuss various legal issues with the Town Attorney.

Separately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently taking public comment related to aircraft noise policies.  Please take a moment and submit your feedback online on the FAA’s Noise Policy Review webpage (https://www.faa.gov/noisepolicyreview) by July 31.  

For those who are concerned about the use of leaded fuels by planes flying out of RMMA, the Town has engaged a contractor to conduct lead testing at multiple locations throughout Superior.  Results will be published soon.  The Town did send a letter requesting that the airport discontinue use and sales of leaded fuels, and instead, transition as soon as possible to selling unleaded fuels, however, Jefferson County (which owns RMMA) responded that it will do so eventually — likely when the FAA/EPA mandates a change.  While I’m disappointed in the County’s response and its refusal to take this issue seriously, we will continue to advocate for Superior residents on this and related issues. 

Downtown Superior (New Business, Summer Concert Series, and Civic Space)

There’s a lot of activity in Downtown Superior these days.  While residential construction continues at a strong pace, we’re also seeing a lot of progress on the Main Street commercial core.  Our first few businesses have announced with more to come in the next few months.  Boulder Baked has officially signed a lease for a Main Street location across the street from the Sport Stable and will open in early 2024.  The Town Board also just approved a sales tax incentive for Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery.  Bigsby’s would be located just off of the Superior Commons park, but first will need to reach an agreement to purchase their property from Carmel, the developer.  Although not technically in Downtown Superior, Bambei Brewing just opened next to Superior Liquor (in the former Old Chicago space) and is already becoming a local favorite.

The Summer Concert Series has been a huge hit.  The first concert featured the 5280s Band and the second featured Soul School — both were very well attended.  The beer garden was packed, the kids were playing near the creek and in the park, and people were enjoying the music.  Do yourself a favor and check out the next Summer Concert Series on August 12.

Lastly, the Town is working on the survey results asking for ideas for our new 8,000 square foot Civic Space located just off Main Street in Downtown Superior.  The results will be presented to the Town Board in an upcoming meeting.

AT&T Cell Tower

Construction has started on the new AT&T cell tower in Community Park behind Safeway.  AT&T plans that the tower will be operational by the end of the year. 

Parks

Big & Little Sagamore & Children’s Park – These parks were destroyed in the Marshall Fire, but recently, the Town was awarded $660,000 in grants from Great Outdoors Colorado – GOCO for their rebuilds.  The PARC Committee will offer an opportunity for public input on their designs at their next meeting at 7:00 pm on July 19 at Town Hall. Check out this rendering of Big Sagamore that was presenting at the PARC booth during 4th of July:  

Miners Park – Featured on the cover photo of this month’s blog, Miners Park is officially open!  Check out the location on the map below.  Tunnels, slides, a sandbox, and many climbing structures.

Central Park – Since the buildout of this park was delayed (the developer is now just starting to mobilize again but realistically the project won’t be completed in 2023) the Town is moving forward with a temporary dog park for DTS residents that will be located along the Vista Corridor (formerly known as Tract H buffer zone). 

Cannabis Sales

Following the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, which legalized possession and use of “recreational” marijuana by those over 21, the Town Board enacted an ordinance in 2013 (Town Code § 10-8-70) which prohibited marijuana dispensaries from operating in Superior.  Ten years later, we’ve seen how this industry has established in Colorado and I believe we should repeal our ban. I’m planning on introducing an ordinance in the coming months that will open up Superior and allow for cannabis dispensaries to operate in town.  

Golf Carts

Several years ago, the Town Board considered and ultimately tabled a proposal that would have allowed golf carts to operate on Town streets and certain pathways.  The Town Board discussed this issue at a recent work session and seems open to reconsidering the issue once again.  Let us know your thoughts on whether golf carts should be allowed in Superior, and if so, where (streets, sidewalks, paths, etc…)

Superior Marketplace — Brixmor’s Concept

On June 28, the Town Board held a work session to meet with Bill Brown from Brixmor (the owner of the Superior Marketplace).  We discussed Brixmor’s continued investment in the success of the Superior Marketplace in the future, including the landscape improvements that are underway.  We also discussed Brixmor’s concept for a potential residential development to be located near the former OfficeMax location.  There were concerns about density and traffic impacts, as well as impacts to views for neighboring property owners.  We also discussed the potential to add office as well as recreational uses (for example, an indoor rec center type amenity to the project).  All discussions were at a high level and are only in the concept phase, but it is good to see Brixmor thinking about how to set the Marketplace up for success in the future.

Meeting with YMCA

In June, I met with Chris Coker, VP of Development from the YMCA who requested a discussion about  the possibility of building a YMCA location in Superior.  These talks were high level and no commitments have been made.  However, if any project were to happen, it would require a substantial financial contribution from the Town — likely in the $10-$20 million range.  But, this would be one potential way for the Town to deliver to residents a potential indoor pool, additional day-care services, and senior/affordable housing options.  We’re waiting on additional information from the YMCA about the types of facilities that have been built in other communities along the Front Range.  Once we have that information, the Board will discuss if we should proceed further with negotiations.  Stay tuned.

Home Rule

Currently, Superior is a “statutory” municipality.  This means that the Town derives its governing power and authority from the Colorado legislature.  If the state wants to restrict our statutory authority, it can do so by passing a bill and having the Governor sign it into law. However, the Colorado State Constitution gives municipalities the ability to become “home rule” municipalities, wherein they would derive their power from the state Constitution, instead of the legislature.  

This past legislative session, the Governor and Legislature introduced SB-213 which would have removed the ability for local governments like Superior to make decisions about land use in town.  While the bill did not pass, both the Governor and various legislators have indicated a desire to re-introduce a similar bill in next year’s legislative session.  While the previous bill would have attempted to preempt land use decision-making authority in both statutory and home rule municipalities, there are legitimate questions and arguments as to the constitutionality of such a decision with regards to home rule municipalities.  

As a result, on June 12, the Town Board approved an Ordinance that started the process of the Town going “home rule.”  This is not a quick process and requires the approval of Superior voters in two separate elections.

First, this November, Superior voters will elect 9 Charter Commission Members.  These individuals will be charged with drafting a Home Rule Charter for Superior.  Then, in November 2024, Superior voters will vote whether to approve and adopt the Home Rule Charter.  

If you are interested in serving on the Home Rule Charter Commission, you will need to obtain a petition and get your name on the ballot by the deadline this August.  More information is available from the Town Clerk and on the Town’s website here: ​​https://www.superiorcolorado.gov/community/home-rule-information. 

State of Superior

Our previous Mayor (Mayor Folsom) started a great tradition of giving an annual recap of what’s going on in Superior in the State of Superior presentation.  I’ll continue this tradition later this year, however I’m making some changes.  We’re moving the presentation from the summer to fall, and from the middle of the day to the evening.  I plan to focus on what our goals were this year and how we did accomplishing them in 2023.  I will also be soliciting questions before the presentation and holding an open Q&A afterwards (perhaps with the full Board of Trustees).  Gift cards will be given to the first certain number of attendees.  More info to come out soon.

Mark Your Calendars:

Our little town has a ton of activities every week, but here are some of the big ones you don’t want to miss…

• Summer Concert Series – Superior Commons – Aug. 12, Aug. 26
• Chat with the Chief – Superior Community Center – July 15
• Rock Creek HOA Movies in the Park – Community Park – July 14, Aug 11
• Chili Fest – Community Park – September 9
• En Plein Air Festival – Purple Park – September 23
• State of Superior – Superior Community Center – Oct. 25

Let’s Connect

Please join me in person at the next Thirsty Thursdays or First Fridays.  If that doesn’t work, you can always send an email to markl@superiorcolorado.gov or the full board at townboard@superiorcolorado.gov.  We’d love to hear from you!