Attachment D - Public Comments

Public Comments Rezoning LUR2026-00024 3550-3850 Frontier Ave

From: susanna osborne <susanna.osborne@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2026 2:54 PM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Letter of Support for the Rezoning of Land in Boulder Junction for the Pearl Arts District from Four Former Boulder Mayors Please find attached a letter signed by four past Boulder mayors supporting the rezoning you’ll be considering on Tuesday evening. Each of us, in different times and in different capacities, have had a hand in the imagining of the evolution of Boulder Junction. Best regards, Susan Susan M Osborne 525 College Ave. Boulder, CO 80302 (720) 340-0159 Sent from my iPhone

September 20, 2026

Dear Members of the Boulder Planning Board:

As former mayors of the City of Boulder, we have each had the privilege of helping guide our community through periods of change while working to preserve the qualities that make Boulder such an extraordinary place to live. We are writing to express our support for the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District and the opportunity it presents to advance a signi cant community investment in Boulder’s future. Over the years, Boulder has made deliberate choices to protect our natural environment while directing growth toward appropriate locations within the city. Boulder Junction represents one of those locations. The community has invested considerable time and resources in planning this area as a walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented part of Boulder, and the Pearl Arts District represents an opportunity to advance that vision. The potential community bene ts are substantial: approximately 500 new homes, a performing arts and event center, much-needed rehearsal and cultural spaces, a hotel, restaurants and retail, new public spaces, improved pedestrian and bicycle connections, and signi cant investment in infrastructure and ood protection. Just as importantly, the Pearl Arts District can strengthen Boulder’s cultural identity. A new performing arts and event center can bring music, performances and cultural experiences to Boulder that our community currently has limited opportunities to host, while providing new opportunities for local and regional artists and arts organizations. Together with Boulder’s existing cultural institutions and the arrival of the Sundance Film Festival, this represents an opportunity to further establish Boulder as an important destination for arts and culture. The bene ts will extend beyond the boundaries of the district. New residents, employees and visitors will support businesses throughout Boulder, including our historic downtown, while new arts and cultural facilities can strengthen the broader ecosystem of organizations and institutions that contribute so much to our community. We recognize that the details of the Pearl Arts District will continue to be evaluated through future planning and development processes. Our support for the rezoning is about enabling the broader vision and allowing this opportunity to move forward.

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Boulder has always been at its best when it plans thoughtfully for the future and has the con dence to make investments whose bene ts will extend for generations. We believe the Pearl Arts District represents such an opportunity.

We respectfully encourage the Planning Board to support the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District. Thank you for your service to Boulder and for your consideration. Sincerely, Leslie Durgin Former Mayor, City of Boulder Suzanne Jones Former Mayor, City of Boulder Susan Osborne Former Mayor, City of Boulder Sam Weaver Former Mayor, City of Boulder

From: John Putnam <jeputnam1876@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 10:29 AM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Pearl Arts District and Proposed Rezoning Connected LUR2026-00024

Good morning, Planning Board Members, and thank you for your service to our city. As a former member of the Planning Board, I'll be sending some comments supporting the proposed rezoning along with some of my former colleagues. The proposal is consistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and TVAP Phase II, and will be beneficial to the city as a whole. But, as someone who has been working to bring Colorado Connector passenger rail service to Boulder for the last three years, I wanted to separately comment on the importance of your recommendation to City Council. Colorado Connector initial service of three round trips a day between Denver and Fort Collins is on track for starting in 2029. And, this service will expand south to Boulder and frequency increase if voters approve Measure 7A this November. Hopefully, we will see further rejuvenation of bus transit service at the RTD facility at Boulder Junction and use of the direct return program in Measure 7A to build better transit, pedestrian and bicycle connections between Boulder Junction and the rest of Boulder. All of this will further activate this critical hub for Boulder's present and future, which puts a premium on making the most of the Regional TOD opportunity east of the BNSF line. The proposed rezoning and the Pearl Arts District does just that -- it proposes a set of land uses that will provide what the city wants and needs in a way that benefits the whole region. To meet our housing, transportation, economic development, arts and other aspirations for Boulder, we need create approaches to maximize the assets we have, including the rail station and this TOD Hub. Have a productive meeting tomorrow evening. John Putnam 1447 Rockmont Circle Boulder, CO

From: David Ensign <dwensign@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:54 PM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Cc: Harmon Zuckerman <harmonzman@gmail.com>; External-Bryan Bowen <bryan@caddispc.com>; John Putnam <jeputnam1876@gmail.com> Subject: Support For Pearl Arts District Zoning Changes Dear City of Boulder Planning Board Members, I have been in conversation with former Planning Board members who I served with, and was happy to discover that we are all in agreement that the Boulder Arts District Zoning Changes you will be reviewing in your September 22 meeting. As board volunteers who were involved in shaping and approving the Transit Village Area Plan that made this type of redevelopment possible, it's gratifying to see the implementation of a mixed-use and transit-oriented district in this critical Boulder Junction area. We thought we would issue the attached letter to encourage you to recommend that City Council approve the rezoning ordinance. I also look forward to speaking briefly to you during public comment tomorrow night. Best Regards, David Ensign 4020 Evans Drive, Boulder

Re: Support for Pearl Arts District Rezoning City of Boulder Planning Board: We are writing in support of the proposed rezoning and special ordinance for the Pearl Arts District. The four of us previously served on the City of Boulder Planning Board and, during our tenure, participated in the City's planning eAorts for the Transit Village/Boulder Junction area. Those eAorts were based on a long-term vision of transforming this centrally located area into a more complete, mixed-use and transit-oriented part of Boulder. In our view, the Pearl Arts District represents a meaningful implementation of that planning vision. The proposal would bring substantial new housing together with arts and cultural uses, a significant performance venue, restaurants and commercial activity, public gathering spaces, and improved connections to transit. Importantly, it would do so on a site immediately adjacent to Boulder Junction and the location planned for future regional passenger rail service. The proposed zoning framework should be evaluated in that broader context. Allowing additional floor area and height and removing the MU-4 limitation on building size will provide the flexibility necessary to create an integrated mixed-use district rather than constraining the site to development patterns that do not reflect the planning objectives established for this area. These changes do not, in our view, represent a departure from the City's adopted land-use direction. Rather, they provide a mechanism for implementing it while preserving the City's ability to evaluate the ultimate development through the Site Review process. Having participated in Boulder's planning process and the evolution of the vision for this area, we believe the Pearl Arts District is consistent with the direction the City has been working toward for many years. We encourage Planning Board to recommend that City Council approve the rezoning and associated ordinance. Sincerely, Former Members, City of Boulder Planning Board: Bryan Bowen 2012-2020 David Ensign 2017-2022 John Putnam 2013-2108 Harmon Zuckerman 2016-2021

From: Terri Takata-Smith <terri@downtownboulder.org> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:28 PM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov>; Remke, Thomas <remket@bouldercolorado.gov> Cc: Tami Door <tami@downtownboulder.org> Subject: Downtown Boulder Partnership / Letter of Support - Pearl Arts District

Dear Planning Board Members, Attached please find a letter on behalf of the DBP Board of Directors expressing support for the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District and the opportunity it creates to explore a new arts,cultural and mixed-use district in Boulder. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Terri Takata-Smith, LPM VP of Marketing & Communications

We've Moved! Please note our new address: 1320 Pearl Street | Suite 232 Boulder, CO 80302 303-449-3774 (office) BoulderDowntown.com

1320 Pearl Street, Suite 232 Boulder, Colorado 80302 Phone: 303.449.3774

September 21, 2026 Dear Members of the Boulder Planning Board: On behalf of the Downtown Boulder Partnership Board of Directors, we are writing to express our support for the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District and the opportunity it creates to explore a new arts, cultural and mixed-use district in Boulder. Downtown Boulder’s long-term vitality is closely tied to Boulder continuing to be a compelling destination for residents and visitors alike. Arts, culture, dining, hospitality and entertainment all contribute to a strong local economy, and we see potential for the Pearl Arts District to complement and support our beloved downtown district. Performances, cultural events and other activities within the Pearl Arts District could bring additional visitors to Boulder who may also stay in local hotels, dine in restaurants, shop in stores, visit the downtown district and experience other parts of our community. For downtown businesses, increased visitation, particularly during evenings and weekends, could provide meaningful economic benefit. We also recognize the potential value of the mix of uses envisioned for the area, including housing, arts and cultural facilities, a performing arts and event venue, publicly accessible open spaces and enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections. Thoughtfully planned, these uses could help activate an underutilized area and create stronger connections between the new district, downtown and the broader Boulder community. From Downtown Boulder’s perspective, it will be important that the Pearl Arts District develop in a way that complements rather than competes with downtown. We believe there is an opportunity for cultural destinations and districts to reinforce one another, particularly as Boulder continues to build its identity as a destination for arts, culture and creative experiences. We recognize that rezoning is an early step and that many important details will continue to be evaluated through future planning, design and development processes. Questions related to the specific mix of uses, connectivity, transportation, public infrastructure and the relationship between the district and surrounding areas will all be important as those conversations continue. With that understanding, the Downtown Boulder Partnership Board of Directors supports the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District and the opportunity to continue exploring the vision for this area through the appropriate planning and development processes. We respectfully encourage the Planning Board to support the proposed rezoning of the Pearl Arts District and allow this important vision for Boulder to move forward. Thank you for your consideration and service to our community. Sincerely,

Tami Door Interim CEO on behalf of the Downtown Boulder Partnership Board of Directors

From: Michael Block <mike.bsi@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 7:35 PM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Pearl Arts District Dear Planning Board: Although I am the CEO of All Roads, I’m writing in my personal capacity to express my strong support for the Pearl Arts District. I believe in the vision for the project and what it could mean for Boulder’s arts and cultural community. But my support also comes from knowing the people behind it. I have known Conscience Bay and its principals for many years. They are people of integrity who care deeply about Boulder and, just as importantly, consistently show up for this community. I’ve seen that commitment firsthand. Conscience Bay regularly opens its doors to host fundraising events benefiting local nonprofit organizations, including ours, as well as significant financial contributions to All Roads and other non-profits. They contribute their time, their space, and their resources because they genuinely believe in supporting the community where they do business. That matters to me when considering a project of this significance. Finally, it is clear to me that the strength of our community's ability to support those with the least through grants funded by taxes and fees depends on our ability to build a thriving community with a healthy, innovative business environment. This is another reason why I support this effort. The Pearl Arts District is an ambitious and thoughtful plan that would create new places for music, performance, gathering, and creativity in Boulder. I believe it is a good project being advanced by people who have demonstrated that they care about this community and will continue investing in it. I strongly encourage the Planning Board to support the Pearl Arts District. Respectfully,

Michael Block

From: Stefanie Greenleaf <stefaniegreenleaf@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 4:09 AM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Support for Pearl Arts district

Dear Members of the Boulder Planning Board, I’m writing to express my support for the Pearl Arts District and the opportunity it creates for Boulder’s arts and creative community. One of the things I love about Boulder is the creativity, curiosity, and sense of community that exists here. With Sundance becoming part of Boulder’s future, it feels like an exciting moment to build on that spirit and create more space for artists, performers, filmmakers, musicians, and the people who come together to experience their work. The Pearl Arts District has the potential to be so much more than a place that supports Sundance. The performing arts venue, rehearsal rooms, studios, and flexible creative spaces could give local artists and arts organizations a place to create, collaborate, share their work, and connect with the community throughout the year. Sundance is an incredible opportunity for Boulder, but I think the greatest opportunity is what we can build around it—a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant arts community that continues to thrive long after the festival ends. I hope the Planning Board will support the Pearl Arts District and the lasting cultural impact it could have on Boulder. I truly believe investing in spaces where creativity can grow is an investment in the heart and character of our community. Thank you for your consideration and for all you do to help shape Boulder’s future. Warmly, Stefanie Greenleaf

From: JAN BURTON <janburton@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 6:14 AM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Support Zoning Change Please support the Conscience Bay initiative for the Pearl Street Arts District. The project will provide important housing and a very vital piece of arts infrastructure. Conscience Bay has committed to providing affordable performing arts rehearsal space, which is sorely needed in Boulder. Many arts organizations, particularly our theater companies, travel outside of Boulder for their rehearsals. They have already held multiple meetings with arts leaders to understand the need and brainstorm solutions. Conscience Bay is a local developer, committed to the local community. They support non-profits in town, and they are viewed as leaders in the city. Their desire for a zoning change is necessary to move forward to site review. If the city had proactively changed the zoning to match land use, they wouldn’t be asking for a property-specific request. Please support the change. Thanks for your service! Jan Burton Arts and Housing Advocate

From: Andrea Meneghel <ameneghel@madisonprops.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 12:02 PM To: boulderplanningboard <boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov> Subject: Pearl Arts District

Dear Planning Board, We have all seen firsthand how important it is to create places that bring people together and make Boulder a destination. That’s one reason I support the Pearl Arts District. Sundance is an exciting opportunity, but the potential here goes well beyond one festival. A major performance venue paired with a hotel gives people a reason to come to Boulder for concerts, performances, and other events. A new transit-oriented district like this makes it easy for visitors across Boulder County to stay here rather than drive home afterward. I’m also excited about the location. With the future Colorado Connector station just a few blocks away, visitors could eventually take the train into Boulder, walk to their hotel, have dinner and see a show without needing a car at all. That is a pretty compelling combination for Boulder: more visitors supporting local restaurants and businesses, more arts and entertainment, and fewer cars coming into town for major events. After many years in this community, I think the Pearl Arts District is the kind of project that can add something genuinely valuable to Boulder. I hope you’ll support it. Thank you for your service to our community. Andrea Meneghel | Broker Associate, REALTOR ® Madison & Company Properties, LLC 2350 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 (970) 389-7405 ameneghel@madisonprops.com www.MadisonProps.com