Last Night's Double Rainbow Over South Table Mountain
Photo by Liz Erickson
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Wednesday, Aug. 7th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- 9-10:15AM - Golden Walks
- 10:15-10:45AM - Outdoor Story Time / Hands-on Activities
- 10:15-10:45AM - Toddler Time
- 3-5PM - Virtual/Call In: Hard Times Writing Workshop
- 4PM - $5 Yoga Class - Intermediate/Advanced Yoga Sculpt
- 4-5PM - The Golden Age of Science: Remarkable Summer Adventures - Mixing Oil and Water
- 6:30PM - Trivia Night
- 6:30PM - Planning Commission Meeting
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
6:30PM Planning Commission @ City Hall
Aerial view of the property and architect's plan showing proposed garage addition
Planning Commission will consider an application for a major adjustment to 619 6th Street (map). This L-shaped property is zoned R2 and includes 2 dwelling units, which were built prior to the new zoning code. The owners are requesting to add a semi-detached garage with second-story ADU.
The zoning code limits total floor area to 3000 sq ft. The proposed addition would bring them to 4,974 sq ft of floor area on the property. The maximum lot coverage is 32%. The addition would bring them to 46.5%. The maximum allowable height is 20 feet for a single story. The project would reach 24 ft-3-3/4 inches.
Meeting Agenda
Watch the meeting streaming live
City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
4-5PM The Golden Age of Science: Remarkable Summer Adventures - Mixing Oil and Water @ The Library
Feeling adventurous? Like learning new things? Dip your toes into three different fields of scientific study! Intended for 3rd – 5th grade students.
Today’s Activity: Mixing Oil and Water
Dive into environmental science as we learn more about the interactions between oil and water, and then experiment on the best ways scientists have discovered to save animals such as birds from the effects of large oil spills.ether.
Golden Library
1019 10th Street (map)
Corrections
Photo by Chris Davell
Yesterday's post, "Work for the City," included an error for the Finance Director's salary range: it mistakenly quoted it as $252,253 - $186,5210 Annually. The correct salary range is $152,253 - $186,510.
Last week's article about the Public Art Commission meeting to select 3 new pieces of art included the wrong link to the meeting packet. The correct link to the packet, which included pictures of the future artwork, is here:
That meeting is now available for viewing.
The meeting where a jury pre-selected the artwork is also online.
K9 Demonstration @ National Night Out
Photos by Betsy Barr
Thanks to Betsy Barr for capturing these pictures of K9 Mao in action at last night's National Night Out in the Park, hosted by the Golden Police Department.
Live Music for Wednesday, Aug. 7th
- 6-9PM Bunny Blake @ Miners Saloon
Miners Saloon - More Live Music
4-8PM Chrispy @ Mountain Toad
6PM Live Music @ Rock Rest Lodge
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: From Landfill to Park, Via a Few Lawsuits
Golden History Park - Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge
54 Years Ago
After a week of furious earth moving, during which a substantial quantity of dirt was dumped along the south bank of Clear Creek, the activity appears now to have ceased. The dirt lines the bank from near Illinois Street to a point midway between Cheyenne and Arapahoe, a distance of about one and a half blocks.
Golden Transcript – August 7, 1970
The land in question belonged to real estate developer Cliff Evans. While Evans refused to say what he planned for the newly-expanded property, rumors had been circulating that he wanted to build an apartment complex along the Creek. Most of the land was zoned R3 (apartments), while about 1/2 block, between Cheyenne and Arapahoe, was zoned C1 (commercial).
A year earlier, Evans had approached the City and asked that they relinquish the right-of-way that would have allowed Cheyenne, Illinois, and Maple Streets to be extended all the way to the Creek. The City kept a 50′ right of way at Illinois, but relinquished the right of way at Cheyenne and Maple.
After these interesting developments…nothing happened. The land remained unoccupied and overgrown with weeds. It also became a popular dumping ground for unwanted junk. Ten years passed.
The August 7, 1980 Transcript described Golden’s ambitious plans to build parks. They were particularly interested in developing parks and trails along Clear Creek.
In 1981, the Jefferson County Open Space Council offered Evans $596,000 for the 4.49 acres. That amount was based on the City’s appraisal. Evans refused, saying that he intended to develop the property, and that the commercial value was $1.13 million.
In 1982, Council voted to condemn the property and purchase it through eminent domain. Evans objected to the price the City and Open Space were offering. Eventually, Evans and his lawyers took the matter to court. The judge appointed a 3-member commission to appraise the property, and they agreed with Evans’ price.
If the sale took place, Jeffco Open Space would pay 25% of the cost and the City of Golden would pay the remaining 75%. Golden had the funds available, but such a purchase would completely drain the parks fund.
Council discussed the issue at an emotional meeting in October of 1982. About 40 citizens spoke in favor of the purchase, but Council voted not to buy the property. After that, a citizens group led by Hal Leith circulated petitions to hold a special election, allowing citizens to vote on the purchase.
Those in favor of the purchase felt that, although the price was high, property along the Creek was incomparably valuable and should be purchased at any price. Those opposed thought Cliff Evans was rich enough and they just didn’t want to give him all that money.
The December 9, 1982 Golden Transcript asked City Councilors what they wanted from Santa, and most of them said they wanted Cliff Evans’ land. Councilor Dick Sargent noted that giving was good for the soul, and if Evans would only donate the property, the City would gladly name the park after him.
The citizens group was able to gather the required 901 signatures, and a vote was set for April 5th. The citizens voted against the purchase, 764 to 363.
"I would love to see a park there," one man noted, "but that land is just too expensive." (Golden Transcript - April 7, 1983)
In the meantime, in March, Council approved a special overlay zone for land along the creek, requiring property owners to "dedicate the land to Golden for open space use." (Golden Transcript - March 15, 1983)
Evans sued the City "for trying to control development on his Clear Creek property." He won the suit, with a judge ruling that the City owed Evans $309,000 for "taking" his property rights and reducing his property value.
In the end (in 1986), the City decided to buy the entire 4.5 acre parcel for $1.4 million, rather than continue its legal wrangling with Evans.
37 Years Ago
This article appeared in the editorial section of the Golden Transcript on August 11, 1987.
We’re sorry
It’s time.
It has been too long.
There has been too much silence, or worse, too much whispering.
To Cliff Evans: Our sincere apology.
You owned land that was desired by the city. The city offered you too little money. Instead of upping the price, the city attempted condemnation. You took the city to court and won. The city got the land along Clear Creek but government ownership came at your price — not the city's.
You, no doubt, have long been disappointed in the city's action. You have a right to be.
But, it’s time to move on. The city erred. Let’s hope it learned. Let’s hope we all learned that government is not above the individual. If city government per se will not say it’s sorry, then we will voice what has been unsaid for too long.
We’re sorry. You deserved a fair deal from your own town.
In the 1990s, the City–with significant involvement by the Golden Landmarks Association–began developing the property as a living history park. The Pearce and Reynolds cabins, threatened by development, were moved from Golden Gate Canyon and reconstructed in what became the “Clear Creek History Park.” The Guy Hill School house (which had previously been rescued from Golden Gate Canyon) was added to the collection.
The park is now operated by the Golden History Museum.
Many thanks to Esther Kettering for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of August.
Weather
Overnight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny. High near 94, with temperatures falling to around 86 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 61, with temperatures rising to around 63 overnight. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 61°F
Thursday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 72°F
Thursday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 60°F
Friday: Showers And Thunderstorms, 72°F
Friday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 60°F
Saturday: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 81°F
Saturday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 63°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 85°F
Sunday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 64°F
Monday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 87°F
Monday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy, 63°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 87°F
News Relating to Golden - August 7, 2024
CITIZEN'S POLICE ACADEMY
By Golden Police Department
Crimewatch
The Golden Police Department is accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Academy. The Academy is set to begin August 28th and is scheduled for 10 weeks of classroom and skills education. Academy attendees will learn what police officers and law enforcement employees do in the performance of their duties and the rules, directives, and laws that guide them... Read more...
The Beat
By Golden Police Department
Crimewatch
Jefferson County under fire ban
By Jane Reuter
Golden Transcript
Jefferson County recently enacted a Stage 2 fire ban, citing current dry conditions and continued high fire danger... Read more...
Molson Coors: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
NewsTimes
GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Molson Coors Brewing Co. (TAP) on Tuesday reported second-quarter earnings of $427 million... Read more...
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Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Hayride Outpost, Kona Bowls, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, and Esther Kettering
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Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Beth Bidwell, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, and Joy Brandt
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Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, AC Development, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer
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Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Casey & Gina Brown, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Carol Abel, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, and the Golden Transcript
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Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser
