Ok, lets talk about Washington School. If I lived in that neighborhood, I would be doing exactly what the residents there are doing. Their actions make perfect sense and we should all support the logic of their position.
At present they have a nice local park, uncrowded streets, and great views. And all of that is threatened. Now eventually, one way or another this will go away and something will be built there. But here's the key point for the neighbors.
It doesn't matter what happens in 10 years, it doesn't matter what is best for the rest of the city, if a small group complains in Boulder they can delay most anything for 5 - 10 years. And that is all that matters to the neighbors, the next 5 - 10 years.
What they are doing is totally sensible and logical. Now it is not the best solution for the rest of Boulder. The delay puts off additional housing which provides a bit more room for middle class families. It puts off a bit some additional cash for BVSD. It insures that the final development will not be as good for the neighborhood. So for the rest of us, and for those that will live in that neighborhood 10 years out and on, it's bad.
Now lets talk about Adrian Sopher, who is both on the planning board and is an architect for the project. This guy is telling us that he didn't realize how he acted was a conflict of interest. Ok, lets take him at his word - he didn't realize it. In other words he's a moron. Dan Quayle is a genius next to this guy. He should be dropped from the planning board immediately on the grounds of stupidity. (And Wonderland should have someone else check all of his plans.)
Finally, what about Wonderland's proposal? First a disclaimer, my wife worked for Wonderland up till about a year ago and I have met Jim Leach a couple of times. (I also worked for him back when I was in school as a carpenter but I don't think I ever met him then.)
I don't know if it is the absolute best deal the city and neighborhood can get. But the fact that every other developer dropped out because all of the city's requirements made it impossible to turn a profit is a pretty good indicator that you can't squeeze any more blood out of this turnip.
Should the city move ahead on the existing proposal? I have no idea. But I do know that any proposal brought forward the neighbors will fight tooth and nail. As would you and I if it was our neighborhood. And the job of the city is to see the big picture and not let every small group stop any progress.
