Our next question is from John Adams
Would the council you be willing to put to a vote on a public ballot, whether or not the people of Boulder want a convention center in the proposed 13th and Canyon location or another location(proposed or not)?
Susan Peterson
I think that a convention center in the proposed 13th and Canyon location is an incredibly bad idea – akin to “cutting off your nose to spite your face”, and would advocate that we shut that discussion down without even going to a vote.
Further, I am not in favor of a “conventional convention center” in any location. I would like to see us develop a facility that is more in alignment with our unique spirit and our Target Market. If we think about the types of industry that are attracted to Boulder – natural products, outdoor equipment, academia, science, creative arts, etc – then we might come up with a very different concept for the types of groups we would like to attract. Perhaps we should be thinking more about a “World Community Center”, rather than limiting ourselves to a conference center. We could create a place that leverages our Chatauqua heritage -- a place that attracts free thinking and expression by its very design.
Larry Quilling
Yes, I support a public ballot for a new conference center. Other surrounding communities are building and booking their centers while Boulder debates the location. Our opportunity to place a conference center near downtown is sadly closing as many of the possible sites have been recently developed. I do not support the 13th and Canyon location for all the reasons stated by concerned citizens.
Why not locate the conference center in our new Transit Village? It seems to be the logical site with easy access to Foothills Parkway, within walking distance of 29th St. and a straight connection west to the Pearl St. Mall.
Tom Riley
Yes. It should defiantly be put to vote. The 13th street and Canyon is a poor choice. The Farmer’s Market, BMOCA, Central Park, and the Boulder creek path should not be overshadowed by a convention center.
The 29th street mall or perhaps the Daily Camera lot would be better placements. Both these locations are adjacent to ample shopping and hotel accommodations.
In addition, the conference center should also be a cultural center. To maximize profit and visitation, we should strive to create a conference/cultural center that showcases the ideals of Boulder. We have the forefront of natural foods, bio-technologies, software, outdoor sports, matrixes in this nation. A convention center will allow us to shape the direction of our nation.
Eric Rutherford
Boulder must build a convention center, so the question of “want” should not be put to a public vote because it is too difficult to outline all the value to the City. However, the location question should be put to a public hearing of some fashion, whether a vote or through a designated committee.
Rob Smoke
Did not participate.
Ken Wilson
Did not participate.
Matt Appelbaum
Did not participate.
Philip Bradley
This question is hardly legible. but I think it has to do with the proposed location of the convention center. I will not support the current location. I think that it is in a place that is already stressed beyond its means transportationaly(made up a new word) and parking wise not to mention the traffic I would support a different location that is already existing and is still in proxy to many of the features of Boulder.
Seth Brigham
Did not participate.
Shawn Coleman
It's actually very likely that this issue would have to go to the ballot as it will likely require a bond which needs voter approval.
Macon Cowles
Did not participate.
Angelique Espinoza
I'm not sure I actually could do that, legally. However, it certainly is a burning issue for many people, and one on which they would like to weigh in and have a deciding vote. It will be important as we consider the convention center question, that we provide an open and accountable process for making decisions about it. It do us no good to push forward if there is not public support for the project.
Crystal Gray
Arrived late.
Andrew Harrison
Did not participate.
Philip Hernandez
Yes. My preference for a location is in the transit village area. This facility would serve not only as a convention/conference center but as our performing arts center as well. I would suggest we would have to build a monorail to move people to our downtown business area and to the University.
Nabil Karkamaz
Did not participate.
Kathryn Kramer
Yes, I would be willing to put to a vote first whether or not the voters even wanted a convention center in the first place and then whether or not the people want a convention center in the downtown area. Additionally I would have a space for voters to write in their idea for a location if they did not favor a location down town. I have been getting an enormous amount of feedback on this question and have talked with people who have some great ideas for locations. I think on a matter this important the people of the city should have a voice.
Adam Massey
Did not participate.
Lisa Morzel
Did not participate.
Alan O'Hashi
first, mr. adams assumes that the city council is set on passing a conference center at some undetermined location. i'd say that if the citizenry feels that strong about this or any issue, there is an initiative process to get questions on the ballot - it is onerous, but none-the-less possible, it just happened in longmong on an annexation. i encourage john adams to get the effort to happen. by the way, 13th and canyon isn't the only location for a conference center.
Susan Osborne
Did not participate.
Eugene Pearson
This is absolutely essential for a proper debate on the issue. The economic impact study that was prepared several years ago showed a potential operating deficit of between $250,000 and $500,000 a year for the center. I am a proponent of a conference center because I think it will generate more in revenue for the city than this if done properly. If these operating costs are defrayed by another entity then a vote may be less necessary because there wound not need to be as large a fiduciary impact on the city budget; although, to generate the capital needed would most likely require a vote of the people. A conference center could serve as a cultural asset to the community. The Dairy Center is consistently expressing a desire for more performance space in the community for instance. I think that the increased revenue to the city could more than offset a subsidy if done properly. I also think that if a collaborative partnership is made with CU to build the conference center, the university could help defray any operating costs. The merging of the idea of an Executive Training Center that CU seeks with a conference center and cultural facility could help fulfill many community needs. In addition a conference center would assist CU, the National Labs, and our burgeoning natural products industry be more successful in promoting discoveries and innovations.
