TOD

housing for workers

Mixed use development

On page 2, there's an action to "Require solar on all new homes to offset 100% of electricity use." While I'm fully supportive of this in theory, there will be some homes (such as new townhomes) where roof design and orientation may not allow for solar to offset 100% of the expected electricity consumption. I'd suggest adjusting it to something like "Require solar on all new homes to offset 100% of electricity use, or the maximum that is technically feasible for the roof."

In the energy efficiency section of the plan on page 2, there's an action to "Promote usage of water tank insulating blankets and water pipe insulation to reduce wasted energy through heat loss." However, water tank insulating blankets are outdated as an efficiency measure—with modern levels of tank insulation, they aren't likely to save any energy unless the water heater was produced in the 90's (in which case it should be replaced anyway), and they can create fire risks and negate warranties. Pipe insulation can still be a decent efficiency measure, but there are a lot of alternative measures (like smart thermostats) that would save residents and business owners a lot more energy and also yield non-energy benefits like improved comfort. It's also a little weird that this is the only specific energy efficiency measure called out in the plan, particularly when there are a lot of better measures available.

Older folks might be less likely to buy a new electric car...but might consider an electric bike...which is perfect for getting around town and even to neighboring communities. For a small amount of money the town could have a major impact on getting more people to use alternative transportation!

The Town has recently joined the ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability CO, and Communities for Climate Action. With sustainability appearing to be a priority of the Board at this time, I'd offer the following: *Apply careful consideration and place a high regard on environmental, human, and economic factors when weighing the sustainability aspects of development proposals. We cannot talk about sustainability without acknowledging the impacts of new construction. -According to the United Nations Environment Program, buildings and their construction together account for 36 percent of global energy use and 39 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually.  -In the United States, residential and commercial buildings account for 40 percent of energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. -The amount of carbon generated through manufacturing building materials, transporting materials to construction sites, and the actual construction process—what’s known as the “embodied carbon of a building,” which accounts for about one quarter of a building’s total life cycle carbon emissions. Globally, the embodied carbon of buildings account for about 11 percent of emissions. -Globally, the energy intensity of the building sector is improving by about 1.5 percent every year; however, the number of buildings is on the rise—global floor area grows by about 2.3 percent annually—which offsets some of those energy intensity improvements. (Interpretation- little impact if you require net zero or energy efficiencies in new construction if the overall amount of new construction keeps increasing).  (source: https://archive.curbed.com/2019/9/19/20874234/buildings-carbon-emissions-climate-change) *Integrate and apply to Town decision making the scientific findings about open space/ green space and mitigation of carbon, heat, and air pollution. As land across the front range and within local jurisdictions is rapidly being converted to new development (heat islands), this science needs to be at the forefront of discussions.      *Overhaul the Town's landscape management practices: chemical applications are detrimental to the health of people, animals, and the environment overall. There are sustainable options that don't involve harmful chemicals and constant mowing. This would also be a more sustainable option from a budget perspective. *Year round, residential composting option. This dramatically reduces trash output for those who utilize it.  *Collaboration with HOA Boards to approve and promote xeriscaping methods and to further reduce bureaucratic barriers to landscaping and tree planting.  Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to have this community dialogue.

Free parking encourages residents to drive to open space when it is relatively easy to access via foot/bike. Parking fee could apply to out-of-county residents only if there are concerns about reducing access to public, county-owned open space. City of Boulder charges parking fees to access the same Marshall Mesa trail system that the Town of Superior provides for free (to residents and non-residents alike).

Purple Park, Founders Park, and grass landscaping along Coalton and Rock Creek Parkway seem to consume a lot of time and water in maintenance while serving no practical benefit for residents.