Loveland v. Fort Collins
Tonight the Fort Collins City Council will discuss a rezoning of some land along the Harmony Corridor to allow for some development near I-25. Pay attention to the tone of the debate.
Then compare it to this: "Olson Farm, McWhinney plans move forward"
The Loveland Planning Commission unanimously recommended Monday that city council approve the annexation and zoning of Olson Farm additions, totaling 247 acres, and the Grange addition, totaling 294 acres.
The Olson Farm:
This zoning designation is intended to be located along major corridors and include a variety of retail, commercial and office use, as well as an integration of residential components.
The Grange addition:
The 294-acre Grange addition includes the former Cloverleaf Kennel Club greyhound racetrack and kennels, covering about 46 acres in two pieces north of U.S. 34 and west of Interstate 25... McWhinney officials want to turn the Cloverleaf East parcel, which is the former Cloverleaf Dog Track, over to Poudre Valley Health System to expand the medical campus...
This is why "private entities" are able to offer relocating companies "offers they can't refuse": Their local governments work with them to create a favorable environment for business.
Woodward to Add 100 Jobs to NoCo
They haven't specified whether the jobs will be located in Fort Collins or Loveland. This will be interesting to watch.
The Post on Higher Ed Funding
It's a shame that as Colorado moves toward a high-tech economy in alternative energy, the state isn't doing more to keep this project on track. This is the sort of building that will produce the scientists who could fill the jobs being created.
At some point, state leaders and voters are going to realize that cutting off funding for higher education is starving the intellectual capital that drives our economy. We certainly hope that happens soon.
Budget Priorities?
Is this the right way to be spending state resources?
Colorado lawmakers on Monday rolled out a $17.6 billion budget — a 6.7 percent increase over last year — that would add 1,334 employees to the state payroll.
...
The governor's office, treasurer's office and education department would grow the fastest if the budget passes unamended.
Areas such as higher education, corrections and the courts would receive the most new hires: 1,013.
The Jail. Again.
Voters rejected a tax to expand the Larimer County Detention Center in 2006. The problem did not go away.
Aims Follow-Up
The Tribune gives credit where credit is due for the increase of the budget for Aims Community College:
At any rate, Aims and many people in the community should give themselves a pat on the back for showing how to influence the legislative process in a positive way.
...
Aims board members, including former legislator Dick Bond, were busy writing letters and working the phones. Residents did the same. Elected officials from Weld -- including Scott Renfroe, Jim Riesberg, Glenn Vaad and Steve Johnson -- played important roles in convincing the JBC of the funding inequity.
PVHS Bond Rating Upgraded
From the Tribune:
The bond rating for Poudre Valley Health System has been upgraded to reflect the system’s favorable momentum.
Moody’s Investment Service said the upgrade from Baa2 to Baa1 rating is for $377 million of outstanding debt issued through the Colorado Health Facilities Authority.
