COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (KOAA) — Colorado Springs City Council members faced two significant votes Tuesday, with members rejecting a proposal to permanently close a stretch of Boulder Street and passing a second reading of a new illegal camping ordinance.
Boulder Street closure rejected
After a four-hour discussion, the City Council voted 4-4 on Tuesday, denying School District 11's request to vacate East Boulder Street between Nevada Avenue and Weber Street near Palmer High School. The tie vote meant the request was denied.
Council member Risley recused himself from the vote, which could have swayed the outcome in either direction.
The section of East Boulder Street has been closed since June as part of a broader effort to modernize Palmer High School, one of the city's most historic schools. The district had asked the city to permanently transfer ownership of the stretch to the district, which would have removed it from public use. With the vote failing, East Boulder Street remains under city ownership.
The proposal was tied to Phase 1B of the school's renovation project, which would have added a full-size practice running track. According to Brandon Comfort, D11 Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, the district does not currently have funding for Phase 1B. Phase 2 of the project, which would focus almost entirely on athletic facilities, also lacks funding and would require approval through a community vote.
Community members who attended the meeting said they are grateful East Boulder Street remains under city ownership.
"But closing it had too many impacts. Safety impacts. And it didn't give much advantage to Palmer in terms of safety, so be that they have an underground bridge and alternatives, we don't really have alternatives to Boulder Street closing," said Cheryl Brown.
Residents raised concerns about parking, traffic, and accessibility throughout the process. Cheryl Brown, president of the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association, said the neighborhood was worried about the impact on street parking.
"So the neighborhood is concerned about this because they're going to park in our neighborhood, and they're going to stop people from being able to park in front of their homes," said Brown.
Community member Daniel Way said accessibility, safety, and traffic were his biggest concerns.
"We need to prioritize pedestrians over drivers in this area, especially around the school," Way said.
"If that's approved, then it permanently becomes property of District 11. So it's closed. There will be no road there anymore," said Way.
Richard Skorman, whose business, Poor Richards, is located a few blocks away, said downtown businesses could suffer if the street were permanently closed to drivers.
"We depend on it because it's the major arterial that's right near our business, and if you think about it, there's only 3 arterials downtown. There's this, there's Platte, and there's Pike's Peak. But having said that, Platte is difficult because of the statue. So people would go down to Boulder to turn left as opposed to Platte," said Skorman.
- Listen to what community members in the area had to say in our previous coverage in the video player below
Both Way and Skorman said they support plans to renovate Palmer High School, but want any solution to prioritize safety and accessibility for students, neighbors, and businesses alike.
D11 Superintendent Michael Gaal issued a statement following the vote.
"Our short-term projects on a new modernized academic space remain on track and on budget. Our longer-term investments for relocation of the athletic spaces are also still on track, regardless of the decision on Boulder Street," said Gaal.
Camping Ban Passes Second Reading
- Watch more about what is next in the video player below
City Council also passed the second reading of a new ordinance on Tuesday that would consolidate all illegal camping bans, including camping in vehicles, under a single enforceable municipal code. The ordinance now heads to Mayor Mobolade for his signature and will go into effect once signed.
Critics argue the ordinance criminalizes homelessness, limits access to services, and fails to invest in long-term solutions.
"I knew the ordinance would pass today, but the community has been failed by our city in actually addressing potential solutions," said homeless advocate Beth Rolstad.
Rolstad called on the city to involve service providers earlier in the process.
"The least they could do is engage service providers at the front end of this, rather than reactively when we demand to be included in the problem-solving," said Rolstad.
Councilmember David Leinweber said the change provides clarity and a path toward effective services.
"The idea here is to provide a framework where it's clear that camping isn't part of the solution, it's not. I've watched the people deteriorate camping," said Leinweber.
"We want to invest in programs that have great outcomes, and then we want to create pathways for people to get into those programs," said Leinweber.
Violations under the new code carry penalties of no more than 10 days in jail, probation, or a fine of up to $300. The city attorney's office maintains it does not collect fines from people experiencing homelessness.
Both Leinweber and Rolstad discussed a proposed safe-parking program that would allow people living in their vehicles a temporary space to access services without fear of being ticketed.
Leinweber said designated areas could work within the city.
"There is definitely allowable places throughout our city where we could have these safe parking areas," said Leinweber.
Rolstad said she hopes the city moves forward with the concept.
"That's what we need, and that's what I would love to see our community pilot this year and then work into an ongoing plan to address homelessness. Safe parking works in other cities, and I think we should give it a try here," said Rolstad.
- Watch our previous coverage on the issue of the car-camping ban
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Erika Kirk appointed to USAFA Board of Visitors
A controversial move to recommend Charlie Kirk for an honorary degree by the Association of Graduates was pushed to the Board of Visitors instead.
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