Westminster Window Reflections
I know. Pretty darn clever, right? “Westminster Window Reflections.” It’s kind of a cute title for a brand-new newsletter heading to your emails.
Puns aside, I am hoping the name sums up what this newsletter is striving to be - a quick but accurate peg of what is going on in this growing and complicated community. Some of what you read are short breakdowns of what has happened news-wise, along with short previews of what’s coming in the next few weeks. Here is a hint: affordability is at the top of the list for many in Westminster.
I will also offer glances into events that probably won’t get much attention but mean a lot to people who care what goes on in Westminster. You may also read snippets of conversations I have overheard in city hallways or on the street. To find all of this stuff out, you have to keep reading.
One issue that continues to dominate conversations this month is the shootings in Minneapolis: Many Westminster residents have expressed real fear that ICE will soon descend on the city, sweep up both residents and non-residents for deportation and react violently to protestors. Some say ICE is doing a commendable job of locating and capturing illegal immigrants, especially those committing crimes here.
City Councilors are searching for ways to quell anxieties about ICE, and they had an executive session Feb. 2 to discuss what options the city has if, and when, ICE makes its presence known in Westminster.
The council appears ready to come out with a statement condemning the actions of ICE in Minneapolis. But councilor Kristine Ireland made it clear this week that she will not support any statement that seems anti-law enforcement.
TOP STORIES
💰 Housing, food, utilities, childcare, health care all almost out of reach for Westminster residents
Why it matters: A consistent theme throughout the November city council election is that young families, or even single people, who work here can’t afford a decent home. They travel her for jobs but live someplace else that is more affordable. That doesn’t bode well from the long-term financial health of the city.
What’s happening: The city is launching a study - conducted by CU Boulder - to find out the share of Westminster housing owned by non-individual investors (i.e. corporations) including rental properties, out-of-state ownerships, and owner-occupant purchases. The study, which came at the urging of Council Obi Ezeadi, should be finished by late February.
🎥 Let’s get ready for Sundance.
Why it matters: The iconic Sundance Film Festival announced last year it was moving from its original home in Park City, Utah and putting down roots in artsy Boulder in 2027. The festival will not only bring with it movie stars, but also plenty of local revenue for the host city and surrounding communities.
What’s happening: Westminster Mayor Claire Carmelia said she wanted to meet with fellow mayors along the U.S. 36 corridor to coordinate activities surrounding Sundance.
🔎 Around City Hall
🥶 City’s cold weather shelter opened for business last week
What to know: Westminster’s MAC, located at 3295 W. 72nd Ave., is the city’s designated cold weather shelter. It opens for the unsheltered when it is projected to be zero degrees Fahrenheit or there is a sustained windchill below zero degrees for six hours.
Next step: During last month’s cold snap, the MAC sheltered 85 residents between Jan. 22 until 10 a.m. Jan. 26. The city also provided 90 residents with hotel vouchers.
Do you think Westminster is too expensive?
SPORTS AND EDUCATION NEWS
Pomona High School wrestlers, once again, dominated the 5A Jeffco League tournament: Read the story here
Westminster City Council approves housing development at the former Zerger Elementary School site: Read the story here
Butterflies and Northwest Parkway concrete makes a perfect coupling
The Butterfly Pavilion and officials with the Northwest Parkways are joining forces to produce a pollinator habitat near the roadway just before spring arrives.
🌳 Find out how the city can help!
The issue: Many Westminster residents are facing plenty of challenges when it comes to accessing basic necessities like food, shelter, health and senior services.
Context: Over a dozen local organizations will offer help in accessing basic services at the Westminster Community Resource Fair, Thursday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to Noon. To get the location, you have to RSVP to Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen’s Office. planning.
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Monday:
City Council Meeting — 7- 9 p.m. City Hall
Tuesday:
Planning Commission — 7:00 p.m.- 9 p.m. City Hall
Wednesday:
Project meeting for Northridge Living Retirement Community — 5:30 - 7 p.m.- Bradburn Community Clubhouse, 4050 118th Place.
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