While there were no champagne toasts and fireworks over the announcement that the Regional Transportation District, the state and BNSF railroad agreed to bring a scaled-down version of the FasTracks metro rail program to Westminster by 2029.

Westminster, like other communities, has waited over 20 years for the entire FasTracks to be completed. Officials just acknowledged that a consistent campaign to keep the rail line a possibility finally paid off. “This is a huge milestone,” said Westminster Mayor Claire Carmelia.

🤔 One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: The same night the city council produced proclamations spotlighting several worthy causes, the council also decided to highlight residents who are autistic, identified with ADHD, dyslexia as well as those who are gifted and twice-exceptional. The council voted for April to be recognized as neurodiversity month in Westminster and that “neurological differences are a natural and valuable part of human diversity, contributing to innovation, creativity, and unique ways of thinking and learning.”

Why it matters: The Front Range Passenger Rail system would link cities from Trinidad to Westminster and further north to Wyoming. John Putnam, chair of the Front Range Passenger Rail District, told residents last week that the train is needed to fight traffic congestion. “We really can’t afford to build any more traffic lanes,” Putnam said.

What’s happening: Proponents say the rail system would piggyback on RTD’s scaled-down FasTracks system but would need voter approval this fall to pay for the venture.

🧑‍💼 Why it matters: Westminster’s Latino population is growing, but there is little business infrastructure in the city to allow Latinos a place where they can learn to grow a company and take advantage of other opportunities.

What’s happening: Councilors cheered a recent move by Adelante Community Development to relocate its headquarters to 8845 Lowell Blvd. The facility will house Luminaria, which will train for entrepreneurship, workforce development and community services.

✌ What to know: A new poll from Normington Petts of 400 likely Democratic primary voters in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, conducted between April 20-22, shows that former Westminster City Councilor Shannon Bird has taken a narrow lead over her closest challenger, Manny Rutinel. Bird leads the initial ballot with 25% of the vote, followed by Rutinel at 24% and Evan Munsing at 6%.  

Next step: The three candidates are headed for a Democratic primary on June 30 to earn the right to take on Republican incumbent Gabe Evans.

Last week, we asked residents if they donate their surplus food, say to food banks or shelters. More than half, about 56%, said they do not!

The city said its annual Pothole Palooza was an unqualified success, as crews filled 2,100 potholes during the last week of April after residents identified the worst potholes in their neighborhoods. “We got a great response this year… our streets are in much better shape today,” City Manager Jody Andrews said this week.

The issue: The all-volunteer group Westy Dog Park Guardians vowed to help do the upkeep on Westminster’s 440-acre Westminster Hills Open Space Dog Off-Leash and Natural Area. The group took on many tasks, including picking up the natural deposits left by our canine friends at the open space.

Context: During a May 2 “PUP” (Pick Up Poop) event, the Guardians and other volunteers picked up an estimated 500 pounds of dog waste.

“All in all, an estimated 175 hours were donated to keep our commitment to the City to care for the park,” the Guardians stated.

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Irving Street Library Renovation Open House — 4:00 p.m., Irving Street Library

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