Suzy Ageton George Karakehian KC Becker Tim ... - City of Boulder

Dear City Council and Planning Board Members,
I am a parent of a student who attends Boulder Country Day's Preschool program and I also am
fortunate enough to live about half a mile from the Boulder Country Day campus so I am a local
resident. I am writing to express my concern regarding the change of existing Land Use Codes-
which exist to keep children safe- to accomadate the building of a massive brewery directly
across the street from Boulder Country Day School.
I can not imagine why the City would consider amending Land Use Code to allow an alcohol
sales based business to operate in the direct vicinity of a school. Would this be under
consideration if the school was a BVSD school and not an independent school? I hope the
Council is aware that this school includes a Preschool with children as young as three years old
and goes to the Eighth grade. My daughter rides her bike to school (with her father or I). Would
you allow your child to ride to and from school with a bar across the street from their school?
Would you feel safe? How would you feel if you were leaving school with your toddler on your
hip and your preschoolers hand in yours when people are stumbling to their cars across the
street? Would this be even considered if the school across the street was Heatherwood?
The existing Land Use Code exists for a reason. We all want Avery Brewery to remain in
Boulder and fully support its right to expand and grow. Personally, I drink responsibly but we all
know that is not true to everyone. If it was, these statistics wouldnt exist:
-81.7% of sex offenders committed their crimes while under the influence of alcohol*
-76% of violent crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol*
-Nearly 40% of car fatalities are caused by drivers under the influence. Thats one person nearly
every 50 minutes.**
This is WHY the current Land Use Code exists. People do not always behave in a safe manner
when they are drinking alcohol: they are dangerous behind the wheel of a car and often become
inappropriately uninhibited. As a society, we dont consider it safe to locate alcohol focused
businesses right across the street from schools, and so we empower our elected officials to keep
such preposterous things from occurring.
I fully believe that The City of Boulder can work with Avery Brewing to find a SAFE and
APPROPRIATE location for them to expand. Across from a school is not acceptable or safe and
should not even be a consideration for a brewery. I look forward to seeing this matter resolved
with the interest of the children's right to a safe learning environment protected.
Regards,
Diedre Paterno Pai
Agenda Item 5B Page 41