(The Center Square) – The city of Boulder is considering designating a park as part of the Civic Area Historic District, while the local chapter of the NAACP calls for reparations for the land theft.
Boulder will consider an ordinance that could make certain areas of 1777 Broadway to 14th Street and the area between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue part of this new historical district, which will be known as the “Civic Area Historic District.” The area is currently known as Central Park.
The city council will consider the matter at its April 11 meeting.
The NAACP has called for the city to create a committee to consider reparations for “displacement and land theft” as the area was home to the city’s first Black community in the 1800s. The NAACP also wants the city to set money aside to create an African-American cultural center.
“In addition to advocating for the African American Cultural Center, we also request an investigation into the historical injustices suffered by the African American community in Boulder County, particularly the displacement and land theft that took place in the late 1800s. We call for the formation of a committee to consider reparations for these past actions, make recommendations to the City Council, and ensure that justice is served,” the NAACP of Boulder County stated.
Some citizens have said the park has been taken over by people experiencing homelessness, and there are human feces and constant drug use on the premises.
“Pointless to do this until the issues around homelessness and safety are addressed – otherwise this designation is pointless window dressing and propaganda,” a resident told the city anonymously.
Residents were able to submit comments through the city’s online forum, and the responses have been focused on the current use of the park and the public safety issues residents are facing due to the large number of homeless people surrounding the area.
“The City’s efforts need to prioritize public safety so that ALL can enjoy our public areas. I don’t see how a civic area wouldn’t just be plagued with drug addicts and unhoused citizens,” one resident wrote.
The same individual also stated, “I no longer feel safe in most of our public spaces and have stopped enjoying our public spaces. I used to love taking my kids to Pearl Street, but we have been harassed by drug addicts (been yelled at) and the public bathrooms are not accessible (as meth users use these public spaces). We also witness someone defecating on Spruce Street. A civic area would not be enjoyed by most, given that our public safety is precarious!”
Others spoke out against the embarrassment the area is to the city, stating: “Designating as Historic will only elevate the hypocrisy in how this area is being managed.”
“This area is a complete embarrassment, one of many black eyes on the city of Boulder. Central Park is home to open drug use, open defecation, regular drug overdoses, a multitude of encampments, harassments, physical altercation, etc. etc.,” another resident stated. “Designating as ‘Historic’ may lead residents and visitors coming to the area under the presumption there is some significance/beauty to the area, cultural relevance, or just an enjoyable site with something to be gained (historical perspective). Visiting the area will not fulfill any of these things interests and will likely lead to visitors leaving the area with a less than stellar view of Boulder. Until the city takes a proactive approach to cleaning and maintaining any of the public spaces I am not in support of any of the efforts of this city to designate or elevate our public spaces to anything other than what they are, unsafe and unsanitary areas much of the public chooses to avoid.”
The Boulder NAACP did not respond to email seeking comment.
