Groundbreaking marks start of Niwot Connectivity Project

After a short thank you by Chuck Klueber, Niwot Business Association Streetscapes Coordinator, a few key people grabbed shovels on this brisk day, and moved some dirt for an official groundbreaking to start the Connectivity Project, which covers about 5000 square feet at the corner of Niwot Road and 79th Street. Aiming for an end of March completion of the dirt moving, rock placement, and infrastructure, Outdoor Craftsmen owner Scott Deemer said his workers were ready to start work as soon as the festivities were complete. Deemer anticipates a few weeks’ lag time at the end of the first phase before they would be able to add the plantings.

Left to right, Chester Shans and Margot Rode (Cottonwood Park West HOA), Mary Huonder of Outdoor Craftsmen standing by plans for the site. Chuck Klueber (NBA), Laura Skaggs (Co-Chair of the Niwot Local Improvement District), Nick Whitaker (President, CPWHOA), Deemer, Biff Warren (NBA attorney and LID member).

Klueber thanked all the donors of time, money and materials to the project, including Boulder County, NBA, CPWHOA, LID, Niwot Community Association, Rotary Club of Niwot, and the County Commissioners. Klueber noted that while the improvements are designed to physically connect downtown Niwot with Cottonwood Square, the project has already connected the entire community in coming together to organize the project.

Whitaker also spoke, thanking Klueber and others for their efforts and their passion for the project, and “the idea of bringing people together in community and improvement of the resources that we have available, and thinking about the future about what this neighborhood might look like, and how we might all work together and make sure this is something we can all agree upon and we can all enjoy far into the future.” Whitaker continued, “We look forward to this, and be hopefully part of an ongoing strategy and an ongoing effort to continue working with the community on other types of events like this.”

Others on hand included architect and NCAA board member Anne Postle, who provided initial concept drawings for the project, Niwot Historical Society President Kathy Koehler, local artist Lisa Rivard, Taddiken Tree owner Josh Morin, former NBA Streetscapes Coordinator Euvaldo Valdez, NBA Membership Chair Felicia Santelli, Niwot Real Estate owner Pat Murphy, and Niwot Economic Development Director Catherine McHale.