The Opportunity Zone and the Historic Eastside

~ Historic Eastside Neighborhood Association

There’s a new zone that encompasses the Eastside, called an Opportunity Zone. In a nutshell, it is about new development—think space for startups, housing stores, walk-bike connectors from downtown, etc.

Here’s a link to an article by the Longmont Observer with a map:

https://longmontobserver.org/featured/understanding-the-longmont-opportunity-zone/

So, what are the three most important things to know about it?

#1. The primary area flagged for development is around Boston Ave, running east-west from Main to S. Martin, with work near and on the overpass (near Budget Home Supply) and north-south from below 1st to Ken Pratt.

#2. Funds run out in 18 months.

#3. The possibilities seem broad: education, land use, environment/climate, and “culture,” business development, transportation, building types, etc. Topics talked about recently were integrated green areas and a “birth-to-death” space for a lifetime of innovation (think TinkerMill serving kids and seniors). There was talk of building a cycling path to north-south to run through/across the area.

It looks like there will not be an obvious direct or immediate impact on the Historic Eastside.

Thank you, Daria and Bob McLaughlin for attending the public meeting this last Friday the 15th Feb.