Mapleton Mobile-izers

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The Mapleton Mobile-izer is issued quarterly, following the MHA membership meetings. Special editions are issued as needed, for example before a quarterly meeting where MHA members will be voting for executives or making an important decision...


MHA BLOG Volume 3.1 Newsletter of the Mapleton Home Association [MHA] February 1998

NEW FOOTBRIDGE INSTALLED; SEVERAL MORE HOMES SAVED


Inside This Issue



Neighborhood Watch
by Habiba Kabir
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The City of Boulder's Community Services Unit offers citizens a community based prevention program called Neighborhood Watch. This unit provides a range of services to assist Neighborhood Associations in dealing with crime problems in their neighborhood. We have felt pretty safe here at Mapleton, but with increasing crime in Boulder, it would be good to organize a Neighborhood Watch program for our park now and prevent any increase in our neighborhood.
Neighborhood peace of mind goes beyond locks, alarms and Neighborhood Watch meetings. It encompasses all those things that affect the environment of a given area, including streets, lights, neighborhood needs, nuisances and disputes between residents. Through encouraging citizen participation, supporting neighborhood associations, facilitating neighborhood mediation, and helping people plan effective crime prevention programs, the Boulder Police Department's Community Services Unit provides the City of Boulder with the information and resources it needs to improve the quality of life and reduce the threat of crime.
At our next quarterly meeting in April, an officer from this unit will speak to us about how to organize a Neighborhood Watch for our park. If you are interested in being involved in the organization of this program or would like information before the meeting, call Habiba at 443-8029.


Exec speaks out
By Mark Reeder
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March 7 is the one year anniversary of the City's purchase of Mapleton Mobile Home Park. There have been a lot of changes in the last year. City Staff hired Hast & Company to manage the Park; the old bridge by the wash house was removed for safety reasons almost a year ago and will be replaced this March with a newer, wider and more beautiful structure; a tiered rent system was put into effect; a new lease was negotiated by residents with City Staff and Hast & Company; and the Goose Creek Flood Project was finally resolved in favor of the narrow option. These were the main focus of happenings here in the Park this past year.
However, lost in the shuffle of these negotiations and swept aside with the debris from the dilapidated bridge was the prospect of resident ownership. Now that residents have proven their ability to work together for a common cause, and now that residents, City Staff and Hast & Company are working together on Park issues, it is time to turn towards resident ownership of Mapleton Park. Resident ownership is not just a dream. It is a reality based on the efforts of residents and City Staff. Staff have shown the willingness to aid Mapleton Park in the residents' efforts to secure ownership. They have told us that that resident ownership cannot occur before 2003. This gives residents five years to prepare. Part of that preparation has already begun. Hast & Company has agreed to help teach residents management skills necessary for resident ownership. Cindy Pieropan and Kathy McCormick of Boulder's Division of Housing and Human Services have personally assured me that HHS Staff are more than willing to help us with organizing issues. In the years to come both HHS and Hast & Company will be valuable resources in our plans to purchase Mapleton Park. More importantly, Housing and Human Services and Hast & Company cannot do the job of raising the money to purchase the Park for us.
This we must do for ourselves. The Mapleton Home Association has already gone part of the distance by becoming a Non-Profit Corporation. This designation will allow us to solicit grants from funding sources that wish to help low and moderate income families own their own homes or, in our case, the land beneath our homes. However, we cannot rely on funding agents for all of the down payment on the loan to purchase Mapleton Park. The down payment is our individual and group responsibility.
With this idea in mind, the Steering Committee and the Executive Board of the Mapleton Home Association are proposing an Escrow Account to hold monies raised within the Park for a down payment. The escrow account would consist of monetary contributions made by individual residents and held in the name of the Mapleton Home Association by a financial institution (such as a bank) for use as a down payment on a loan to purchase Mapleton Park. If the park residents and the MHA fulfill all the requirements necessary to purchase the park, and if residents and the MHA secure a loan, the money in the escrow account will be put toward the down payment. If we do not buy the Park, then the money will be returned to contributors together with all interest accrued over the term the escrow account had the money.

The MHA's guidelines for the escrow account:
1) Contributions to the fund are totally voluntary
2) Projections for the amount needed are approximately $1000.00 per household in Mapleton Park. It could be more, but this is a good starting place and it shows our commitment to a resident buyout
3) Time limit to raise this money is 5 years. Per household, this works out to $200 per year, or about $16 per month. This is about the per month cost of 3 movies or 3 packs of cigarettes or 1 meal out.
4) An escrow account in a money market fund or in government securities would be set up at brokerage house or a bank in the name of the MHA. The MHA's treasurer would be responsible for tallying residents and their contributions on a monthly basis.
5) If any contributor wishes to withdraw their funds for whatever reason, they may do so. However, because the MHA as a non-profit corporation needs money to operate, half the interest will be retained by the MHA. Moreover, let's face it, a "penalty free" commitment isn't much of a commitment at all. All of us residents at Mapleton Park need to demonstrate a long term financial commitment to resident ownership.
The escrow account is an important step for residents and members of the MHA. It declares our willingness to become owners and our desire to be accountable in the process. Moreover as a non-profit corporation, raising money from within is looked upon very favorably by foundations who bestow grants to non-profit corporations.
At the April Quarterly meeting of the MHA, members will be asked to vote on whether to take this step and set up the account. If the vote is yes, members will receive a notice outlining the rules of the escrow account and how to register for it if they wish to do so.
This account is one of the most important steps we can take to securing our future ownership of Mapleton Park. If we want to own the land under our homes, then we must be prepared to work hard to buy it. We can do this. Vote yes in April and then join the Account. Become a part of the future!

Another home saved

by the editors

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Residents of Mapleton have more good news to enjoy this New Year. As residents no doubt remember, on October 7, 1997, Boulder's City Council voted to limit the impact on our neighborhood by the Goose Creek Project. In a four to one decision Council members voted to have the Public Works Department implement its narrow option for the project. This option would displace no more than seven homes. In January, Terry Rogers, Project Manager of the Goose Creek Greenway Improvement Program, provided residents with the preliminary plans for Goose Creek. Anyone wishing to see those plans should go to the Kiosk/Bulletin Board at Dumpster Park where they are on display. On these plans, Public Works further reduced the number of homes, saving Melba Brandon's home, #64. The number now stands at six homes impacted.
In addition to reducing the number of homes, the plans also have some other items of interest to residents. First, there will be at least two places for access to the bicycle and pedestrian pathways in the Goose Creek Corridor. Currently, the path is proposed to cross over the top of the existing irrigation ditch along the south side of the channel. This crossing will be at grade with the current road that crosses the irrigation ditch adjacent to Dumpster Park. This should provide a very convenient access to the path for residents. Further upstream, access to the path can be made in the form of steps integrated into the proposed rock wall.
Secondly, Terry pointed out that the proposed pocket park on the plans would be an ideal place for residents to hold their annual Goose Creek Flood Festival. Coordination with the City's Parks Department would be necessary, but he does not think that would be any problem.
Finally, on the idea of replacing the preliminary plans' access road which eliminates homes #80 and #78, in favor of an access road that returns traffic onto Folsom, Terry explained that he has had quite a few discussions with individuals in the Transportation, Traffic Engineering, and Fire Departments regarding this road, and he has not been able to convince them to eliminate this connection. They have all pointed out that this interior access road is necessary not only from a traffic circulation point of view within the park, but also for emergency vehicle access within the park.
In the future, Terry hopes to set up a "tabletop" discussion meeting with any interested individuals from Mapleton Park on the preliminary plans. In the meantime, if residents have questions or comments about the preliminary plans, please write them out and submit them to Mark Reeder's home at #14. He will pass them along to Terry Rogers.
The MHA would like to extend its thanks on behalf of all the residents in Mapleton Park for all of the hard work Terry Rogers, Ned Williams and Dave Rhodes have put into this project. Moreover, we thank them for their care and concern for residents affected and unaffected by the project.

New Footbridge
By Debbie Kranzler

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This March a new footbridge will be installed over the creek (well, technically it is the Boulder/Whiterock Farmer's Ditch) to replace the old one removed last March. There are many residents ready to celebrate reinstalling this pedestrian link between portions of our park! For those of us on the East (Mapleton) side of the creek, access to the laundry facility, and the rent deposit-box, will be much more convenient. For those on the West (Folsom) side, access to Mapleton Avenue will once again be direct.
On Monday, January 26, members of the Resident Advisory Committee (Gene Langlois, Jerry Evans and Debbie Kranzler) together with Ed Underwood, met with Luther Green, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist (he does technical services for construction) from the Housing Department of the City of Boulder, and Loretta Milcarek, from Hast & Co. Luther showed the group a drawing of the bridge that has been ordered, explained the process the City went through in selecting this particular bridge, and outlined the installation procedure.
The bridge is four feet wide with wood planking, similar to bridges spanning Boulder Creek as part of the bike/pedestrian path. Unlike our previous bridge, this one will have side rails, with uprights and diagonals sufficient to prevent small children from falling into the creek. There is a slight up curve to the bridge for aesthetic and structural reasons, but it is gradual enough to be wheelchair accessible.
This model of bridge is very durable. The rails, made of metal, are expected to rust with exposure to weather; the rust reacts with the coating on the metal to form a protective layer which actually increases the life expectancy of the bridge. The wooden decking is only expected to last for about 10 to 15 years, but it is fairly easy to replace. Wood was selected over recycled plastic materials as the deck is weight-bearing.
Another benefit of this bridge is that it can be removed and then put back in place should there ever be a need to do some work on the creek. Also, several bridges were ordered from the manufacturer at the same time for other projects in Boulder, affording a substantial discount on the price. The total cost is approximately $16,000. This means that our landlord, City of Boulder, can allocate the savings to other infrastructure repairs within Mapleton Park.

Selection Process
The City of Boulder always looks for ways to be as 'green' as possible. When Luther surveyed bridge models, he assessed the materials used in constructing the bridge as well as the effects of the bridge once it is installed. The durability, versatility, ease of installation, appearance and cost of the bridge were all factors weighed in deciding on the appropriate choice for this location.
The chemicals used to treat the wood decking are, unfortunately, toxic. However, that was offset by other advantages including long life-expectancy.

Installation
The bridge will arrive from Minnesota sometime in early March. Once it is here, the temporary fencing and some of the existing concrete will be removed. Trees on both sides will need to be pruned, but will not be removed. A cement truck will back up to both sides of the opening to pour new abutments. Installing the bridge itself will require a backhoe stationed on the West side of the creek. The bridge will be brought in with a crane and set in place.

Safety Children (and adults!) will naturally be attracted to the construction site. We are welcome to watch from a distance. For our own safety it is critical that we understand not to touch any of the equipment and to move further away if asked to. While not absolutely necessary, surrounding residents may want to leave their homes for the few hours needed to set the bridge in place.
Cars usually parked near the walkway will need to be moved for the duration of the installation process. Some landscaping will be damaged as the heavy equipment moves in and out of place. This will be repaired by City of Boulder landscapers as soon as spring weather allows.
When the process is complete, we will have an attractive, safe, durable bridge connecting the two sides of the creek!

The deal of a lifetime
By Pete Caterina
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In today's world, everyone is looking for a good value. And why not. You work hard for your money. So, where can you get a really good deal and a truly great value for your hard-earned cash? The MAPLETON HOME ASSOCIATION, that's where! For a $5.00 membership fee you receive:


So, if you'd rather not help yourself (or neighbors), and deal with the City bureaucracy by yourself, and stand completely alone when the next City project goes through your lot, and/or prefer not to own the land under your home, then save your $5.00. You'll be needing it to survive alone in this day and age! However, if you want the peace of mind that comes from helping yourself, your neighbors, and your community by being a part of an organization formed especially to serve and protect Mapleton Park mobile homeowners, then $5.00 is the deal of a lifetime!!!

Mobile Home grant program
By Gene Langlois
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Jackie Morales-Ferrand and Luther Green of Boulder's Division of Housing and Human Services have made available to residents at Mapleton Park information on Boulder's innovative and far reaching Mobile Home Grant Program. The program provides a one time grant to assist mobile home owners in making necessary repairs and improvements to their mobile homes. It provides grants for up to $4000, as well as technical assistance and contractor supervision to ensure that the work is performed to specific standards.
To be eligible, residents must currently live in their mobile homes, have owned their homes for at least one year, reside within the city limits of Boulder, and have a gross annual income that does not exceed the income guidelines listed below:
Family Size Maximum Income
1 $31,700
2 $36,250
3 $40,750
4 $45,300
5 $48,900
6 $52,550
7 $56,150
8 $59,800
If you would like more information or would like to apply to the program, please call (303) 441-3157 and ask for Leslie Gibson. The good folks at HHS will be glad to answer your questions or mail you an application.
Jackie Morales-Ferrand explained that the program has a lot of funds at its disposal, so now is the time to fix up your home.

Eco-pass for MHA?
By Habiba Kabir
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We have learned that it is possible to get a discount rate on a yearly bus pass by getting a neighborhood to join together and buy an EcoPass. This EcoPass is a photo ID pass issued by RTD providing free access and unlimited use of all regularly scheduled RTD buses, including all local, regional, express, DIA and Eldora bus services. The City of Boulder will pay 25% of the first year contract for the Neighborhood EcoPass program.
This program is already in place in Martin Acres and the average annual cost per houshold is $82 per household. In Newlands Neighborhood the cost is $53 per household as they have more people involved. Compare this to monthly per person costs of between $21 and $85 (depending on service)! Now with the increase in rates on Boulder busses (even the HOP now costs $ .75) this could provide us with an economical way to get around town. If we have just 50 households participating the yearly cost would be under $100 per household. The more households we have involved, the less expensive the cost.
Do you ride the bus often or would you if the rates were reasonable? Do you take the bus to Denver occasionally? Do you ride the bus to DIA, (this is a great way to get there and back with no parking worries!) Would you be interested in hearing more? Would you like to help organize EcoPass for our park? If there are enough of us interested, this could be a good deal for all of us. If you want more information call Mary Huron at RTD 413-7306.

PS: Habiba has the packet from the RTD. Call her at 443-8029, if you want to work on this project.

More info

The Mapleton Mobile-izer is published quarterly by the Mapleton Home Association and is distributed free to all residents of Mapleton Mobile Home Park.