On the corner of Broadway and University lies a quirky, L-shaped building home to a few restaurants, a convenience store, and a small bar. At first glance, maybe in the middle of the day, this place may not look like much to a professional on their daily commute through Boulder. But to the students of CU, this plaza houses some of the most cherished haunts, and delicious bites, within walking distance of campus. Cosmo's pizza, a massively successful, local chain, founded its first location here in 2001. Bova's Market and Grill, an iconic deli and grocery know for the Brandon, an affordable and delicious sandwich, prepared by Reuben, one of the friendliest cooks that has ever picked up a spatula. It houses The Fitter, a glass shop locally owned on The Hill since 1973.

While I'm the City and County of Boulder has the best intentions, these businesses cannot simply pick up and move. They are small, local restaurants and shops with limited money to fund relocation. But even if these were multinational chains, their beauty is in their direct connection to the energetic, mystical playground at the base of Chautauqua. The high ceilings and glass windows of the Fitter, the tile flooring and wooden corner booth in Cosmos, and the hidden grill in the back corner of Bova's can never be replaced. This renovation would tear out a central part of the culture of The Hill, and the culture of Boulder as a whole. These businesses must not be relocated or removed.

For more information on the proposed project, visit the City of Boulder website here. For more information on groups this might affect, including the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, click here. I hope you will join me in my efforts to preserve one of Boulder's most historic cultural landmarks. Without these local businesses, Boulder would not have the soul, energy, or beauty that we all get to enjoy.

THIS PETITION IS NOT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY ANY BUSINESS ON THE HILL. THIS IS THE SOLE VIEWPOINT OF PAUL GORDON AND ANY SIGNERS OF THIS PETITION.