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Your Evening News - January 15th, 2015

Glenwood Considering New Meadows Development

Tonight Glenwood Springs Council will take an early look at a proposed development at the Glenwood Meadows Shopping Center. It would add nearly two hundred housing units and commercial space to the bustling shopping complex.

The new development proposal includes 174 residential units and nearly 6,000 square feet of commercial space as well as amenities like a coffee lounge, business center, and gym.

Andrew McGregor oversees Community Development for the City of Glenwood Springs. He says City Council must keep in mind the area has been assessed for mudslides.

“We’re very in tune with the geologic environment out there, and of course very concerned with making sure that all construction is done taking that into full consideration.”

McGregor says the Meadows has structures in place to help prevent slides. The business and energy of the shopping center, which includes stores like Target and Lowe’s, is one reason McGregor thinks the development will be a good fit.

Governor Delivers State of the State Address

Governor Hickenlooper delivered the annual state of the state address this morning in Denver.

Among the topics addressed included the state’s energy sector and the question of balancing business against the environment and public health.

“I look forward to the recommendations of this task force and pledge to work with you and pledge to work with you and other stakeholders in developing our energy resources, protecting private property rights and our natural environment public health and the people’s quite enjoyment to homes and neighborhoods.” 

Hickenlooper also called attention to banking needs in the growing legal marijuana business.

“One of the ongoing public safety concerns is that the marijuana industry operates almost strictly in cash, without traditional forms of banking.  Cash only businesses invite corruption, just look at the history of Prohibition. We will continue to push the federal government to allow banking for this industry.”

Hickenlooper also focused on the economy, education, transportation and budget challenges in Colorado in his third state of the state address.

Aspen Music Festival Does Outreach to Underserved Youth

The Aspen Music Festival and School is partnering with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to teach underserved students classical music. The three-year project is called the “National Take a Stand Festival.”

In the program, world-renowned conductors, guest artists and master teachers will mentor the students at a series of youth orchestra camps. A week-long camp will be held in Aspen in early summer 2016 where about 150 kids from cities around the country will be trained and eventually perform in the Benedict Music Tent.

Alan Fletcher is CEO of the Aspen Music Festival. He says the L.A. Philharmonic’s vision goes beyond teaching classical music.

“They’re very clear that although they’re using classical music training as the primary vehicle, what they’re really wanting to do is improve education and quality of life for children.”

The Aspen Music Fest is involved in part because of its work with local students. The organization teaches music to underserved children from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Public School Numbers Grow Slightly in Colorado

The number of public school students in the state has grown again, this academic year. But, the Denver Post reports, it’s grown at a slightly slower rate than in the past. According to figures from the state department of education – preschool through 12 grade saw just over 22,000 new students in Colorado for a total of about 889,000 – an increase of 1.4% compared to last year. Urban and suburban districts posted the largest gains year over year. Meanwhile, nearly half of Colorado school districts saw their enrollment decline, according to the state.

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