Condemnation idea debated to redevelop Crossroads Mall

BOULDER ? The continuing saga of Crossroads Mall could have become the nightmare before Christmas during the Dec. 12 study session of Boulder’s city council, but a clear head prevailed.

Phil Shull, chairman of the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) board, quietly and succinctly laid out questions that would “materially alter” the course of Crossroads Mall redevelopment. The most critical issue on everyone’s mind was the question of condemning the property.

Condemnation allows local governments to take private property for public use without the consent of the owner for just compensation. Crossroads Mall would fall under public use because it is…