Happy Friday, Longmont! Struggling to find love? Consider trying a phone booth — a soulmate booth, that is. At Empire Collective in Denver, visitors can step inside a vintage phone booth, pick up a phone and answer a series of questions. Their photo is taken, and printed out before them is the picture of another person with whom the booth thinks they’re compatible. They are then charged with doing detective work to track the individual down, since no contact info is given — only a first name. Unfortunately, it does cost $10, proving that love, in fact, does cost a thing.

Today — The man accused of a hotel explosion reverses his guilty plea, Longmont is annexing more land for housing, and one of Longmont’s most popular breweries releases a new beer.

Let’s dive in.

More housing is coming to Longmont.

But, don’t worry — it’s not an apartment complex.

Tuesday night, Longmont City Council unanimously approved the annexation of a 7.95-acre plot of land between Quail Road and Clover Basin Drive. The annexation was requested by land developer LJA Engineering to build a new residential neighborhood.

The concept plan allows for single-family detached, single-family attached and multifamily residential uses. A to-be-determined portion of the development will be earmarked for affordable housing. Jonah Weiss, an LJA planner and Landscape architect, says the company’s central goal is to “create a vibrant community that provides “missing middle” housing with area dedicated for inclusionary housing.”

Support of public opinion:

Throughout the annexation process, which began in 2023, nearby residents voiced a wide range of concerns about the project: Intensifying foot & vehicle traffic, density, pedestrian & driver safety, and wildlife impacts were among the most common.

Weiss said LJA listened:

Locals also wanted the development to avoid apartment buildings and instead prioritize for-sale lots. Weiss said LJA agreed to remove apartment building as an allowed use.

During the public hearing, speakers were largely supportive of the annexation, as long as safety and traffic impacts remain a priority. One speaker praised the plan, arguing that more housing supply reduces demand and therefore lowers prices.

“Market rate supply has expanded so effectively that market rents are currently lower than the city’s subsidized rents,” Longmont resident Shakeel Dalal said. The Longmont Brief has not independently verified this statement.

Still up for debate:

City council made several amendments to the annexation ordinance which include the preservation of a silo and requiring the incorporation of a bike sharing option compatible with the city’s current bike-share system. While LJA is receptive, they have concerns:

The silo issue awaits a review by the Historic Preservation Commission, and city council agreed to allow the bike-share to go through on the condition a long-term operator is assured, as well as other measures related to the station’s location.

Leon Gladwell withdraws guilty plea: On July 31, the man accused of an explosion at a Longmont Residence Inn in 2020 pled guilty to several charges, including arson. But now, Leon Gladwell has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, according to Administrative Deputy Shannon Carbone of the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. Gladwell was scheduled to appear in court this week to receive a sentencing, but now, both parties are litigating the issue and working with the court to set a hearing.

1st & Main Transit Station breaks ground today: One of Longmont’s most ambitious projects in recent history takes a big step forward today. At noon on 613 1st Avenue, the City of Longmont will mark the start of construction for the transportation hub that’s been two decades in the making. The five-story transit center will include a bus station, 10 bus bays, 700 parking spaces, bicycle storage, and provide connections to regional bus service and passenger rail service, which is slated to be ready in 2029 (fingers crossed on that one). Construction should be completed by the end of 2027.

Seven Silver Creek tennis players qualify for state tournament: The only high school tennis players in Longmont heading to the state tournament in 2026 are Raptors. Following yesterday’s regional tournament, Silver Creek High School will send #3 singles player Henry Richter along with three doubles teams to the state tournament in Pueblo next weekend. The doubles teams include #2 Leo Barrett & Mason Otten, #3 Tate Kostelecky & Nate Dudas, and #4 Aayush Thamma & River Patton.

Life is complicated. Keep your weekend simple by visiting Grossen Bart Brewery for delicious brews, live music from blues & folk band Good Music Medicine, and football all day Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget — Grossen Bart has NFL Sunday Ticket. Find them at 1025 Delaware Avenue behind the Safeway on Ken Pratt Boulevard.

Murder, Haunts & Intrigue: Nighttime Historic Walking Tour: Is Longmont haunted? Get the chance to probably not find out tomorrow night by joining Longmont Museum’s Curator of History Elizabeth Beaudoin and Paranormal Investigator Catlyn Keenan for a special Halloween after-dark walking tour of downtown Longmont. Unfortunately, uncovering the paranormal isn’t free. Tickets are $20 and you can find them here.

Tropical Hazy Blues Release Party: Oskar Blues Brewery is releasing a brand new Hazy IPA, and they’re marking the occasion with an all-day party tomorrow. Escape to the tropics, be among the first to taste the Tropical Hazy Blues IPA, and enjoy live music & food from Mo’s Beef. Be sure to take part in the theme, too — everyone who dresses in tropical attire receives a prize. Admission to the party is free, and it takes place from 12 - 9 p.m. at the Oskar Blues Tasty Weasel Taproom.

Fire Station Open House: Take a peek behind the curtain of Longmont Fire Station 2 during its open house tomorrow morning. Check out the equipment, tour the station, and meet the Longmont Fire team. It takes place from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at 2212 17th Street.