by Osman Parvez
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The Grape Street Curse Strikes Again

Earlier this week, I dropped everything and sprinted to see a new listing for one of my relocation buyers. My client is looking for a property that will be a good project to renovate. Adding square footage is expected. They’re on the prowl for a home with so called good bones (with or without a basement) in North Boulder. 


This particular property in north central Boulder checked a lot of boxes:  


– Larger than typical lot, allowing more flexibility for expansion
– South facing (better for passive and active solar, plus smaller solar shadows)  
– Low traffic street 
– Well maintained but otherwise unimproved (why pay for renovations that you will gut)
– Mid 1950’s construction (which the city is not yet making efforts to preserve)

Unfortunately, the back half of the lot was in the moderate risk flood plain. But by itself, that wasn’t the deal killer.  The deal killer were the power lines. 


This particular house not only has the usual backyard distribution lines, it also has the Grape Street Curse: massive towers with looming transmission lines overhead. To make matters worse, a distribution branch for a perpendicular street ran directly next to the house.  In other words, the house was penned in by power lines. 

Distribution branch directly adjacent to the house

Unsightly transmission lines do more than ruin the backyard views and create challenges for expansion, buyers are increasingly concerned with health risks of Electrical and Magnetic Fields (EMF). With my science background, I know that on the scale of things, EMF is a much lower concern than other hazards like mold, lead based paint, and asbestos. The science is not particularly alarming, but if EMF goes the way of other environmental risks, awareness and concern will likely increase. Even if you could stomach the visual impact, the future health impact (real or perceived) should scare you away. Remember, location is one of the only things you can’t change. 

Note:  Obviously, this one won’t work for my clients.  If you happen to know of a house that might and is not yet on market, please reach out to me. 

Due diligence tips: 
– Flood maps, current and proposed
– Electrical distribution and transmission lines
– Compatible Development regulations

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