"The public is the only critic whose opinion
is worth anything at all."
-- Mark Twain
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE - THIS THURSDAY - MARCH 26
Heads up! The City of Aspen is hosting a drop-in open house to update the public on the status of the Entrance to Aspen project. As is typical, they reference a "re-evaluation" but don't say what's being re-evaluated. And then they tease "design modifications" with no detail. It's all very suspect, but it would seem that things might be evolving.
The only re-evaluation I can imagine is that the city's foolish decision last year to try to make all of its 2026+ wishes fit into a 1998 approval without triggering a new environmental review process is not looking good. (A new EIS is likely inevitable and will add YEARS to the process.) I also have it on good authority that the feds are already sending warning signals about funding for this project.
I know, I know, the city holds these events just to check a box and say they've done "public outreach" when they have no intention of taking feedback into account, but we haven't heard anything since last year's vote that approved dedicated bus lanes across the Marolt Open Space. The "project team" will be making a presentation from 5-6 PM so maybe there will be some new intel and visuals on design refinements?
This may very well be your only opportunity to provide input on this issue!
The great irony is that of course - after all the "public meeting space" we are forced to build and fund throughout town - this event will be held during rush hour from 4:00-6:30 PM at Colorado Mountain College (255 Sage Way) out by the airport. Do you think they might be trying to keep attendance low?
There are a couple of key things to note about this meeting:
This indicates that AFTER 30 YEARS, "congestion" has finally been acknowledged as a problem and might possibly be addressed. Imagine that.
Sadly, what's still missing is innovation. The "Preferred Alternative" is hopelessly out of date. We have a critical situation with the deteriorating Castle Creek Bridge that MUST be replaced in any case. According to Jacobs Engineering, a new bridge can be built to replace the existing one WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN TRAFFIC. What are we waiting for?
(My prediction is that weight limits for the bridge will be implemented this summer, just in time for the massive construction excavation at the Lift 1A site.)
Keep in mind: There is no Entrance to Aspen without at least ONE functional bridge.
PLEASE make your voice heard.
And if you can't make it, HERE is the unwieldy City website on the Entrance. Look for the specific field for your comments. Please make your opinions known. Be factual and unequivocal.