This week: New Tax Proposals, Infrastructure Projects, and ACRA to the Armory
What's happening...
(ACC - Aspen City Council, BOCC - Pitkin Board of County Commissioners)
✈️ Airport Updates
BOCC convenes tomorrow in Executive Session to discuss the proposed ballot measure by Citizens Against Bigger Planes. The ballot measure is to amend Pitkin County's home rule charter preventing the BOCC from authorizing such changes without direct voter consent. If enough signatures are collected, the amendment will appear on the November 5, 2024, ballot. Mayor Torre weighed in this week, followed by other letters to the editor disagreeing with his perspective.
🪚 Demolition Allotments Program up for Discussion
Among a series of 5 proposed changes to the Land Use Code, the Demolition Allotments program will be discussed by council on Tuesday with the choice to modify or eliminate the program entirely.
🏡 Affordable Housing Tax on the Ballot
Pitkin County is moving forward with plans to introduce a ballot question in the upcoming November election, seeking voter approval for a new tax dedicated to funding affordable housing initiatives. County officials have settled on proposing a $1.5 million levy that would last for 40 years with the goal of generating approximately $8.5 million annually based on 2023 property values. This funding is intended to bolster various aspects of affordable housing efforts, including partnerships with developers, buy downs, county-led projects, support for homelessness initiatives, and reserves for homeowner associations. The proposal comes amid concerns about community reaction following substantial property tax increases in recent years, with commissioners acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the potential for significant positive impact on local housing availability and affordability.
🛠️ Castle Creek Bridge
The city of Aspen faces federal requirements to replace the deteriorating Castle Creek Bridge, situated in its current location, as outlined in a 1998 federal approval. Despite local officials' inquiries about alternatives, the Colorado Department of Transportation has clarified in a July 10 letter that the city cannot bypass this approval process. Any attempt to alter the location of the bridge would necessitate a lengthy federal review under the National Environmental Policy Act, with no guarantee of success. The bridge, critical for Aspen's western access and emergency evacuation routes, has surpassed its design life, prompting discussions on whether to adhere to the approved relocation or explore costly unilateral options.
🌉 Heard in Public Comments
Rachel Richards: “We’ve all known that the Castle Creek Bridge has been deteriorating for quite a while. This Council has now spent about 18 months not getting in the process for funding, not getting in the transportation planning regions’ goals, and not getting in the Statewide plan.”
Neil Seigal: “The current bridge is in poor shape at the end of its design life, and weighing all alternatives, it is recommended that it be replaced now. The notion that the report of your trusted Consultants is biased is absolutely wrong. The numbers they present are the numbers, the math is the math; it doesn’t lie, it’s not biased.”
⚖️ New Pitkin County Attorney
Richard “Ry” Neiley was appointed as Pitkin County's interim county attorney, following the passing of John Ely. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has not set a fixed timeline for filling the interim position as they continue their search for a permanent county attorney, with Neiley hopeful and prepared to discuss his vision for the role if considered for the permanent position.
🦦 Why the Roaring Fork is Brown
The brown-orange color of the Roaring Fork River in Aspen is due to a planned drawdown of water from Grizzly Reservoir. This drawdown, part of ongoing enhancements to the reservoir's infrastructure, is expected to continue affecting water clarity in the Roaring Fork River and Lincoln Creek for several days. Pitkin County Environmental Health recommends avoiding water ingestion and keeping pets out of the river during this period.
📦 ACRA Looks to Move to the Armory
The Aspen City Council is reviewing Resolution No. 83 (Series of 2024) for the temporary relocation of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) to Armory Hall, with North Peak, Inc. selected for necessary construction services. The project includes tenant finish improvements like fresh paint, new carpet, and remodeling an existing service counter. The relocation aims to facilitate ACRA’s operations while sharing common areas with city staff. The project has a total estimated cost of $149,736, funded by the Asset Management Plan (AMP) fund. Work is expected to take two months, with minimal environmental impact due to limited demolition. Approval of the contract with North Peak, Inc. is recommended to proceed with the relocation. The Old Powerhouse is slated to be remodeled and be used for offices and public gathering space.