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HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.087-95 %,",.,',-,."',, 8., It, if Ik", ~~C;._ ,&,,',-,,'.', '%. RESOLUTION NO, 87 Series of 1995 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, RECOMMENDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE' OF COLORADO, SELECT THE CITY OF ASPEN'S "ALTERNATIVE H" AS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IN THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE STATE HIGHWAY 82 ENTRANCE TO ASPEN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, ENDORSING CERTAIN COMMENTS RELATING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FORWARD SAID COMMENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT .OF TRANSPORTATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ASPEN. WHEREAS, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") and draft Section 4(J) evaluation has been issued by the Department of Transportation, State of Colorado, ("CDOT") pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Transportation Act for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, the DEIS sets forth ten alternatives, including the no-action alternative, which are considered for transportation improvements to the Entrance to Aspen on State Highway 82; and WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed/the alternatives considered in the DEIS; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen is a destination resort community which attracts countless visitors throughout the year largely because of its beautiful high mountain panoramic scenery, clean air, healthful environment, and historic community character; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen was formally designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a "moderate nonattainment area" pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 as its air quality is projected to exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less (PM,,); and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that air quality and a healthful environment 1 -- ~".' ~. 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II <<\ c,>_" are important components of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and community of the City of Aspen and that air quality and a healthful environment in and around the City of Aspen are threatened by various pollutants, including PM" particulates; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that there is substantial interest in promoting aesthetic and environmental quality of life in both residential and commercial areas of the City of Aspen by ensuring that the air quality of the City of Aspen meets or exceeds National Ambient Air Quality Standards; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that all of the alternatives under consideration will significantly affect the quality of the human environment in and adjacent to the Entrance to Aspen project corridor; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that, except for the no-build alternative, all of the alternatives under consideration, will require the use of and/or will adversely impact publicly owned parks, recreational areas, open space parcels, recreational trail systems, and historic sites on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and a recreational trail system; and WHEREAS, Joint Resolution #396 dated October 26, 1992, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County, the Town Council of Snowmass Village, and the City Council of Aspen, Colorado, and endorsed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) regarding transportation into Aspen stated that: . Alternative solutions that provide a balanced program of incentives . and disincentives to individuals to reduce their use of the private automobile should be utilized initially; . Alternatives which encourage the use of mass transit shall have preference over others; . The concept of a fixed guideway system between Snowmass and Aspen as an integral part of the overall transportation strategy shall be pursued; and 2 e' {' w',', (% \\., '-' 01','" \1i! ~ '\! ",lI,',, @ ~~, . Alternative solutions selected must combine to form a transportation strategy that is enduring and one that the community can be proud of; and WHEREAS, the Aspen Area Community Plan ("AACP") written by over 400 citizens of the Aspen area and adopted unanimously in January, 1992, by the Aspen City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission, states that" Aspen cannot build its way out of traffic problems anymore than Los Angeles was able to solve its problems with ever larger and wider freeways" and includes the following adopted policies: . seek to balance public and private transportation both within and without the Aspen Metro area by increasing the number of available transportation choices; and . create a less congested downtown core area; and WHEREAS, the Elected Officials' Transportation Committee, representing the City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village and Pitkin County, unanimously endorsed the community goal of holding auto traffic in 2015 to levels at or below those in 1994; and WHEREAS, the history of transportation in America demonstrates that the construction of larger highways consistently increases both auto traffic and distant development; and WHEREAS, safety improvements on Highway 82 are of paramount importance to the City of Aspen; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen and CDOT entered into an agreement dated March 1, 1995, for a "Cooperative Process Contributing to the Entrance to Aspen EIS"; and WHEREAS, said agreement set forth Project Objectives to guide the EIS process in a cooperative and mutually advantageous manner and to establish concrete principles and objectives for the transportation improvement project; and WHEREAS, the City and CDOT jointly developed and agreed upon a Project Need and 3 #- t;',.., I)'" << #:.' \~<,- 1(1t Intent Statement; and WHEREAS, a four-lane highway into Aspen, with or without restricted lanes, would induce additional vehicle trips into Aspen, and would violate the Project Objectives in the following specifics: Community-Based Planning, Transportation Capacity, Environmentally Sound Alternative, Community Acceptability, Clean Air Act Requirements, and Livable Communities; and WHEREAS, the aforementioned agreement between CDOT and the City of Aspen included the specifications for a cooperative public process including the Symposium held on March 31 - April!, 1995; and WHEREAS, the results of the Symposium (expressed in material presented by each of five separate citizen discussion groups) led to the development of concepts which, taken collectively, comprise "Alternative G" as described and endorsed for inclusion in the DEIS in Resolution No, 42 of the City Council of the City of Aspen, adopted on June 26, 1995; and WHEREAS, Alternative G has been refined and further developed beginning with an Entrance to Aspen Design Charrette that was held during the week of August 6, 1995, and culminating in the City-sponsored conceptual design and operations analysis for "Entrance to Aspen DEIS Alternative H - Light Rail Transit;" and WHEREAS, CDOT granted the City's request to extend the public comment period for the DEIS until December 18, 1995, in order for the City to prepare the information suggested by CDOT regarding Alternative H and to conduct a public outreach program; and WHEREAS, the City, as part of its public outreach program to educate its citizens regarding the City's proposed Alternative H, did mail a brochure entitled "A Transportation Solution for the Community - Entrance to Aspen - Alternative H" (appended hereto as Attachment "A") to all of the registered voters and local resident homeowners of the City of 4 itA" ~- i&1t.", !f \:, ,'",Q,ft", Iii;' ii' \,,^ Aspen; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen has carefully reviewed the Draft EIS and draft Section 4(t) evaluation with particular attention given to the proposed use of publicly owned open space, recreation areas, trails, and parks, and has concluded that Alternative H should be evaluated to the fullest extent possible and thereafter selected as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS (see Resolution appended hereto as Attachment "B"); and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Aspen has reviewed the Draft EIS and draft Section 4(t) evaluation with particular attention given to the proposed use of historic sites and resources that may be used or impacted by the alternatives under consideration, and has concluded that Alternative H offers the greatest opportunity for cooperative planning between CDOT and the City of Aspen to minimize harm to the historic sites and resources (see Resolution appended hereto as Attachment "C"); and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission have committed themselves to community based planning and to cooperatively assist CDOT in planning all necessary mitigation measures to minimize all harm resulting from the implementation of Alternative H following its adoption as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS; and WHEREAS, the Entrance to Aspen Task Force, consisting of 25 invited citizens representing diverse interests and different geographic areas of the community, was convened by the Mayor to provide comments to the City Council on Alternative H; and WHEREAS, said citizens' task force met weekly from November 7, 1995, through December 12, 1995, at which time they presented their report of conclusions on Alternative H (see report appended hereto as Attachment "D"); and 5 'It' '",.",'" v: -'i.< !I,;1,'It',,',, \,), ,; a""It",.,', ~r '", WHEREAS, said citizens' task force in their report as delivered to Council affirm that Alternative H will serve the community in the following ways: (a) meets the character based Aspen Area Community Plan, (b) serves the community and its diverse needs, (c) makes financial sense, (d) has an appropriate configuration and alignment, (e) meets long-range goals, including a valley-wide transit system, (f) is an environmentally appropriate response, and (g) is a community compromise which is politically viable; and WHEREAS, the Clean Air Advisory Board of the City of Aspen and Pitkin County, a duly appointed joint board with authority to implement the air quality provisions of the Municipal Code of the City of Aspen and the Pitkin County Code, has reviewed the DraftEIS and the City's proposed Alternative H, and has concluded that (a) CDOT should be strongly encouraged to further study Alternative H in the FEIS process, (b) Alternative H meets all of the Project Objectives, (c) Alternative H is the most attractive alternative they have seen that presents the best avenue for meeting the Board's goals, and (d) Alternative H should be the alternative approved for the Entrance to Aspen (see Resolution appended hereto as Attachment "E"); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee of the City of Aspen, a committee of private citizens appointed by the City Council of Aspen to advise the City Council on matters related to bicycle, pedestrian and nordic trails within the City limits, has reviewed the DEIS and the City's proposed Alternative H and has concluded that: "No Final EIS shall be adopted unless a comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian, and nordic trail system is incorporated into the final design (see report appended hereto as Attachment "F"); and WHEREAS, the City's proposed Alternative H does not foreclose the ability to adopt a comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian, and nordic trail system into its final design; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Roaring Fork Transit Authority, a mass transit 6 'It' If' 'c.." """.',,,, \%' v ',,,, "It 0"'"",, i%.\... system formed and constituted pursuant to Section 29-1-201, et seq., C.R,S., by the City of Aspen and Pitkin County in 1983 to provide public transportation throughout Pitkin County and its environs, at a regularly scheduled and noticed meeting endorsed Alternative H because it best meets the Project Need and Intent Statements and Project Objectives (see letter appended hereto as Attachment "G"); and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has expended considerable financial resources and staff time to evaluate Alternative H in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed the City's proposed Alternative H and all supporting documentation, reports, analysis, and board and commission comments; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen did not object - as it could have - when the original Basalt to Aspen EIS was segmented in 1992; and the City of Aspen later cooperated with the Basalt to Buttermilk process and agreed to the solution of a four lane highway to Buttermilk; and WHEREAS, the DEIS and draft Section 4(f) evaluation seek public comment and the City Council has reviewed and endorses the comments prepared by staff and desires to offer its special knowledge and expertise to CDOT; and WHEREAS, the two-mile area covered by the Entrance to Aspen EIS lies primarily within the city limits of the City of Aspen -- and the Aspen community has the right to decide the character of its own front door and to determine its own destiny. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT 1. The attached comments are hereby endorsed by the City Council of the City of Aspen and the City Manager is directed to submit said comments to' the Department of Transportation, State of Colorado, as part of the official public 7 It, ',A,,' I' <''<, k.' I ~,1~":,,, \<', , ".1,.,,:,'.'.,,', I" \\ record for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Draft Environmental Impact Statement public review process. 2. Alternative H, with its potential phasing options, is determined to be a refinement of Alternative G, and as such, Alternative H includes the significant benefits of Alternative G, while better meeting the Project Objectives and fulfilling the Project Need and Intent Statements incorporated in the DEIS. 3. Alternative H, with its potential phasing options, should be evaluated to the fullest extent possible to (a) consider every significant aspect of the environmental impact which Alternative H may cause and (b) to include all possible planning with the City of Aspen to minimize harm to publicly owned parks, recreation areas, or historic sites resulting from their use, 4. The preferred alternative should not contain a "four-lane platform," because - in addition to other detrimental effects - any four lane would (a) increase vehicle miles travelled, (b) add greatly to future automobile congestion in the City of Aspen, (c) harm the environment, (d) violate the historic character and scale of the Aspen community, (e) hurt the valley's tourist based economy by making Aspen less unique and attractive to visitors; (f) erode the community's liveability and quality of life for residents, and (g) ignore the desires of the elected representatives of the City of Aspen and Pitkin County. 5. Based upon the analysis and evaluation performed to date by CDOT and the City of Aspen staff and consultants, the City Council believes that following the additional analysis and evaluation suggested above, Alternative H should be selected as the preferred alternative for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project. 6. Provided (hat the preferred alternative selected in the Final EIS best meets the Project Need and Intent Statements and Project Objectives of the EIS, the Aspen City Council hereby commits to the adoption and implementation of appropriate and adequate transportation management ("TM") strategies necessary (a) to minimize harm to the environment, publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and historic sites; and (b) to achieve the community goal of holding entrance-to-Aspen automobile traffic in the year 2015 to levels at or below those in 1994. (See Attachment "Hn). 7. All previous motions, resolutions, and ordinances of the City Council of the City of Aspen, or portions thereof, that are inconsistent or in conflict with this resolution are hereby repealed and of no further effect. 8 RESOLVED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 18th day of December, 1995, by the ~~_ City Council for the City of Aspen, Colorado. ~Lv. <;', I?~ John . Bennett, Mayor I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held December 18, 1995. ~)xi~ Kathryn S. och, City Clerk ~,.'"" ');",. %8' ~t,. , 9 ATTACHMENT A 4 Transportation lution for the CotnmJLlni-ly Entrance to Aspen Alternati've H , The community compromise to end 25 years of debate. "Our last, best chance in century to solve the Entrance Aspen, transportation dilemma. " -Aspen Mayor John Bennett What is Altemative H? The Colorado Department of Transportation (COOT) is evaluating alternatives to address our traffic problems between Buttermilk and Aspen. COOT's other alternatives focus on building a four-lane highway. Instead, AlternativeH provides: (I) light rail transit from the airport to downtown Aspen; and (2) a new divided two-lane parkway from Buttermilk to Cemetery Lane. At Cemetery Lane, inbound traffic would turn right along Castle Creek, then left over a new bridge to join 'Main Street. Cars would exit Aspen easily on two new lanes of one-way traffic along the S-curves. This solution to the Entrance to Aspen debate... . preserves the Marolt Open Space . splits the traffic between the S-curves and the straight alignment . reduces congestion and future traffic coming into town, and . provides excellent alternatives for both commuters and visitors Light rail will provide quick, easy and fun access to Aspen. Downvalley commuters and visitors can park at one of the transit stations outside the city and board a train into town. Peak hour trains will run every 10 minutes for the !lip into Aspen. ~ . ~. ~ .~ ~ e """0"~.'. Y{i~;;<~;,;.;;;"-- ,)./~ '11," character of the central em'e - . , would be preserved and [ealw-e light rail transit and in-town Slll/U/e buses. ~ . . CJ) 00 g u CJ) r:q ~ CJ) ::tj CJ) r:q 00 I--l - "e" IX r:' It preserves our precious open space. Alternative H creates far less impact on the Marolt proper~. The inbound lanes would skirt the edge of the open space instead of cutting directly through it like other alternatives. It reduces traffic and noise on the S-curves by at least 50 percent. The inbound and outbound lanes would be split, creating less traffic, less noise and less air pollution for the residents of this neighborhood. It uses light rail transit to enhance our community, while providing 'iuiet, reliable ,.\ transportati,!1~" rail could from one of stations, maklli y andfun to get ili'\'town. It reduces the number of cars coming into town. With the emphasis on light rail transit, fewer cars will need to drive into town. It is pedestrian-friendly. There would be plen~ of room for sidewalks and bike lanes, making the entrance into town much nicer for pedestrians and bikers. It can move more people to and from Aspen than the other alternatives. Afour-lane highway would be congested by the time it is built because cted increase in , rnative H eople, not It fer for bicyclists and pedestrians. Alternative H provides a safer environment for pedestrians and bike riders, reducing conflicts with motorized vehicles in town. There are no hidden,costs. The other alternatives would require the construction of more parking garages and expensive underground lots inside the ci~ limits. Ci~ taxpayers would have to foot the bill for these garages. Ail attractive h'aJl1sit system will keep Aspen a competitive resort destination. What would San Francisco be without its trolleys? A light rail transit system would be innovative and fun, It could become an Aspen signature that both locals and tourists would love, , It takes you where you want to go. The system is designed to allow easy connections to all four area ski mountains and could be extended downvalley. 1#1.111U;lG~ OJ 1!li!d~~ I F-IVd ;;BVlsod B"n pt'Nssv/J-j.'>J!::f p<JJ.!oSDJd An That Manage Aspen's Transportation .and Parking Plan was a ood start towards solving en's automobile stion problem. the increased traffic forecast for the next 20 years means that even a four-lane highway will not accommodate the cars of the future, The other alternatives could also require city taxpayers to finance parking structures costing $50 million or more. A system that looks beyond the automobile as a transportation makes sense, I - -"l1li111 What Can lOu Do? The deadline for public comment on these alternatives is December _ 18,1995. This is your last .. chance to let CDOT know that you would like light rail to be considered along with the highway alternatives. Help decide Aspen's future by sending the enclosed card to CDOT. Or write your own letter and send it to: Ralph Trapani Project Manager Mount Sopris Transportation Project CDOT 202 Centennial , lenwood Springs, CO 1601 uel UUld A:J-~um.uUIoJ Tl8IV u<>dsy- "U09nl/oa puv uOHsaBuOD sV:;J/lF8.1 rVlp S.lolntUtUOiJ puv S.lOl!S,U1 1S:I-U8f!SB./ Joj tu8lslis uO.J:f-v~odsuv.9 PrJtVJBDtU.1 Ifa:mvfv9 v ap!aoJd OJ s?['iJas fi}!UlIUaUO;J 2~1" ][918 OJ 'ugdsy ~ugl~D 'Sa,')! UGdsy JO WY (ie (e e ATTACHMENT B RESOLUTION NO. Series of 1995 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, RECOMMENDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE OF COLORADO, SELECT THE CITY OF ASPEN'S "ALTERNATIVE H" AS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IN THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE STATE HIGHWAY 82 ENTRANCE TO ASPEN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, is a duly appointed permanent commission of the City of Aspen in accordance with Section 8.1 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Aspen with authority to, inter alia, make its special knowledge and expertise available to any official, department, board, commission, or agency of the City of Aspen, Pitkin County, State of Colorado, or the federal government; and WHEREAS, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") and draft Section 4(f) evaluation has been issued by the Department of Transportation, State of Colorado, ("CDOT") pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Transportation Act for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, the DEIS sets forth ten alternatives, including the no-action alternative, which are considered for transportation improvements to the Entrance to Aspen on State Highway 82; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has proposed a new alternative which is not included in the DEIS and which is commonly referred to as Alternative H; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has expended considerable financial resources to evaluate Alternative H in accordance with' the National Environmental Policy Act and Department of Transportation Act; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has carefully reviewed the City's proposed Alternative H and all supporting documentation, reports, and analysis; and ( It (e Ie WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has carefully reviewed the alternatives considered in the DEIS; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds that all of the alternatives under consideration, including the City's proposed Alternative H, will significantly affect the quality of the human environment in and adjacent to the Enlrance to Aspen project corridor; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds that, except for the no-build alternative, all of the alternatives under consideration, including the City's proposed Alternative H, will require the use of and/or will adversely impact publicly owned land of a public park, open space parcels, historic sites on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and a recreational trail system; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Action Plan of the Aspen Area Community Plan, adopted by joint resolution by the City Council of the City of Aspen and the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County on February 2, 1993, states that it is the community's intent "to provide a balanced, integrated transportation system for residents, visitors, and commuters that reduces congestion and pollution;" and to create a less congested downtown core area; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission endorses the Project Need, Project Intent, and Project Objectives as adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen and set forth in the DEIS; and WHEREAS, the DEIS and draft Section 4(f) evaluation seeks public comment and the Planning and Zoning Commission desires to offer its special knowledge and expertise to CDOT. NOW, 1'HEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT: The Department or Transportation, State of Colorado, be informed that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, has reviewed the DEIS and draft Section 4(f) evaluation for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project and ( 'e (e has concluded as follows: 1. The no-build alternative should not be determined to be the preferred alternative in the Final EIS as the no-build alternative fails to meet the Project Need, Project Intent, and Project Objectives adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen and included in the DEIS. 2. All of the alternatives considered and evaluated in the DEIS and the City's proposed Alternative H will significantly affect the quality of the human environment in and adjoining the project corridor; however, the City's Alternative H best meets the Project Need and Project Intent Statements and the project objectives as identified in the DEIS, 3. All of the alternatives evaluated, with the exception of the no-build alternative and including the City's Alternative H, will require the use of publicly owned lands and no prudent and feasible alternative exists to using such lands; however, the City's proposed Alternative H offers the greatest opportunities for cooperative planning between CDOT and the City of Aspen to minimize harm to the publicly owned lands resulting from their use. 4. For all of the foregoing reasons, Alternative H should be evaluated to the fullest extent possible and thereafter selected as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS. 5. The Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby committed to community based planning and to cooperatively assist CDOT in planning the joint uses of publicly owned lands to minimize all harm resulting from the adoption of Alternative H as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS. INTRODUCED, RE~D AND ADOPTED by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City , ~ J of Aspen on the day of j t{~~, 1995. ~~ ff xYaU-~J Chairperson ( tit (e . I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting Deputy City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held on the day hereinabove stated. ShOJi. on 'iYl , lOJUuJ.lo Deputy City Clerk .- .-,--,-.-7.-T'~---' . ~":-'C.::('-' .- _....-._,.".-..;.~{,.;;-.. e e e ATTACHMENT C RESOLUTION NO.j> Series of 1995 A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, RECOMMENDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE OF COLORADO, SELECT THE CITY OF ASPEN'S "ALTERNATIVE H" AS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IN THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE STATE HIGHWAY 82 ENTRANCE TO ASPEN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, is a duly appointed permanent commission of the City of Aspen in accordance with Section 8.1 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Aspen for the purpose of (a) ensuring the preservation of Aspen's character as a historic mining town because of its importance to the economic viability of the community as an international ski resort and cultural center, (b) promoting the cultural, educational and economic welfare of Aspen through the preservation of historic structures and areas and the preservation of the historic character of the community , (c) encouraging productive and economically attractive uses of historic structures, and (d) supporting the implementation of the Historic Preservation Element of the Aspen Area Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") and draft Section 4(f) evaluation has been issued by the Department of Transportation, State of Colorado, ("CDOT") pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Transportation Act for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, the DEIS sets forth ten alternatives, including the no-action alternative, which are considered for transportation improvements to the Entrance to Aspen on State Highway 82; and I WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has proposed a new alternative which is not included in the DEIS and which is commonly referred to as Alternative H; and WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has expended considerable financial resources to evaluate L Alternative H in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Department of e Transportation Act; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission has carefully reviewed the City's proposed Alternative H and all supporting documentation, reports, and analysis; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission has carefully reviewed the alternatives considered in the DEIS and notes that the Maroon Creek Bridge, Holden Smelting and Milling Complex, and Colorado Midland Railroad have been identified as historic sites and/or resources that may be used or impacted by the alternatives considered; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission finds that, except for the no-build alternative, all of the alternatives under consideration, including the City's proposed Alternative H, will require the use of and/or will adversely impact publicly owned historic sites on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places; and e WHEREAS, the Design Quality and Historic Preservation Action Plan of the Aspen Area Community Plan, adopted by joint resolution by the City Council of the City of Aspen and the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County on February 2, 1993, states that it is the intent of the Aspen community to "ensure the maintenance of character through design quality and compatibility with historic features"; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission endorses the Project Need, Project Intent, and Project Objectives as adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen and set forth in the DEIS; and WHEREAS, the DEIS and draft Section 4(f) evaluation seeks public comment and the Historic Preservation Commission desires to offer its speci?:,V kriowledge and expertise to CDOT. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT: s e e e it The Department or Transportation, State of Colorado, be informed that the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, has reviewed the DEIS and draft Section 4(f) evaluation for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project and has concluded as follows: 1. The no-build alternative should not be determined to be the preferred alternative in the Final EIS as the no-build alternative fails to meet the Project Need, Project Intent, and Project Objectives adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen and included in the DEIS. 2. All of the alternatives evaluated, with the exception of the no-build alternative and including the City's Alternative H, will rt'..quire the use of and/or will detrimentally impact historic sites and resources and no pmdent and feasible alternative exists to using or impacting such sites and resources; however, the City's proposed Alternative H offers the greatest opportunities for cooperative planning between CDOT and the City of Aspen to minimize harm to the historic sites and resources. 3. For all of the foregoing reasons, Alternative H should be evaluated to the fullest extent possible and thereafter selected as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS. 4. The Historic Preservation Commission is hereby committed to community based planning and to cooperatively assist CDOT in planning all necessary mitigation measures to minimize all harm resulting from the adoption of Alternative H as the preferred alternative in the Final EIS. INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Aspen on the /::<./[, day of ~:L3AIPc:Fr , 1995. /~/=~h4'7~' Ch' rson I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting Deputy City Clerk do certify that the foregoing ,is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the Historic Preservation I I ' I Commission of the City of Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held on the day hereinabove stated. /dot; MJ/#'-t/ heputy City Clerk ATTACHMENT D '_ Memorandum DATE: 13 December 1995 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Entrance to Aspen Task Force RE: Alternative H Comments e Background The Entrance to Aspen Task Force consisted of 25 invited participants whose names were submitted by members of the Aspen City Council. The Task Force was convened by Mayor Bennett on 7 November 1995 and held five meetings prior to developing their comments. They were also invited to attend a presentation on 15 November by Otak, Incorporated, consultants to the City of Aspen on Alternative H. Consensus Comments of the Task Force At their meeting of 12 December, the Entrance to Aspen Task Force agreed upon the following comments with respect to Alternative H as a transportation solution for the Entrance to Aspen. The Task Force submits these comments to the City Council for their consideration and inclusion in public comments on the Draft EIS. These comments were adopted by consensus of the group. Alternative H will serve the Community in the following ways: I. It meets the Character-based Aspen Area Community Plan... .. The couplet will reduce the perception of congestion. .. The S-curves are maintained as an historical element. e .. The smaller road through open space will produce a quiet entrance. -- e e .. Size is in keeping with the scale of Aspen. .. The following issues need to be addressed through continuing study: appearance of overhead wires, new noise, urban feeling, additional traffic signals and/or grade separated intersections. 2. Serves the Community and its diverse needs... .. It appears to be the best svstem--consisting ofLRT, highway, and demand management--to serve the diverse user groups in the Aspen Area. These include commuters, visitors, locals, commercial traffic, etc, .. However, we ask that the City and CDOT analyze in the FEIS the ways various user groups will use and benefit from the system. 3. Makes financial sense... .. We need to do something now in order to preserve the financial viability of Aspen as a resort community. .. We expect that the funds available for Highway 82 construction already committed by CD aT would be contributed to this system. .. On a schedule of comparative values, it meets the issues of non- tangible costs, including parking requirements and RFT A expenses. .. Substantial RFTA savings would be achieved, as indicated in the TDP study prepared for RFTA. .. Even if it accomplishes everything except "financial feasibility," then it is worth it. 4. Appropriate configuration and alignment,.. .. Light rail is the appropriate technology for the Entrance to Aspen. .. Transfer facilities should be carefully studied to encourage ridership. 2 a .. <> Transfer facilities should be carefully studied to encourage ridership, .. Split alignment improves safety. .. Bus phasing option is not acceptable. 5. Meets Long-Range goals, including a valley-wide transit system... .. While we believe Alternative H stands on its own, CDOT should not preclude expansion of the LRT system to Highlands, Snowmass, and Downvalley. '" LRT should be implemented immediately, however, phasing options with the Alternative H configuration should be considered in the FEIS. 6. Environmentally appropriate response... " Least impact on open space. " Address air quality objectives. .. Minimizes impact on historic properties. 7. A community compromise which is politically viable... .. Alternative H is the community response to the Entrance to Aspen. Citizens participating in the Task Force Final Resolution Yasmine DePagter Hans Gramiger Susan Hineline Howie Mallory Bonnie Murry Frank Peters Les Holst Roger Hunt Jamie Knowlton Fred Smith Charlie Tarver Ed Zasacky 3 4- .. it". @' \ >"" 'e:' '~, ~. \'\,. - .'~ ATTACHMENT E RESOLUTION NO....1 Series cif1995 . 'A RESOUJTION OF mE CLEAN AIR ADVISORY BOARD 'OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, AND PITKIN COUNTY,. RECOMMENDING' . THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE OF COLORADO, SELECT THE CITY OF' ASPEN'S "J.\LTERNATIVE H" , AS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IN THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE HIGI;IWAY82 ENTRANCE TO ASPEN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. WHEREAS, the City Council ofthe . City of Aspen has declared that air quality. is an important component. of the health,. siJiety and welfare of the citizensandcorrununity of the City, of Aspen and that the air quality in and around the City of Aspen is threatened by various poUubm,ts; and wHEREAS, the Clean Air Advisory Board of the City of Aspen and Pitkin County' Colorado, is a duly appointed joint board of theGty of Aspen and Pitkin County with authority to implelTIent the air quality provisions of the Aspen Murlicippl Code and Pitkin .CountyOjde;and WHEREAS, a DraftEnviroruhel1tal ImpadStatement ("DEIS") and draft Section 4(f) evaluation has been issued by the, Department of 'I'ranspOltation,., . State of Colorado; ("CDOT") pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Transportation Act for the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Transportation Improvement Project; and '. . ' , ,,- wHEREAS, the DEIS setsfortl1 ten alternatives,includingtheno-adion alternative, which are considered for transportatio:n improvements to the, Entrance to Aspen on State Highway 82; and ' , WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has proposed a new alternative whkh is 110t included in theDEIS corrunonlyreferred to as Alternative H;and . WHEREAS, the Clean Air Board has carefully reviewed the alterna,tives c011sidered inthe DEIS and the City's proposed Alternative H;and . ' .' . ,WHEREAs, the Clean Air Boarcl finds that all of the alternatives uncler consideration, includingtheCity'spr()posed Alternative H,willsignuicanHy . affeGt the quality oHhehuman environment in andadjacenttothe E;ntrance to Aspen project corridor; and . . Printedon: Rec:Y~led Paper <<e' I' W", ~, ..It" . """,,-- .... ~~-, "<, "I'e" . [" ~' WHEREAS, the Cle~n Air Board wishes to ensuretlLat air quality in' Aspen arid Pifkin County are healthful fClrits residents and visitors; an(i . WHEREAS, l11.o11itoring data has shownthis are<!to experiel1Ce viol<!tions of federal he<!lth standards for PMlO air pollution and studies done by the . Colorado Dep<!rtment of Health havefOl:ind 83% of this pollution to,befrom vehicle traffic; and " . WHEREAS, the severclpossiblealternatives for the Entrance to Aspen vary greatly in the amount. of traffic that will result betWeen Buttermilk and Aspen, and within Aspen, as well qS clong Highway 82; and . ' . ' '. wHEREAS,theCleanAirAdvisory Board believesthattheselected , ,." , . alternative should be the one that bestreducestraffic in and arou,nd the Aspen . Pitkin County metro. area; and . , , ' WHEREAS,. the Clean Air Advisory Board strongly supP9rts the project , objective adopted by theGty of Aspen, Pitkin County and CDOT, of providing an <!lternative that keeps traffic from growing above 1994 levels to maintain clean air, corrunuJ1itycharacter and viability as <!resort, and consistencyWitlL the Aspen Area Corrununity Plan and SIP efforts tCl redace traffic; and ' WHljREAS,lhe altel'natives pl'esented in the DBIS would cause signifieant consequences in and around Aspen, arid these air quality and cost impacts are 110t disclosed, and , . WHEREAS, the Clean Air Advisory Board has reviewed studies done by CDOT and the City of Aspen, and deterrnined that all alternatives presented in the DEISgreatly increase traffic over today's levels, and this Board has not seen anything in the alternatives presented so fa,r in theDEIS that meets the project objective of keeping traffic from growing, and that ai'e not in fact primarily auto" , oriented; arid WHEREAS, Alternative H is' a comprehensive alternative that includes greatly imptovedtransitservice in and around town;fast,atttactive,Jow fare,light rail service for the Highway 82route with frequent service to and from downtown Aspen, incentives fOr use of transit combined with other options for local trips, . precisely the goals of improving air quality and providing good alternatives to auto use that are this Board's goals; , , ' NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VE,D THAT the dean Air AdVisory , Board of Aspenand Pitkin County strongly encourages CDOT to further study Alternative H in the FEIS process; the CAAB further,states that Alternative H Printed on RecycledPaper. 'I)" v I . \\,-, h""4,,,ltr Wi \, " . "a t1.,. meets all of the project cibjectives;thatAltermitiveHis the most attractive alternative we have seen, one that presents the best avenue for meeting this Board's goals; and that Alternative H should be the alternative approved for the Entrance to Aspell. . ' INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the Clean Au' Advisory Boatdof the City of Aspen and Pitkin County on the 13th, day of December; 1995. ,(t..--;/ ,:1" Chairperson /--Z)/- ;If/' Printedon.Re?,c1ed Paper /a Ii. 'e"" /e f:I ATTACHMENT F September 12, 1995 Mayor and City Council City of Aspen 130 S, Galena Aspen, CO 81611 , RE: Public Comment for the Entrance to Aspen DEIS Project STA 082A-008 . ...- -~---- ASPEN, PITKIN PLANNING & ZONING DEPA"IITMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Dear Mayor and Council: The Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) has reviewed the DEIS Alternatives, including Alternative H, on August 17th and September 7th. The NAC unanimously approved the following motion. We hope that this comment will assist you in preparing a response to CDOT: ' "No Final EIS shall be adopted unless a comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian, and nordic trail system is incorporated into the final design." Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. Sincerely /J.1'~ ;<' / // dJ..J '-fi~:f/' __. I J/ f' !/_ .' " ;.r~ ," -l 'ie.WO H~" f-/-.I: Neighborhood Advisory Committee AI Blomquist John Busch Larry Fredrick, chair Hans Gramiger Roger Hunt Bob Wade cc: Ralph Trapani, Project Manager, Mt. Spans TranspOrl:.'tion Project 130 SOUTH GALEJ\;A SJ'REE'J' . ASPEN, COLORADO 81611 . PHONE 303.920.5090 . FAX 303.920.5197 I'rintodonrecydrdp"por DIRECT FAX LINE: 303.920.5439 e e e ATTACHMENT G IK!@ , !JiiilfNj(tli !;f:OJfJi]E1: 'lJ'!mitlB\!J8)fl"f tMJJE~'&CV !JMi3L~I!EIVJ, if;;IiJ!UJiQ'SIMIiI(D December 15, 1995 Mr. Ralph Trapani, Project Manager Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Mount Sopris Transportation Project 202 Centennial Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 Dear Mr. Trapani: The Roaring Fork Transit Agency (RFT A) wishes to thank CDOT, and you, for the effort involved in the development of the State Highway 82 Entrance to Aspen Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EADEIS). The willingness of CDOT to work cooperatively with the community to develop an integrated multi-modal transportation alternative in keeping with its scale, natural beauty, and unique character, is greatly appreciated. The community involvement process undertaken by CDOT has been extensive and unprecedented. Yet, as a result, it is believed the EAFEIS will better reflect the community's earnest desire to develop an innovative and enduring multi-modal transportation solution which will yield the greatest benefit in terms of its impact on the environment and quality of life. To this end, the RFT A Board of Directors wishes to endorse Alternative II, and its potential phasing options, because it best meets the Project Need and Intent and Project Objectives. Because Alternative H has been developed by the community it should be fully evaluated and carried forward into the FEIS as the preferred alternative, '51 Service Center Drive Aspen, Colorado 8161 t . Tel: 970.920.1905 J-:ax: 970.920.2864 Mr. Ralph Trapani, CDOT RFT A Entrance to Aspen Draft Environmental Statement Comments Page 2 It Additionally, the RFT A Board of Directors requests that the FEIS identify and quantify all potential service, equipment, facility, and cost impacts upon RFTA, throughout its entire service area, related to the alternatives which are analyzed. In the Highway 82 Basalt to ButtermiUc Record of Decision (BBROD), CD aT committed to purchasing 15 buses for RFT A and constructing park and ride facilities throughout the Highway 82 corridor, in order to mitigate air quality impacts associated with tbe preferred alternative. Any service and cost-related impacts on RFTA, above those already contemplated by the BBRaD, should be clearly delineated in the EAFEIS, Because ofRFTA's severe financial constraints, the RFT A Board of Directors ajso requests that CDaT commit to mitigating tbese impacts. Consistent with the BBROD the Board also requests that CDOT commit to providing safe pedestrian access to and from aU passenger facilities in the Entrance to Aspen corridor. AdditionaUy, CDOT is requested to provide RFTA with priority treatment during construction to minimize schedule delays for buses and provide an added incentive for commuters to use transit. To the extent that construction delays require RFT A to increase service levels and costs to maintain reliable schedules, it is requested that CD aT mitigate these costs. Again, thank you for your assistance in developing the best possible multi-modal transportation alternative for the Aspen community. Please let me know if you have questions. Sincerely, ~ ' \CW~{t~~1j!Jiw Dan Blankenship \/ General Manager ' e e e ATTACHMENT H Sample TDM Package Supportive of Alternative H Trip Reduction Strategies for the Entrance to Aspen The Transportation Management (TM) forecasts within the DEIS were performed independently of the characteristics of the physical alternatives themselves. During the FEIS process, the preferred alternative will need to be developed in conjunction and fully integrated with a comprehensive package of supportive TM measures, To the fullest extent possible, the incremental and cumulative effects of the TM measures need to be modeled and quantified, in order to provide a range of results and an assessment of key variables and sensitivities. Likewise, the projected costs and revenues associated with the TM measures need to be included in the FEIS analysis. The FEIS must result in a preferred physical alternative that has a clearly integrated TM package with a recommended implementation strategy, phasing scheme (with appropriate' triggers), and resource implications (including financial and other needs, along with estimates of revenue generating capacity), The City Council commits to the implementation of appropriate transportation management strategies as they become necessary in a phased TM program integrated with a preferred alternative that best meets the Project Need and Intent Statement and the Project Objectives of the EIS, A sample TDM package is presented below for further discussion, analysis, modeling and refinement during the FEIS process: Regional Ridesharing Program 411 Enhanced free real-time ride matching service lII> Downvalley vanpool program 1\11 Guaranteed Ride Home program 1II Employer assistance/incentives lII> Transportation Fairs (summer and winter) III Visitor information hot line 1Il Retailer discounts for non-SOV users CI Automated commuter information centers Enhanced HOV Incentives In Coni unction With Multi-Modal Center 1\11 HOV preferential access to multi-modal center (lane, ramp) 1\11 HOV preferential parking at multi-modal center 1Il Free or discounted parking for HOVs 1\11 Free or discounted transit fare for HOV occupants lII> HOV exemption from congestion pricing @ Enhanced downvalley ridematching (real-time custom trip planning) @ Information on travel alternatives provided to resort visitors in advance 0IIl Continued free, preferential in-town parking for HOVs with upper-valley origins e e e In-Town Transit Service Improvements @ Smaller, more frequent buses @ City-wide dial-a-ride program 1Il Guaranteed Ride Home program III Cross-town shuttle/trolley service Downvalley Transit Service ImDrovements III Continued transit subsidies III Additional targeted user-side subsidies ow Transit Check program for visitors 01il Creation of universal debit pass or billing program for parking and transit 01il Electronic transit information systems at major transit stops II\l Airport to lodge baggage service II} Secure bicycle storage at major transit stops Parking Management 1II >I> 1II 011 <<I Increased parking fees Continued free, preferential carpool parking Broaden fees/surcharges to all private commercial spaces Cap or reduce on-street parking spaces Near-band radio system and variable message signs communicating in-town parking fees and parking/transit arrangements from multi-modal center More restrictive Residential Permit Parking Program ow Employer-Based TDM Programs ow Carpool/V anpool financial support 1II Incentives to encourage the carpool-to-transit connection <<I Preferential parking for carpools/vanpools I\l Increased employer-provided bus passes I\l Frequent user incentive/award programs iii Telecommuting programs (home and downvalley satellite work centers) <II Teleconferencing I\l Flexible or compressed work hours III Parking charges III Transportation allowances @ Altered construction project work schedules <II Secured storage for tools 011 Employer-provided pool vehicles for midday trips e e '. - . .- :rraffic Calminf?: and Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements I) ~ \D More auto-limited and pedestrian-friendly downtown Improved pedestrian/bicycle lanes and zones Community bicycle programs, including bicycle lockers, access to showers, allowing bicycles on light rail Free loaner bicycles Plowed bike paths in winter \D l!I !=ongestion- Pricing l!l If and when needed, implement congestion pricing on SH82 within the Aspen city limits via automated vehicle identification system, WIth all revenues dedicated to transitltransportation improvements Ii) Conduct full-cost accounting and fair allocation of public costs and resources to level the playing field between private autos and transit lAind LJse Strategies @ Zone by impact, not use (e.g., revise "home occupation" zoning rules) III Support Transit-Oriented Development and neo-traditional planning @ Continue upper-valley affordable housing programs to increase the percentage of Aspen workers living in the Aspen area , . 8 January 1996 Mr. Ralph 1 Trapani, PE. Regional Construction Engineer Department of Transportation, Region 3 202 Centennial Avenue Glenwood springs, CO 81601 ASPEN, PITKl:\ Pl.-'.;.i.\I.\G & ZO;.;I:-;C DEP.-\RDIE\T CO\I\IL.\1n DE\HOI'\I~\ J DEP.\RDjE\T RE: Eilltrance to Aspen DEIS Comments Dear Ralph: The Entrance-to-Aspen consolidated comments provided by the City of Aspen and Pitkin County contained a resolution from the Aspen City Council which referenced a report from the Entrance-to-Aspen Task Force, a citizens group organized by the City. . Along with the report were included a list of names of those Task Force members participating in the drafting of the report. The list of names inadvertently included the name of Mr. Hans Gramiger. Mr. Gramiger attended meetings, but did not participate in the drafting of the report. He has specifically requested that his name be stricken from the list of Task Force participants as provided to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I regret any inconvenience which this error may have caused you or Mr. Gramiger. Very truly yours, /--- . r -' /":' ': -'''- ...1./ I I ; eJt~ Stan Clauson, AICP, AS LA Community Development Director CITY OF ASPEN cc: Mr, Hans Gramiger Amy L. Margerum, City Manager 130 Snt:TH G.-\LE:q STlmT . ,.l,)~'E'\, Cl)LOR,-\Do81611 . Pll\l\E 303.LJ20jOlJ!1 . F..\\ 303.l120.11Q7 .~ 1''''_1<',1,.'''' ,':','r" DlliH I F 1\ L\l': :;,13.'!2rJ).~3l;