HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19710602Special Meetin~ Aspen City Council June 2~ 1971
Meeting was called to order by Mayor Eve Homeyer at 5:05 P. M. with Councilmen Ross Sunday Street
Griffin, Jack Walls and City Manager Leon Wurl. Closing
Mr. Herb Barrel, Regional Planner, pointed out the meeting was called to hear and discuss
with the citizenry the area and alternatives of the Sunday Street Closing.
Councilman Comcowich arrived.
Proposed area reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission was outlined by Mr. Bartel
with boundaries of Hopkins, Monarch, Durant and Hunter Streets and including access ~o
Tom's Market, Aspen Drug, Minclair Station and Crossroads Drug which are the businesses
opened on Sunday.
Alternative-~was outlined keeping Galena closed between Hyman and Cooper but providing a
loop for businesses on Hyman and Cooper. Alternative also showed access for the Prospector
Lodge. Further alternative was outlined including boundaries of Galena, Hyman, Mill and
Cooper and Mr. Bartel stated he felt this was the minimal area that should be considered.
Letters from the Prospector and Louie's Spirit House were read.
Glen Paas - Questioned what provisions have been made for parking.
Mr. Bartel reported in observing the area outside the mall area, there is sufficient
space for parking. The parking will shift, there is also the Little Nell parking lot
which is not being used, spaces available at Rubey Park. There ar.e 600 spaces available. ~-~
People will have to walk a block or two.
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Special Meeting Aspen City Council June 2, 1971
Glen Paas - Summer tourists drive around looking for a mntel and feel this closing will
be a serious problem to the motel owners in this area.
It was pointed out the summer tourist stay at a motel is from one day to 3 days. Mr. Bartel
pointed out the success of the program will depend upon the residents, they should be
encouraged to walk and ride bicycles. Further stated the area for closing should be t&ft
flexible enough so that different alternatives can be tried, extension of the two hour
parking has not been considered.
Representative from Sinclair Station stated access should be given that does not end in
a dead end situation, business dropped 25% during Earth Day.
William Little questioned how Sunday deliveries were going to be handled. Mr. Bartei
pointed out.Sunday deliveries and emergency vehicles would be granted access. Hours for
closing suggested by the Planning and Zoning Commission are from 7Y00 A. M~ to 7:00 ~. M.
Mr. Richard Long questioned what activities are planned during the closing. Mr. Bartel
reported the City would like to encourage restaurants to locate some tables outside,
children's games, etc.
Irene Tagert mentioned last time this was tried on Cooper Street the restaurant owners
were not too happy with serving food outside due to the dogs.
Pat Dasko mentioned in New York City this exact thing is being tried on Madison Avenue.
Perhaps the first Sunday would be to teach people the rules of bicycle riding, could
have outdoor fashion show and shows with different shops participating, displays, etc.
Mr. Curt Baar stated if the City wants to improve the downtown, there are businesses
that do not want this. We know the elimination of cars will hurt business. Referred Council
to the petition signed by 20 business owners objecting to the mall.
Mr. Bartel pointed out when the petition was submitted, it was not submitted on the basis
of the specific areas outlined.
Barbara Baker was present representing.the Environmental Task Force (240 members) @nd
stated the organization had voted unanimously for the original proposal.
! , Mr. Curt Baar stated the following organizations are against the mall: Pitkin County
Taxpayer's Association; Aspen Business and Professional; Aspen G~lf Association and the
Elks.
Mr. Bob Lewis stated the people who would benefit are not present at this hearing, suggest
an opportunity for the public at large to speak to this question.
Mayor Homeyer stated the meeting was well advertised and this is not a problem that can
be solved over-night. Feel it is a matter of education and feel the malls would be a
great commercial advance to the businesses. Unless Aspen realizes we are in the business
of serving recreation and people wanting a change from their city life, feel the City
will lose. This Sunday closing was to be on a trial basis and to be considered as a long
educational process.
Councilman Jack Walls stated his firm has been working on the parking problem and will be
submitting an outline on this sometime this summer.
There being no further comments, Mayor Homeyer closed the public hearing.
Councilman Comcowich referred to the copy of the petition previously submitted and stated
the names on the petition are people who have helped this community and he will not be'
treating this petition lightly. Do not agree with closing off the parking in froqt of
businesses where the same businesses are allowed under zoning to go elsewhere. Feel this
should be discussed when the new Council is in office.
Griffin moved to adjourn at 6:00 P. M., seconded by Walls. All in favor, meeting adjourned.
.~o.rraine Graves, City Clerk