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AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
November 16, 2020
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
130 S Galena Street, Aspen
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I.WORK SESSION
I.A.2021 Policy Agenda Update
I.B.Paepcke Transit Hub Project
I.C.Council Board Reports & Council Updates
I.D.City Manager Updates: COVID Testing, Joint Work Session with BOCC
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tara Nelson, Sr. Paralegal | Procurement | Policy
THRU: Sara Ott, City Manager
DATE OF MEMO: November 11, 2020
MEETING DATE: November 16, 2020
RE: City of Aspen’s draft 2021 Regional, State and Federal Policy Agenda
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: This purpose of this item is to allow for discussion and City
Council consideration of the proposed 2021 Regional, State and Federal Policy agenda.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: Council reviewed and discussed a first draft of the 2021 draft
Policy Agenda at a work session on October 20, 2020. Previous work sessions on December 3,
2019 and January 13 and 14, 2020 led to the ultimate adoption of the first 2020 Policy Agenda on
January 28, 2020 via Resolution No. 3, Series of 2020.
Before you today are revisions to the following sections:
o Contact information
o Environmental Sustainability
o Inclusion and Equity
o Health, Housing & Human Services
o Climate Action and Resource Conservation
o Public Health & Safety
o Elected Legislative Delegation
Changes made from the October 20 work session discussion are summarized below.
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Page 2 of 6
Document Development
Section
10/20/20 work session
proposed language
Edits made after
10/20/20 worksession
Environmental
Sustainability
Pg. 6
We will continue to advance policy
that supports our ability to protect
our unique local environment,
conserve resources and deliver a
sustainable future for all. We will
investigate and support efforts and
policies that offset and reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in
meaningful and measurable ways.
We will continue to advance policy
that supports our ability to protect
our unique local environment,
conserve resources and deliver a
sustainable future for all. We will
investigate and support efforts and
policies that offset and
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions in meaningful and
measurable ways as well as those
that reduce waste through
prevention and diversion.
Health
Housing &
Human
Services
Pg. 7
Aspen is dedicated to supporting
and sustaining healthy communities
that strengthen individuals and
families while providing reasonable
health and human services for
anyone who calls the Aspen Area
“home”. We will strengthen the
quality of life and well-being for all
people in our community by
providing or promoting
opportunities in housing, jobs and
access to services, such as
education, public safety and health
through all phases of life. We value
a collaborative approach to finding
creative, sustainable solutions and
are guided by professional, legal
and community standards in
providing opportunities for people
of all ages and abilities to achieve a
higher quality of life through:
Aspen is dedicated to supporting
and sustaining healthy communities
that strengthen individuals and
families while providing reasonable
health and human services for
anyone who calls the Aspen Area
“home”. We will strengthen the
quality of life and well-being for all
people in our community by
practices that provide and promote
opportunities in housing through the
lens of policy that expands access
and aids in inclusion and equity
regionally and statewide. We strive
to advance the framework for jobs
and access to services, such as
education, public safety and health
through all phases of life. We value
a collaborative approach to finding
creative, sustainable solutions and
are guided by professional, legal
and community standards in
providing opportunities for people
of all ages and abilities to achieve a
higher quality of life through:
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Inclusion and
Equity
Pg. 9
Our equitable outcomes will
prioritize the groups with the most
significant needs.
In this commitment, we are
affirming that our individual and
collective diversity in gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, national origin,
age, sexual orientation, gender
identity, citizenship status,
education, disability, socio-
economic status, or any other
identity is a valuable asset to
Aspen’s present and future.
Accordingly, we will support efforts
that have the potential to promote
inclusivity and equity in Aspen and
the greater Roaring Fork Valley
region.
Our equitable outcomes will
prioritize the groups with the most
significant needs.
We will identify and remove any
structural inequities in our city
policies, land use regulations, city
charter, or other governing
documents.
In this commitment, we are
affirming that our individual and
collective diversity in gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, national origin,
age, sexual orientation, gender
identify, citizenship status,
education, disability, socio-
economic status, or any other
identify is a valuable asset to
Aspen’s present and future.
Accordingly, we will support
policies and efforts that have the
potential to increase, promote,
achieve and foster inclusivity and
equity in Aspen and the great
Roaring Fork Valley region.
Public Health
and Safety
pg. 12
Additional bullet points:
• Western slope drive
thru coronavirus testing
site regime that (may rotate
in and out
of community) is free and
can be used without a doctor
referral with the
goal of equity and
resources for rural communi
ties;
• Utilizing Coronavirus Relief
Funds reimbursement
requests towards
expanding coronavirus testin
g capacity and
10/20 bullet points deleted.
Additions made:
• As members of the Western
slope and a less populated
side of Colorado we would
like to see fair treatment
and equitable distribution of
resources needed to protect
our community, health and
safety
• Drive-thru coronavirus
testing that does not require
a physician’s referral and
has fast turnaround of test
results
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potentially reallocate some
of that appropriation to
direct more funds towards
establishing testing sites
• Medical services equally
accessible to everyone
Climate Action
and Resource
Conservation
Pg. 10-11
Climate change is leaving an
indelible mark on Colorado and
threatens the quality of life of
residents. The City of Aspen’s
Climate Action Office identifies our
city as one that is dependent on a
stable climate and the maintenance
of natural resources for a thriving
economy. Aspen is committed to
reducing GHG emissions through
programming and policy in the
following categories: low and zero
emissions transportation, waste
reduction, specifically composting
of food waste, energy reduction in
buildings, and advocating for state
and federal regulations that support
GHG emissions reductions. We
support climate change
preparedness, adaptation and
resiliency efforts, the
Colorado GHG Pollution Reduction
Roadmap, as well as more
aggressive goals and regulations
that would require the state and
country as whole to reduce GHG
emissions. Aspen’s local Climate
Action Plan (CAP) identifies
the actions necessary to achieve
sustainable future for our
community.
…………..
Climate change is leaving an
indelible mark on Colorado and
threatens the quality of life of
residents. The City of Aspen’s
Climate Action Office identifies
our city as one that is dependent on
a stable climate and the
maintenance of natural resources
for a thriving economy. Aspen is
committed to reducing GHG
emissions through programming
and policy in the following
categories: low and zero emissions
transportation, specifically
composting of food waste, energy
reduction in buildings, and
advocating for state and federal
regulations that support GHG
emissions reductions. We support
climate change preparedness,
adaptation and resiliency efforts,
the Colorado GHG Pollution
Reduction Roadmap, as well as
more aggressive goals and
regulations that would require the
state and country as whole
to reduce GHG emissions. Aspen’s
local CAP identifies the actions
necessary to achieve a sustainable
future for our community.
………
Aspen is committed to resource
conservation through the
elimination of single use items,
converting organic material into
compost, increased recycling
education, and diverting
construction and demolition
materials away from landfills. Per
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Furthermore, we support the
preservation and expansion of local
governments’ ability to engage in
climate action efforts that include
local and multi-city commitments.
These partnerships and affiliations
leverage successes at the state,
national, and international level
and create further value within our
community and others.
the AACP, Aspen supports policies
which will promote resource
conservation by these methods.
Furthermore, we support the
preservation and expansion of local
governments’ ability to engage in
climate action and resource
conservation efforts that include
local and multi-city commitments.
These partnerships and affiliations
leverage successes at the state,
national, and international level
and create further value for our
community and others.
Regionalism
Pg. 14-15
Added bullet point:
• Support for: election
fairness, reduction of the
influence of money in
politics increased civic and
voter participation,
improvement of
government transparency
and accountability and
campaign finance reform
Legislative
Delegation
Pg. 16-19
Added: newly elected officials
BACKGROUND: City Council has previously adopted a 2020 policy agenda as a guiding
document and convened October 20, 2020 to review and discussion a draft 2021 policy agenda.
DISCUSSION: This agenda aims to become the cornerstone for City Council to make informed
decisions for which policy matters are determined. As outlined, the purpose of the Policy Agenda
will be used by individual City Council members and city staff to inform city positions taken on
specific bills once the legislative session begins.
Once approved, the Policy Agenda will inform and provide authority for the remainder of 2021.
Further, the City will be able to utilize the Policy Agenda as a direct advocacy of government
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officials as well as build coalitions and to attempt to influence positions adopted by the
intergovernmental organization we participate with.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss, identify and move forward with changes and proposed
revisions with the ultimate goal of adopting a 2021 Policy Agenda as a guiding document.
ALTERNATIVES: Choose not to adopt a formal guiding document 2021 Policy agenda
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS: November 16, 2020 work session second revised draft 2021 City of Aspen
Regional, State and Federal Policy Agenda
7
2021 REGIONAL, STATE
AND FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA
APPROVED DECEMBER _, 2020
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NAME CONTACT INFORMATION
Torre, Mayor Torre@cityofaspen.com
(970) 948-2023
Ward Hauenstein,
Mayor Pro-Tem Ward.Hauenstein@cityofaspen.com
(970) 948-3858
Skippy Mesirow Skippy.Mesirow@cityofaspen.com
(847) 530-0811
Ann Mullins Ann.Mullins@cityofaspen.com
(720) 308-7115
Rachael Richards Rachael.Richards@cityofaspen.com
(970) 710-1038
City Manager City Attorney Policy Fellow
Sara Ott James. R. True Tara Nelson
Sara.Ott@cityofaspen.com Jim.True@cityofaspen.com Tara.Nelson@cityofaspen.com
Mailing & Physical Address Website
130 South Galena Street www.cityofaspen.com
Aspen, CO 81611
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Table of Contents
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY AGENDA………………………………………………. 4-5
PRINCIPLES (*not in any particular order of preference)
DELIVER QUALITY ESSENTIAL SERVICES………………………………… 5
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY………………………………………. 6
LANDS & NATURAL RESOURCES…………………………………………… 6
HEALTH, HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES…………………………………. 7
SERVICE INTEGRATION & COLLABORATION……………………………. 7
LOCAL CONTROL……………………………………………………………… 7-
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY……………………………………………………. 8
DELIVER ASPEN AREA COMMUNITY PLAN THEMES……………….…. 8-9
INCLUSION AND EQUITY……………………………………………………. 9
PRIORITIES (*not in any particular order of preference)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING………………………………………………………. 10
CLIMATE ACTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION ……………………. 10-11
PUBLIC LANDS – NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE, PARKS, RECREATION…… 11
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY……………………………………………….…. 12
TELECOMMUNICATIONS……………………………………………………… 12
WATER AVAILABILITY & CONSERVATION………………………………... 13
RIVER HEALTH…………………………………………………………………. 13
EARLY CHILDHOOD…………………………………………………………… 13-14
RENEWABLE ENERGY………………………………………………………… 14
REGIONALISM…………………………………………………………….……. 14
TRANSPORTATION……………………………………………………………. 15
PROCESS
WHOSE WHO - OUR LEGISLATORS………………………………………… 16-19
DISTRICT MAPS AND DISTRICT NUMBERS ……………………………… 16-19
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PURPOSE OF THE POLICY AGENDA
The purpose of the City of Aspen’s 2021 Regional, State and Federal Policy Agenda (hereinafter
“Policy Agenda”) is to inform city advocacy on policy decisions that have the potential to
significantly impact 81611 and surrounding jurisdictional boundaries. This includes legislative
decisions that may be made by the Colorado General Assembly or the U.S. Congress. It also
includes various non-legislative decisions that can be opined at the federal, state and regional
levels, including but not limited to those before Colorado agencies (i.e., Air Quality Control
Commission, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Transportation, Department of
Regulatory Affairs), federal agencies (i.e., Environmental Protection Agency, Department of
Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission), regional governments (i.e., Regional
Transportation District) and intergovernmental coalitions (i.e., Colorado Municipal League,
Mountain Pact, Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Climate Mayors, Northwest Colorado
Council of Governments, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, Water Quality/Quantity
Committee, EOTC)
The City offers the Policy Agenda as a guideline to regional, state and federal policy leaders for
reference when considering decisions impacting the City of Aspen. This agenda was developed in
advance of the 2021 Colorado General Assembly. With the coordination of the Sr. Paralegal,
policy team staff and the City Manager, it will be used by individual City Council members and
city staff to inform city positions taken on specific bills once these legislative sessions begin. At
that point, Council may consider adopting amendments to the Policy Agenda to address specific
bills that have been proposed.
Council may revisit the Policy Agenda at any point. It may do so as a body or with the Policy
Advisor fellow as no intergovernmental affairs committee exists. City Manager has created this
policy fellow position for the purpose of convening on an ad hoc basis as necessary when one or
more of the following circumstances exist:
1. There is an immediate need for council members to participate with staff in developing a
strategy to advance or defeat a proposed policy which is clearly addressed by the City’s
Policy Agenda or other council-approved policy documents, or
2. A decision is expected to be made on regional, state or federal policy that affects a matter
which council has previously provided general direction on and that could significantly
impact the city, but which council did not provide sufficient specific direction on (either
through its Policy Agenda or other approved policy documents) and with timing that will
not allow for council direction to be obtained. In these limited situations, the City Manager
and Policy Advisor fellow may discuss such policy proposals so that the city can advocate
accordingly. Council is to be informed whenever such direction has been provided and
may choose to subsequently revisit such direction.
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Modifications to this Policy Agenda require consistency, when applicable, with the criteria listed
below:
1. Uniformity with current city council goals, community expectations and Aspen Area
Community Plan;
2. Impact on our citizens general health, safety & welfare;
3. Expected relevance in the upcoming or present state and federal legislative sessions;
4. Uniqueness of issue or impact to the City of Aspen and/or to our regional partners;
5. Viability or likelihood of achieving goal weighed with importance of beginning to
address/highlight critical issues;
6. Opportunity for providing funding for City of Aspen or its community partners; and,
7. Availability of metrics of success that would allow the position to be deleted from future
agendas if achieved
This policy agenda recognizes circumstances arise wherein a City Council member may be a lone
representative of an organization and must address and/or vote on a policy position on the spot.
Departures from these criteria are made in unique circumstances as determined by council, such
as when adoption of a city position is important to support its regional partners, even while the
policy in question is otherwise of limited consequences to the city. Further, departures may
broaden our approach for advocacy with policies that align with our values and intention for our
state and nation even when they are benign towards Aspen or may disadvantage Aspen for a larger
good or shared goal.
This policy agenda further recognizes that Aspen may look at how affiliations and like–minded
organizations may take position on certain pieces of legislation. Aspen will strive to take position
with the recognition that it is unique, and although guidance from interest groups and Colorado
Municipal League may be sought, there are times where our position may not be consistent or
aligned.
The City welcomes the opportunity to discuss the Policy Agenda. Please direct any questions to
City Council members or to the City’s Senior Paralegal, Tara Nelson at (970) 920-5059.
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PRINCIPLES AT A GLANCE
Deliver Quality Essential Services
The City urges Congress and the General Assembly to expand resources for those essential
services that serve the city’s most vulnerable, including childcare assistance, access to affordable
health care, mental health and addiction services, and protect the community and the
environment. As identified in the Aspen Area Community Plan, the City of Aspen’s intent is to
ensure a broad visitor base over the long-term, bolstering the sustainability of our visitor-based
industry. In addition, this plan calls for more aggressive measures to ensure that the commercial
sector provides essential products and services, and to ensure balance between a local-serving
and visitor-oriented commercial sector. We foster policy to facilitate the sustainability of
essential businesses that provide basic community needs. It is apparent that gaps still exist in the
provision of essential services including adequate housing and health care options for all
community residents. We value a collaborative approach to finding creative, sustainable
solutions. As a principle, we are guided by professional, legal and community standards that
provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to achieve a higher quality of life
through: self-reliance, public safety, health and well-being, education and lifelong learning.
Lands & Natural Resources
he City of Aspen has established a dynamic natural resource program that encompasses both the
urban forest and the surrounding natural resources. With over 1,100 acres of open space being
'locally secured' and protected by taxpayer funded acquisitions situated within a county
comprised of thousands of acres of Federal BLM and Forest Service lands, we are committed
to preserving and protecting these vital resources as well as enhancing our natural surroundings.
We work to preserve open spaces for recreational use, wildlife habitat, scenic viewplanes and
sustainment of our agricultural heritage; protect water sources and ensure a sustainable water
supply; protect air and water quality to reduce impacts to residents.
Environmental Sustainability
The City of Aspen maintains its commitment to promote environmental stewardship and lead
climate action efforts throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. We will continue to
advance policy that supports our ability to protect our unique local environment, conserve
resources and deliver a sustainable future for all. We will investigate and support efforts and
policies that offset and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in meaningful and measurable
ways as well as those that reduce waste through prevention and diversion. Aspen’s Climate
Action Plan (CAP) is the community’s roadmap for reducing GHG emissions in Aspen and is
used to inform which strategies and policies should be pursued by the City to further the
mitigation of climate change.
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Health, Housing & Human Services
Aspen is dedicated to supporting and sustaining healthy communities that strengthen individuals
and families while providing reasonable health and human services for anyone who calls the
Aspen Area “home”. We will strengthen the quality of life and well-being for all people in our
community by practices that provide and promote opportunities in housing through the lens of
policy that expands access and aids in inclusion and equity regionally and statewide. We strive
to advance the framework for jobs and access to services, such as education, public safety and
health through all phases of life. We value a collaborative approach to finding creative,
sustainable solutions and are guided by professional, legal and community standards in
providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to achieve a higher quality of life
through:
• Self-Reliance: We must work together to help each person in our community meet his or her
basic needs and remain self-sufficient to the greatest extent possible.
• Public Safety: We must continue to ensure that our safety services (police, sheriff, fire, child
and adult protection, Mountain Rescue and emergency response, etc.) are efficient, effective,
accessible and coordinated.
• Health and Well-Being: We must encourage the highest level of personal health for everyone
in our community through programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce risks and create
access to quality health care regardless of age, income or ability. Local and regional public
health agencies, local boards of health, providers and non-profits must work together to ensure
community-wide access to a comprehensive set of health services.
• Education and Lifelong Learning: We must work together to ensure educational
opportunities are available to all members of our community
Service Integration & Collaboration
City of Aspen aims to ensure effective use of taxpayer funds and successful outcomes through
efficient service delivery and integration of public programs and services. To increase efficiency
and effectiveness, City of Aspen engages in and strongly supports collaborative efforts within
city departments and with partner agencies and organizations in the local community,
regionally, and state-wide.
Local Control
As a home rule municipality, the City of Aspen believes the authority to address issues that
pertain to the city must reside within. Local governments are best suited to identify solutions to
local issues particularly regarding the services provided and land use decisions we make. Local
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authority also includes the flexibility to determine use of funding locally and precludes
unfunded mandates from the state or federal government.
Fiscal Responsibility
City of Aspen budgeting reflects a priority on high-quality government services through six
strategic focus area being:
• Community engagement
• Fiscal health & economic vitality
• Smart customer-focused government
• Environmental protection
• Safe, lived-in community of choice
• Development of publicly-funded housing, including broader support and involvement
in the creation of non-mitigation affordable housing, public-private partnerships
• City of Aspen believes it is critical to the health of our economy to address the state
revenue structure that restricts the state’s ability to respond to changing economic
conditions, including the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), Amendment 23, and the
Gallagher Amendment.
Deliver Aspen Area Community Plan Themes
We are committed to revitalizing and sustaining the underpinning of our thriving community,
the Aspen Idea. Our vision, map and plan of action for achieving goals rests with our Aspen
Area Community Plan (AACP). We strive to encourage collaboration among non-profit
organizations, local government, local businesses and individuals while fostering greater
inclusivity and participation in cultural events amongst the spectrum of community residents
and visitors while supporting activities and infrastructure, both social and physical, that enable
and sustain the Aspen Idea. Implementing the themes of the 2012 AACP will require
collaboration and cooperation among public sector agencies, businesses, private non-profits,
local institutions and the general public. We are committed to:
• Revitalizing and sustaining the Aspen Idea
• Achieving sustainable land use practices that support a healthy year-round community
and a thriving, vibrant visitor-based economy
• West of Castle Creek Corridor area should provide a transition from rural expanses of
Pitkin County to urbanized atmosphere of downtown Aspen
• Providing an efficient, multi-modal and integrated transportation system that reduces
congestion and air pollution
• A strong and diverse year-round community and a viable and healthy local workforce
are fundamental cornerstones for the sustainability of the Aspen area community
• Aspen will be a local, regional, state and national leader in all aspects of environmental
stewardship
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• Preserving our historic resources differentiates us a community and contributes to our
long-term cultural awareness and sustainability as a community
• Strengthen the quality of life and well-being for all people in our community by
providing or promoting opportunities in housing, jobs and access to services, such as
education, public safety and health through all phases of life
• Supporting programs and policies that promote affordable housing locally, regionally
and at the state level
Inclusion and Equity
The City of Aspen is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable community. By
“inclusive”, we mean that we strive to give all people a place at the table as we engage in the
processes to consider policies and make decisions toward our shared future. We will work to
ensure that everyone, regardless of identity, feels welcome and is ablet contribute to, and enjoy,
the vibrancy of the community. By “equitable”, we mean that the outcomes of our inclusive
processes aim to create conditions where all people, especially historically marginalized groups,
have full and equal access to the opportunities and resources necessary to thrive in the
community. We will identify and remove any structural inequities in our city policies, land use
regulations, city charter, or other governing documents.
In this commitment, we are affirming that our individual and collective diversity in gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identify, citizenship status,
education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identify is a valuable asset to Aspen’s
present and future. Accordingly, we will support policies and efforts that have the potential to
increase, promote, achieve and foster inclusivity and equity in Aspen and the great Roaring Fork
Valley region.
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The following are the City of Aspen’s priorities for the 2020 legislative session, NOT
including references to legislation that will be introduced in the General Assembly. City
staff will closely monitor active legislation introduced in these areas as well as request
regional support for bills that pertain and have interest to us.
PRIORITIES AT A GLANCE
Affordable Housing
This policy area includes deed restricted and free market owner-occupied and rental housing
units which house Aspen and Pitkin County residents whose annual income is up to 240% of
AMI. Affordable housing is essential to the economic and social health and sustainability of
the City of Aspen. In the face of some of the highest housing and construction costs in the
United States, the City of Aspen is focused on the provision of quality affordable housing to
ensure the continued viability of the community. As such, the City advocates for State and
Federal policies and regulations which support its affordable housing program, including:
• State laws respecting home-rule authority and permitting municipal government to
raise revenue and budget for the development of affordable housing to meet local
demand;
• State laws which enable local government to acquire or dedicate land for the
development of affordable housing;
• Increased federal and state funding for affordable housing tax credits, vouchers,
subsidies and other financial tools to support the development of affordable housing;
Federal and state funding assistance for housing authorities to support the development
and management of affordable housing.
Climate Action and Resource Conservation
Climate change is leaving an indelible mark on Colorado and threatens the quality of life of
residents. The City of Aspen’s Climate Action Office identifies our city as one that is dependent
on a stable climate and the maintenance of natural resources for a thriving economy. Aspen is
committed to reducing GHG gas emissions through programming and policy in the following
categories: low and zero emissions transportation, waste reduction, energy reduction in
buildings, and advocating for state and federal regulations that support GHG emissions
reductions. We support climate change preparedness, adaptation and resiliency efforts, the
Colorado Climate Plan GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap, as well as more aggressive
goals and regulations that would require the state and country as whole to of reduce GHG
emissions. greenhouse gas reductions for state and local governments. Aspen’s local Climate
Action Plan (CAP) identifies the actions necessary to achieve a roadmap to our sustainable
future for our community. Last released and updated in 2017, the CAP maintains our ambitious
reduction targets and refocuses our commitment to Aspen’s future. The City works
in collaboration with Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) to set and address
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the legislation that the City expects to focus the bulk of its policy priorities, resources and
political capital on regarding climate action. CC4CA is a coalition of local governments across
the state that work to strengthen state and federal climate policy. The City also engages with
other coalitions, such as The Mountain Pact and Climate Mayors, to advance climate change
mitigation and resiliency efforts at the regional and federal levels.
Aspen is committed to resource conservation through the elimination of single use items,
converting organic material into compost, increased recycling education, and diverting
construction and demolition materials away from landfills. Per the AACP, Aspen supports
policies which will promote resource conservation by these methods.
Furthermore, we support the preservation and expansion of local governments’ ability to engage
in climate action and resource conservation efforts that include local and multi-city
commitments. These partnerships and affiliations leverage successes at the state, national, and
international level and create further value for our community and others
Public Lands – Natural Resources, Wildlife, Parks, Recreation
Pitkin County is 88% public land. Those lands provide essential resources, landscapes, and
recreation opportunities which support the health and sustainability of our community,
economy, and ecosystems. The proper management of public lands mitigates community
impacts from natural disasters, ensures these lands support ecological health and biodiversity,
provides diverse recreation opportunities, and supports commercial and conservation uses.
Given Aspen’s proximity to public lands, dependence on those lands for community
sustainability, and prioritization of climate and environmental action, the City advocates for
policies and regulations which deliver the following:
• Proactive forest management and wildfire mitigation which reduces threats from
wildfire at the Wildland-Urban Interface and provides resources for wildland fire
mitigation and management;
• Federal lands management rooted in best practices and which balances recreation
development and commercial uses with conservation ensuring the long-term health and
biodiversity of public lands;
• Federal lands policy and regulatory processes focused on public engagement and input,
collaboration, responsiveness, and adaptation to local needs and conditions;
• Recreation management focused on habitat preservation, user experience, diversity of
travel and access opportunities, and the sustainable management of existing resources.
• Extremely limited support for transfer of public lands to the states in cases where public
access and public benefit remain unchanged
• Adequate funding for Colorado Avalanche Information Center and overall adequate
funding for Forest Service and emergency agencies enacting and removing fire fuels,
load mitigation, campsite restoration and maintenance
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Public Health & Safety
Providing for these quality of life factors is one of the core functions of municipal government.
Community policing, clean drinking water, a healthy environment, development regulations,
safe transportation, and parks, recreation and open space programs are essential elements of a
health community. The City of Aspen is dedicated to providing these community services. The
City is focused on advocating for policies and regulations which assist in providing the services
essential to a healthy, safe community, including:
• Federal and state policies supporting community policing, intervention, prevention,
public health, and rehabilitation programs which support local control of public safety
and health outcomes;
• Financial and policy support for inter-governmental coordination in the provision of
public safety and health services and programs;
• Local control over land use and development regulations which guarantee Aspen’s
ability to implement planning, zoning, and design controls on the built environment, and
assess impact fees and other exactions on development activities to deliver community
goods and off-set the impacts from development;
• Regulatory and financial support for the conservation of lands and provision of
recreation services to support public and environmental health;
• As members of the Western slope and a less populated side of Colorado we would like
to see equitable distribution of resources needed to protect our community health and
safety
• Drive-thru coronavirus testing that does not require a physician’s referral and has fast
turnaround of test results
• Medical services equally accessible to everyone
Telecommunications
Like transportation, water, sewer, and energy services, telecommunications infrastructure is an
essential public utility. The 21st Century economy relies on fast, reliable, accessible, and
affordable telecommunications services. As a rural community, Aspen and its surrounding area
are underserved by private telecommunications providers, particularly widely accessible high-
speed broadband access. Aspen is focused on ensuring that telecommunications infrastructure
is responsibility deployed and managed to mitigate impacts to community aesthetics, public
health, and public property while providing accessible, reliable telecommunications utility
services. Aspen supports policies and regulations which:
• Support the development of municipally owned or managed telecommunications
utilities infrastructure and franchises, including cellular and broadband services;
• Oppose federal or state preemption of municipal control over access to and regulation
of infrastructure and development within public rights-of-way and the preemption of
imposition of design controls over utilities infrastructure;
• Ensure equitable and affordable access to high-speed, quality mobile and broadband
telecommunications services
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Water Availability & Conservation
Providing a safe, legal and reliable water supply to the City’s water customers is necessary for
supporting a vibrant community. Water, especially in the West, is a precious resource that must
be diligently protected. The City promotes the efficient management of water through:
• Long-range planning efforts to identify future water needs and projects;
• Legal strategies that protect the city’s water rights;
• Conservation programs that promote efficient water use;
• Coordinated responses for drought management;
• Participation in State-wide efforts to manage water resources to the benefit of Colorado
communities, especially on the West Slope;
• Recognition of the importance of water storage in providing a reliable water supply.
With less than a day’s worth of storage, Aspen is especially vulnerable to disruptions in
the water supply.
River Health
Like all of our natural environment, our local rivers are some of the community’s greatest
assets and the reason many people choose to visit or make the Aspen area their home. Our
rivers provide for a high quality life; support recreational, real estate, and tourism economies;
and provide our downstream neighbors with drinking water. The health of these rivers
remains of highest importance to our citizens and is identified in several guiding documents
for the City, including the Aspen Area Community Plan and the Ecological Bill of Rights. As
such, the City is committed to making choices and implementing programs that protect,
preserve, and promote river health now and into the future, and is focused on advocating for
policies and regulation which deliver the following:
• Watershed and water resources protection and/or enhancement;
• Local control over water resources projects and regulations that have the potential to
impact the quality or quantity of water in the Roaring Fork watershed;
• Local control over land use and development regulations which guarantee Aspen’s
ability to implement planning, zoning, and design controls on the built environment,
and assess impact fees and other exactions on development activities to deliver
environmental protection and off-set the impacts from development
Early Childhood
Early childhood education is a pressing issue that has the potential of providing infrastructure
for or holding back a thriving economy. When parents who want to work can’t fully participate,
we hurt ourselves. Childcare is difficult to find, especially infant care, forcing many families to
use less desirable care, work less, delay returning to work, or leave the community. Childcare
is expensive, often costing a family more than housing. The rising cost of childcare has
dampened women’s employment by 13 % for those with children under age 5.
Childcare is a 3-legged stool: a functioning system that supports families and children requires
investing in affordability, accessibility and high quality. If a childcare proposal focuses only on
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bolstering one leg, the others will grow weaker under the pressure. More childcare spots won’t
necessarily mean parents can afford them. More money for parents won’t help address quality
or access.
The City of Aspen advocates for:
• An early childhood education comprehensive plan that addresses high quality, access,
and affordability.
• Paid Family Leave that benefits children, families, and the community
• Labor and workforce recognition and support for the needs of families with young
children
Renewable Energy
Aspen has long-supported efforts to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. In 2015 the City became
the 3rd City in the nation to provide 100% renewable energy to its customers. Aspen continues
to support efforts by other communities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Aspen should continue
to develop and invest in energy resiliency. New and creative options such as storage, local
renewable energy generation, and other emerging technologies should be explored to address
community needs, enhance energy choices, and respond to emergency preparedness on our local
scale.
Regionalism
By exploring innovative and collaborative ways to close the gaps and meet demands, the City
government plays an important leadership role in the ethic of community. Regional and multi-
jurisdictional cooperation and collaboration enhances our quality of life. The City of Aspen
engages in and strongly supports collaborative efforts within city departments and with partner
agencies and organizations in the local community, regionally, and state-wide. The City of
Aspen supports statewide legislation that would encourage:
• Cooperation amongst community including affordable housing goals
• Health and well being
• Trails & Open space systems and acquisitions
• Multi-modal transportation options
• Stormwater treatment
• Early childhood education funding
• Fiscal funding for K-12 education
• Emergency plans / public safety / emergency response
• We will monitor and evaluate legislation that affects and relates to elections ensuring
enfranchisement, and that elections remain fair, open, accessible and honestly run for all
registered voters
• Post COVID-19 recovery efforts
• Support for election fairness, reduction of the influence of money in politics, increased
civic and voter participation, improvement of government transparency and
accountability and campaign finance reform
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Transportation
The City of Aspen is a leader in Transportation Demand Management, actively supporting
programs, services and infrastructure that promote the use of transit, cycling, walking and
shared mobility over single occupant vehicle travel. We support commuter fringe benefits that
encourage transit, bicycle, walk and other non-SOV transportation modes and oppose fringe
benefits for parking and others that encourage SOV travel for commute trips. As new
transportation technologies and services emerge and evolve (eg: dockless mobility,
autonomous vehicles, etc) the City of Aspen supports efforts to maintain the authority for local
regulation of these services. The City supports efforts aimed at regulating the share mobility
industry to ensure safety, equity, data sharing, customer privacy and fair treatment of
employees. We support new transportation funding for:
• projects that maintain existing infrastructure and that are multimodal in design,
legislation that encourages “complete streets” that accommodate people using all
modes of travel
• policies that support increased transportation funding for both ongoing and new transit
planning efforts, transit operations, clean transit vehicles and safe transit infrastructure
that reduce the reliance on single occupant vehicle travel
• innovative multi-modal projects including bicycle, pedestrian and first/last mile
services
• for demonstration or “sandbox” projects that provide the opportunity to test emerging
technologies
• resort communities for recognizing that the needs of a commuting public and the
importance of a tourism economy are directly tied to transportation improvements and
reduction in traffic congestion.
• encouragement of a balanced state transportation policy that addresses the need to
maintain and expand roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, transit, carpool/vanpool and
demand management options to improve Colorado’s transportation system including
preservation of the constitutional requirement that highway user revenues be used for
the construction, maintenance and supervision of the public highways and bridges of
the state
• legislation that enables and encourages the cleanest, most efficient possible technology
for both private vehicles as well as public transit vehicles while preserving local
control over regulation and local implementation
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PROCESS
To be most effective with our voice it is vital to establish a line of communication with our
affiliated district representatives. This direct method will help us be most successful with our
pertinent goals and where we can provide the most assistance.
LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
Lauren Boebert
U.S. Congress – 3rd District
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U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
Grand Junction Regional Office
Alyssa Logan / Regional Representative: Alyssa_Logan@bennet.senate.gov
(970) 241-6631 | (970) 975-0468
U.S. Senator elect John Hickenlooper
expected to assume office on January 3, 2021
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Rep. Julie McCluskie
State House District 61
Email: julie.mccluskie.house@state.co.us
(303) 866-2952
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Senator Kerry Donovan
State Senate District 5
Email: kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us
(303) 866 -4871
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1
MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and Council
FROM:Michael Horvath, PE, Project Manager
THRU:Tricia Aragon, PE, City Engineer
John Krueger, Director of Transportation
Pete Rice, PE, Engineering Division Manager
DATE OF MEMO:November 9, 2020
MEETING DATE:November 16, 2020
RE:Work Session for Paepcke Transit Hub Project – Council Check-in &
Update
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff seeks direction from Council on the conceptual design aspects
for the Paepcke Transit Hub project.
SUMMARY: Council approved a contract with Otak, Inc. in July 2019 for Phases 1 & 2 of the
Paepcke Transit Hub Project for the development of conceptual drawings and public outreach.
Staff presented the conceptual plan to Council during the July 13
th, 2020 Work Session. At that
time Council approved proceeding into Phases 3 & 4 of the project, which includes design
development and finalizing documents for construction.
Staff is presenting topics related to the design of the project for Council approval before proceeding
into final construction documents.
BACKGROUND:Historically, the City receives many citizen comments about the difficulty in
crossing Main Street and concerns with pedestrian safety. After consideration of public feedback
and evaluation of the existing conditions, Engineering and Transportation staff identified the
intersection at Garmisch Street and Main Street as an area in need of improvements to increase
pedestrian safety, improve bus stop infrastructure and alleviate the ponding of water.
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2
Figure 1:Limit Area for Design
The Garmisch Street and Main Street bus stops are the second most utilized bus stop collection in
the City of Aspen.Due to the location of the bus stops, this serves as one of the biggest conduits
for pedestrians to connect to a bus stop from the northern side of Main Street. The BRT stop on
South Garmisch has no bus infrastructure and pedestrian safety is a concern when approaching
and crossing Main St.The Main Street pedestrian crossing (at Garmisch Street) is one of the busiest
non-signaled Main St.crossings in the City. Pedestrians are required to cross five lanes of traffic
and visibility can be impaired by loading buses and vehicles.An additional concern for staff is the
high number of kids that utilize this area due to the proximity of the school.
Early phases of the project included public outreach and a survey of the project area. The Paepcke
Transit Hub Project performed extensive public outreach during Fall 2019. To date, public
outreach activities included dedicated project phone number and email, (4) in-person popup
events, newspaper articles and advertisements in the Aspen Times and Aspen Daily News, boosted
social media posts, city press releases, city community development emails, stakeholder interviews
and meetings, RFTA supervisory staff surveys, the city-wide Feedback Forum, interactive bus stop
participation sign, and public participation on the Aspen Community Voice project webpage.
There have been 376 received comments as of November 4, 2020 with another push of outreach
in progress for the beginning of November 2020.Interviewed stakeholders include multiple City
departments, Molly Gibson, Yellow Brick, Hotel Aspen, Red Brick, Aspen Reprographic, We-
Cycle, Next Gen, ACRA, Pitkin BOCC, and local property management. Three major themes
developed throughout the outreach: increase safety at Main St crossing, expand bus stop amenities,
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3
and improve pedestrian connectivity. Overall, the community and staff were overwhelmingly
supportive of the project and conceptual design. A summary of the public outreach is included in
Attachment C.
The public outreach was considered along with staff design guidelines to develop the conceptual
design. Staff has worked diligently with RFTA, CDOT, local stakeholders, and consultant team to
develop a conceptual design that improves the functionality and safety for all users within the
project area.
Staff has continued to monitor comments and meet with stakeholders on the project throughout
the summer and fall of 2020. As discussed during the July 13
th Work Session, the project has a
substantial amount of support from the community. However, staff wants to assure the project is
meeting Council’s goals after receiving additional feedback this fall from a property owner directly
adjacent to the bus pull off. The project team diligently studied the location and design to ensure
it increased the safety for all pedestrians, vehicles and buses. The adjacent property owner to the
bus stop has raised their personal concerns about the location of the bus pull off.
DISCUSSION:Five phases are planned for this project as presented in the July 2020 work session
with Council. Phases 1 & 2 have been completed. The project is currently in Phase 3. The phases
are broken out as follows:
Phase 1 – Inventory Analysis (completed)
Phase 2 – Conceptual Engineering Planning (completed)
Phase 3 – Design: 30% and 90% Design Development (in progress)
Phase 4 – Final Design/Construction Drawings (approved/under contract)
Phase 5 - Construction
Phase 2 of the project implemented all the feedback received from stakeholders and the public into
a conceptual design, which was approved by Council in July 2020. That design is described below:
Design:The Paepcke Transit Hub project seeks to improve access, comfort and safety for users of
transit, bike share, car share and pedestrian/cycling options at one of the busiest locations in Aspen.
Specifically, the Paepcke Transit Hub project will:
Create a safer inbound transit stop on Garmisch Street by providing a formal bus stop and
supporting pedestrian connections.
Create safer pedestrian crossings at intersections at or near Highway 82 and Garmisch Street
by improving the geometric design of pedestrian routes, the visible site lines between vehicles
and pedestrians and pedestrian crossing indications.
Create a safer, more comfortable transit stop for outbound passengers at Aspen’s second
busiest outbound bus stop by providing a shelter, real time transit signage, trash receptacles
and other amenities.
Provide power to the car and bike share stations, allowing for the installation of an electric car
share vehicle and electric bikes at this key location.
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4
The conceptual design addresses the major three themes developed in the public outreach and
identified by staff. In the designs, the Main St crossing is improved by a raised island between the
bus lane and vehicle lanes with a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB). This allows for
increased sight of the RRFB by vehicles when buses are loading and provides a pedestrian refuge
while crossing. The design also formalizes the in-bound bus stop on Garmisch with a bus pull off
with pedestrian connections in every direction. A midblock crossing is proposed on Garmisch to
provide predictable and consolidated pedestrian flow to the RRFB on the south side of Main St. A
bus shelter and improved amenities are proposed at the outbound bus stop on the north side of
Main St. These design elements were strongly supported by the public at all outreach events and
interviews.
The project is altering existing infrastructure to increase the safety and functionality for all users.
This grouping of bus stops, We-Cycle stations, Car-to-GO station, and general pedestrian traffic
interacts as a whole transit hub, and the improvements are linked together to improve the overall
the experience of the traveling public.
Main St Improvements
Council Direction on Garmisch Street Bus Pull Off: Staff requests Council direction on the
layout for the bus infrastructure on Garmisch prior to proceeding further into the project and
construction drawings. The design addresses the three major themes from the public outreach.
Staff’s recommended conceptual design is depicted below as well as in the attachments:
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5
Garmisch St Improvements
A bus pull off is proposed across Garmisch St. from Paepcke Park between the alley and Hopkins
Ave. The formalized bus pull off allows for the inbound BRT and skier shuttles to exit traffic to
unload and drop off users onto pedestrian infrastructure that connects with the Main St. crossing
and other routes. The purpose of this project is improving the existing system for the bus routes.
The bus pull off is a significant design element that attributes to the safety of the proposed design
on Garmisch St. for the BRT and skier shuttle routes. It allows bus users to disembark onto
pedestrian infrastructure and vehicles to pass an unloading bus, preventing queueing into Main St.
Formalizing the bus stop allows for predictability for all users and a supporting network of
pedestrian connections.
The improvement for having a pull off stop designated for the buses is integral to improving
pedestrian safety and designating the location where buses should be stopping away from Main
Street The midblock crossing provides a predictable and clear route to Main St while improving
the vehicle/pedestrian interaction. The pull off prevents the need for vehicles to pass the unloading
bus in oncoming traffic with poor visibility. It also negates the possible queueing behind an
unloading bus. The queueing, especially with the combination of two buses and peak hours, was
shown to interrupt the vehicle flow on Main St. per a traffic study performed by the project team.
The consultants and City staff have examined the bus route and history to ensure Garmisch St. is
the preferred inbound BRT/skier shuttle route. The inbound route was initially determined in the
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“Aspen BRT Bus Inbound Routing Alternatives”study done in 2011 with RFTA and City Council.
Nothing on the proposed routes has significantly changed since the decision, and RFTA still
prefers the Garmisch route. The Garmisch route is the most reliable, quickest, most cost effective,
and safest route for the inbound routes.Other routes increase the cost of the project and increase
the time it takes for the BRT to reach Ruby Park.
The conceptual design does not impact any neighboring properties outside the limits of the existing
Garmisch St. infrastructure. This is depicted below with the red line work reflecting the proposed
design overlaid on the existing conditions.The existing edge of sidewalk is the limits utilized and
property landscape is not impacted by the project.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends improving the pedestrian safety by incorporating a
bus stop that incorporates the bus pullout as presented.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
______________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENT A –Garmisch St Renderings
ATTACHMENT B –Garmisch St Plans
ATTACHMENT C –Outreach Document
32
PAEPCKE TRANSIT HUB
Mike Horvath, PE & Pete Rice, PE November 2020
COUNCIL CHECK-IN
33
AGENDA
•Project History and Existing Conditions
•Project Update
•Conceptual Design Layout
Staff Request: Staff seeks direction from Council on
the conceptual design aspects for the Paepcke Transit
Hub project.
34
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Multi-Modal Users:
•Pedestrians
•Bus Stop Users
•We-Cycle Bike Station
•Hopkins Ave Bike/Ped Way
•Car-to-Go Parking
•Park Users
W WeCycle Station
35
EXISTING CONFLICTS
36
EXISTING CONFLICTS
37
PUBLIC OUTREACH THEMES
1. Improved Amenities at
Outbound Bus Stop
2. Improved Safety at
Main St Crossing
3. Garmisch Bus Stop &
Pedestrian Connectivity
38
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
39
MAIN ST LAYOUT
40
GARMISCH LAYOUT
Bus Pull Off
41
GARMISCH RENDERINGS
42
DESIGN DISCUSSION
43
APPROVAL TO MOVE TO
CONSTRUCTION WITH CURRENT
DESIGN
44
45
DDYH
IVBIVB
IVB EEEDIVBIVBIVBIVBIVBIVBOSW DDSCONCEPT REVISIONS - MAY 21, 2020 46
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements -
Phase I Public and Stakeholder Input Report
October-December 2019
Prepared By: PR STUDIO December 23, 2019
47
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report
Updated: December 23, 2019
REPORT CONTENTS
• Outreach Summary
• Major Input Themes
• Reoccurring Ideas for Solutions
• Attachments
o Attachment 1 - Phase I Comments
o Attachment 2 - Aspen Community Voice Pinned Comments Maps
o Attachment 3 - Stakeholder Interview Sheets
o Attachment 4 – RFTA Supervisory Staff Survey
o Attachment 5 - Outreach and Publicity Log
PHASE I OUTREACH SUMMARY
Phase I: October-November 2019
All collected input is included in this report to focus the direction of conceptual design process in
phase II. Outreach activities included pop-up events at the Paepcke Transit Hub, interviews with
project neighbors and key stakeholders, Aspen Community Voice input, and comments via social
media, phone and email.
Key Phase I Questions: Throughout phase I, various community input activities were focused around
these questions:
• What physical improvements do you (the community) envision to improve the safety, function
and/or experience for this transit hub?
• What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to
consider?
48
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report
Updated: December 23, 2019
MAJOR INPUT THEMES
Quantities reflect totals from Aspen Community Voice, public events, stakeholder interviews and the
RFTA staff survey.
• Desire for covering or shelter at outbound stop with enhanced seating, real time bus signs and
better route information
(~102 unique comments/mentions on shelter/covering; ~59 comments/mentions on seating)
o Lack of shelter from the elements
▪ “Can we please have some sort of shelter on Main St for those waiting to go
downvalley? It is totally exposed and the snow, rain and sun are brutal.”
o Lack of waiting space/seating for bus riders
▪ “it can get really busy in the afternoon”
▪ “I usually see people sitting on the planters or leaning on the building”
o Lack of bus route information at stops
▪ “it took me a while to figure out which bus was right”
▪ “I also see and help tons of tourists figure out the bus stop. It isn't clear to visitors
which bus is coming next and which one they should take. They stop every bus
and ask. A clear schedule with a BRT like screen when the next bus is coming
would help everyone out.”
• Main Street pedestrian crossing is distressing/feels dangerous (~95 unique
comments/mentions)
o Impaired site-lines/sun glare
▪ “It is very scary crossing the road with the kids as cars don't see you”
o Distracted drivers/traffic speed
o Path conditions (snow/ice)
• Garmisch is disorganized and has conflicting user corridors (~70 unique comments/mentions)
o No defined path for pedestrians dismounting the bus
▪ “people cross behind the bus and cars are turning onto Garmisch”
▪ “The majority of brt bus riders getting off at Paepcke in the mornings head to
main street to go east or cross to go north and east. They first have to walk along
garmisch and contend with vehicles parking at the molly gibson, then cross
garmisch which causes traffic problems with vehicles entering garmisch from
main.”
o Inconsistent stop for inbound BRT buses on Garmisch
▪ “sometimes the bus stops by Main and sometimes it stops farther up the street”
• Sidewalk connections could be improved (~41 unique comments/mentions)
o Addition of sidewalk for riders dismounting on Garmisch
▪ “The lack of sidewalk (and therefore shoveled surface), creates a sheet of ice to
maneuver around the bus.”
o Addition of sidewalk to major destinations (Yellow Brick, Red Brick)
▪ “I would like to see a continuous sidewalk on the East side of N. Garmisch all the
way from Main Street to the Red Brick. There is sidewalk part of the way…”
o Addition of green space buffer between Main and Paepcke
▪ “Sidewalk on Paepcke side of Main is in bad shape, could use a green buffer
between street and sidewalk, currently slush goes up onto sidewalk”
49
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report
Updated: December 23, 2019
REOCCURRING IDEAS FOR SOLUTIONS
• Add a shelter with real time signage
o Several individuals indicated that it should look like the stops at 8th Street/other BRT stops
• Add more seating
• Add bathrooms
• Add bike racks
• Add green space buffer between Main and south sidewalk
• Improve bus route information and maps/wayfinding signage
• Consolidate/relocate inbound bus stop(s)
o Various alternate locations were noted including consolidating both stops onto either
Main or Garmisch, moving the stop to Aspen Street and moving the stop further west on
Main
• Make crosswalk more visible/move the crosswalk/get rid of the crosswalk
o Add post in middle of road/have lit up crosswalk/innovative striping
• Make Garmisch Street one-way
• Improve lighting
• Improve road condition
• Add a bus ticket machine
• Add a sidewalk/designated path for those dismounting on Garmisch
• One-way Garmisch Street
• Add a median on Main Street
• Add overpass/underpass for crossing Main Street
It should be noted that approximately ten people commented that the area works fine as is and
that no changes are necessary. The overwhelming majority identified ways the area could be
improved.
50
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report Attachment
Updated: December 23, 2019
Phase I Comments
Attachment 1
51
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/9/2019 Pop-up
There should be a sidewalk on the park side of Garmisch. The flashing lights work well, but
a stopl light at that intersection might be better. A cover for the bus stop would be good.M C W
10/9/2019 Pop-up Getting off at inbound stop is dangerous, crossing main, turning cars onto Garmisch M G
10/9/2019 Pop-up Change to no right turns to Garmish during peak (blind spot)G
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Not a fan of the inbound stop. It's dangerous on Garmisch, you have to cross behind the
bus G
10/9/2019 Pop-up
It's hard to see the bus signs as they pull up. Crossing the street is dangerous, people don’t
stop. Add a shelter and more seating. The most important thing is the crosswalk across
Main.M C S
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Add a traffic signal, people zoom by -or have it as a camera intersection. I'd like more
lighting on Garmisch and in the west end and more seating.S
10/9/2019 Pop-up Get rid of the bench and put more seating S
10/9/2019 Pop-up More seating (+9 check marks)S
10/9/2019 Pop-up People putting their bags on the ground so we can sit S
10/9/2019 Pop-up There are people all over the place and in the grass S
10/9/2019 Pop-up It would be nice to have an awning or coverage of some kind C
10/9/2019 Pop-up Real time bus signs (+5 check marks)C
10/9/2019 Pop-up Shelter! (+10 check marks) Rain, cold in winter C
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Shelter for waiting at the outbound bus stop. Garmisch gets crowded with hotel guests
coming in and out. Mostly people stop for pedestrians at the crossing lights.C
10/9/2019 Pop-up Cars don't stop for pedestrians crossing Main M
10/9/2019 Pop-up I use the stoplight at Aspen instead of the flashers M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Maybe add a ped light in the middle of main Street M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Need a speed bump on Main M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Need more educations on ped lighting M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Pedestrian underpass or over pass (+3 check marks)M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Tough crossing, distracted drives, sun glare in afternoons (+3 checkmarks)M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Visitors don't understand the pedestrian lights M
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Dangerous crossing Main, add bump-in for inbound local bus on Main St; Add restroom -
lots of special events at Paepcke Park and people waiting for the bus. Add more public
bike racks, especially on the park side M
10/9/2019 Pop-up Add cigarette butt capture and recycling
10/9/2019 Pop-up Add more formal bus bay for outbound stop
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 1 of 1052
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/9/2019 Pop-up Add skiier information signs, where to go, wayfinding signs
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Buses should get priority, be on a fast track through. Minimal improvements needed, but
make it better for buses.
10/9/2019 Pop-up Esta bien, no problems for me
10/9/2019 Pop-up
Generally everything works smoothly, but would be great if PD helped with traffic and
road rage during the peak. PD should help give priority to busses and wave them through
traffic.
10/9/2019 Pop-up I like the pedestrian flashers because I can cross immediately (+3 check marks)
10/9/2019 Pop-up It all works just fine for me
10/9/2019 Pop-up Need a public bathroom, but it should be invisible
10/9/2019 Pop-up Need route map nearby
10/9/2019 Pop-up Need to consolidate inbound drop offs at Paepcke Park
10/9/2019 Pop-up No change is needed. It can get crowded, but a bus shelter wont fix that.
10/9/2019 Pop-up Tourists are often confused on how to get to their destination
10/15/2019 ACV Pin Pin I - Better crossing/ designated stop for inbound BRT passengers M G
10/15/2019 ACV Pin Pin L - Shelter/heating for extended seating and winter time C S
10/15/2019 ACV Pin Pin B - Lots more seating and heating needs to be made S
10/16/2019 Pop-up
(x3) People don't stop, honk and are impatient even when you can see people crossing;
Bus stops in different places, better if all buses stop at Main and can cross at light; Shelter,
need more seating M C S G
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Add a shelter, have to hide under building when it is really busy; especially in summer,
need PD enforcement of pedestrian lights and speed; people behind bus not seeing
pedestians, some people don't wait and go around bus M C G
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Covered space for snow/rain; Like inbound on Main better than Garmisch because it
seems dangerous with traffic behind bus and people crossing; when there is a bus there
traffic backs up; people on Main Street drive too fast M C G
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Everything is great; Drop off on Garmish is dangerous, people coming around corner; Bus
should stop closer to Hopkins; People cross behind bus; Good job to Dan Bankenship for
all his work; Seems like it would be a lot of money for a shelter; water by outbound stop
splashes up sometimes G
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Bus stop should stop at Aspen Country Inn; Need more lighting while waiting for bus; Need
more seating S
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Add shelter like 8th Street for winter, it gets nasty outside; Cars come flying through on
Main M C
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 2 of 1053
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Bus driver occupied w/ telling riders which bus is right; Shelter would be appreciated;
Crosswalk not sufficiently lit up, maybe add post in middle of road; Underpass would be
awesome; Not as many visitors use this stop; Path is nicer from Rubey M C
10/16/2019 Pop-up Cars moving too fast; Proper bus stop with shade M C
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Need lighting for night time, hard to read signs at night; Hard crossing Main; Add a shelter
for rain M C
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Una casita para la lluvia y nieve; Las personas y las coches no respecten los luces; Hay
personas que no saben como usar las luces {a shelter for the rain and snow; people and
cars don't respect the pedestrian lights; there are people who don't know how to use the
crossing lights}M C
10/16/2019 Pop-up Cover for rain/snow; Need BRT to stop at golf course C
10/16/2019 Pop-up Heated shelter; No cigarettes C
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Real time signs when bus is coming, like other stops, feels more connected; Flash lights
generally work, make drivers more aware, sometimes distracted drivers C
10/16/2019 Pop-up Shelter with place to purchase ticket; Crossing is fine, people tend to stop C
10/16/2019 Pop-up Sometimes not a place to sit; Bus shelter; A lot of people coming and going C
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Una casita para el nieve y la lluvia; mas asientos y luces {a shelter for the snow and rain;
more seating and lights}C
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Drivers have a hard time seeing flashing beacons, generally look both ways; A lot of
people at 5pm; Everything is good; Good bus service M
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Estas bien, hay mucho traffico; Sometimes cars don't stop for people crossing; En vierno
es peligroso; don't like people Smoking marajuana {everything is good, there is a lot of
traffic… in winter it is dangerous}M
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Trash can not strong enough for bears; Maybe add a drinking water fountain; Travelers
can't see lights, so I don't like crossing at flashers; When snow melts, there is a big puddle
& we get splashed M
10/16/2019 Pop-up I get off at Rubey because the walk from Rubey is nicer
10/16/2019 Pop-up
it seems like all the buses come at same time, spread apart then you could catch more
constantly
10/16/2019 Pop-up Pedestrian crossing works fine; Add a bit of a bus bay
10/16/2019 Pop-up
Pretty good overall; Outbound can get crowded, seating is a problem; Everyone pretty
good at stopping, most people pay attention, some don't; For regulars/locals, signage is
fine, every now and then tourists don't know where they're going
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 3 of 1054
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/17/2019 Email
I picked up your flyer yesterday, at my usual bus stop. Here are my suggestions:
-Can we please have some sort of shelter on Main St for those waiting to go downvalley?
It is totally exposed and the snow, rain and sun are brutal.
-Coming upvalley the BRT drops you in the middle of the street between the bus and
parked cars. It is not safe how people then cross the street. Can there be a real stop on
Main Street? Maybe before the bus makes its turn, or it could use the local stop and turn
a block later?C G
10/17/2019 ACV
South Garmisch Street should be a one-way street. As there is no traffic light, it is difficult
for cars to exit from that street. It would make it easier for buses to turn onto the street
(and might provide additional space for Car-to-Go or bicycle racks) and make it a bit
safer for pedestrians who do not need to deal with cars pulling out from S Garmisch as
they cross the street. Decreasing some of the activity with cars at that intersection would
improve safety.M G
10/17/2019 ACV Provide a covered bike rack for commuters who bike from bus stop to work year round
10/21/2019 ACV Pin
Pin T - Continuous sidewalk needed on both sides of Garmisch from Main Street RFTA bus
stop at Paepcke to Koch Lumber Park. When I used to take my toddlers from bus stop on
Main/Paepcke to Wildwood bus at Koch Lumber Park there was never a consistent safe
path without having to cross Garmisch more than once. Further, when RFTA ski bus or X
turns at Garmisch, it lets passengers out in middle of street near Paepcke park on
Garmisch which is also not a safe cross area for massing of passengers trying to exit the
front and back of bus. G W
10/21/2019 ACV
Invite people to use the bus by providing lighted bus shelters on both sides of the street.
Within the shelter, provide information that it is an in-bound or out-bound bus and map
the stops it makes. Equally important, indicate the time the next bus will arrive - this could
be digital indicating the minutes remaining before the bus arrives or if it is delayed.C
10/21/2019 ACV Pin Pin K- Shelter similar to 8th Street bus stop should be added.C
10/21/2019 ACV
Make Paepcke the main Aspen RFTA and transit hub; REduce the number of large RFTA
uses circulating around Aspen by replacing Rubey Park with PAepcke.
10/21/2019 ACV Pin Pin M - Not a lot get off here, maybe get rid of it.
10/21/2019 ACV Pin Pin R - Can get onto 82 from here. Should be one way into south area of town.
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 4 of 1055
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/23/2019 ACV Pin
Pin O - I would like to see a continuous sidewalk on the East side of N. Garmisch all the
way from Main Street to the Red Brick. There is sidewalk part of the way. Many bus riders
and pedestrians take this route from the bus stop to the Red Brick and also on to the Post
Office.W
10/23/2019 ACV Pin
Pin H - I think you need to add a stop light at this intersection. I have seen numerous
people almost get hit by vehicles. I personally was involved in an car accident at this
intersection when the car I was riding in stopped on Main Street because of a flashing
light and a pedestrian crossing Main Street. While the car I was riding in stopped, the car
behind us did not stop and plowed into us. I was injured. If there were a stoplight, the
accident would not have happened. M
10/25/2019 ACV
I drive in the city every day as a limo driver and I just don't see the traffic at this bus stop
to warrant all this expense. This is BS, nonsense idea
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin J - BRT riders getting off and heading south and east are often unable to get from the
street where they are dropped off to the sidewalk due to snow banks, forcing them to
walk in the icy street between the parked cars and the bus that just dropped them off.G W
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin S - This BRT stop is not ideal. Regardless of where the bus ends up stopping, riders are
left in the middle of the road. With no access to a sidewalk, this stop is unpleasant and
dangerous. G W
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin D - The majority of brt bus riders getting off at Paepcke in the mornings head to main
street to go east or cross to go north and east. They first have to walk along garmisch and
contend with vehicles parking at the molly gibson, then cross garmisch which causes
traffic problems with vehicles entering garmisch from main. It's a shitshow. Ideal would be
to have buses pull alongside paepke park to get out of the drive lane of garmisch.
Paepcke park could give up some square footage to a bus pullout lane with an island for
rider disembarking.G
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin G - I would like a safe crossing that gives pedestrians and cars time to cross/realize
there are people crossing. This is especially important when there are icy roads. M
10/28/2019 ACV Pin Pin A - Enhanced seating would be welcome in this location
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin F - Consider a large pull out bus stop on main for upvalley BRT drop offs- this would
eliminate the garmisch drop off problems. Then route the BRTs up Aspen St (or put the
drop off on Aspen st alongside Paepcke)
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 5 of 1056
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
10/28/2019 ACV Pin Pin Q - There needs to be a bike rack at this location. Bikes end up attached to trees, etc.
10/28/2019 ACV Pin
Pin U - Need to trim the branches of trees over the sidewalk on garmisch and on hopkins
for pedestrians.
11/1/2019 ACV Pin
Pin N - Doesn't have to be a shelter but some type of safe pull out for inbound BRT buses
to drop passengers at a cross walk.
11/2/2019 AVC Q&A Why not consistency on inbound bus stops for both local and BRT G
11/6/2019 ACV Pin
Pin E - I don't like to get off at this stop given we have to walk in the street and there is no
sidewalk. It was one of the few unfortunate things with BRT. The old drop off was so much
safer on Main St given the sidewalk. Is there anyway to have the drop off on Main right
before Garmisch?M W
11/6/2019 Email
When getting off the bus at the inbound stop of Paepcke Park, I had another thought
today. I think to improve safety, it would be better to have a buffer between the street
and the sidewalk. Right now they abut each other and I have visions of my toddler falling
into the street when she runs to the crosswalk. W
11/6/2019 ACV
Bus Shelter & Safer Crossing for Pedestrians - At least twice a day we use the Paepcke bus
stops as we drop off our kids at the yellow brick or picking them up. It is very scary crossing
the road with the kids as cars don't see you. The light helps to cross but maybe a raised
cross walk?
As for the down valley Paepcke Park stop, I would like to see a big covered bus shelter.
We are usually waiting with multiple families with small kids as it is snowing. I little cover
would help. A pull out bus stop would help keep the kids safer as they wouldn't be right on
the road waiting for the bus.
I also see and help tons of tourists figure out the bus stop. It isn't clear to visitors which bus
is coming next and which one they should take. They stop every bus and ask. A clear
schedule with a BRT like screen when the next bus is coming would help everyone out.
Any update to the bus stops would be a major improvement.M C
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 6 of 1057
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
11/6/2019 ACV Pin
Pin C - Consider lighting and / or an additional Main St. crosswalk on the west side of
Garmisch (the side BRT riders get off on). Having lights on the other side of the street
would also give drivers on main st. more time to stop when the lights start flashing (i'm
thinking of the hunter street intersection near the police building)M
11/6/2019 ACV Pin Pin P - How about this as the drop off?
11/8/2019 ACV
Garmisch sidewalk - The inbound Garmisch stop is dangerous - the lack of a curb makes
a high step down from the bus, usually onto ice in the winter. The lack of sidewalk (and
therefore shoveled surface), creates a sheet of ice to maneuver around the bus. Off
loaded passengers are forced to contend with the bus pulling out (while being positioned
much too close to those big tires), limited sight distance around the bus for vehicles
traveling towards Main, and other in-coming buses and traffic turning in from Main
(sometimes too fast that suddenly have to brake). The biggest improvement should be
safety here, and include designated pedestrian route, not the free for all that exists.
Winter conditions have always been treacherous, and I have fallen here before.
M G W
11/8/2019 ACV
We need a second bridge over Castle Creek to ease the back-up of commercial traffic
and so that buses can flow in and out freely.
11/9/2019 Facebook Give people a covered warm well lit place to wait C
11/9/2019 ACV
Designated bus slips - The buses should have designated stop locations along the
sidewalk similar to Rubey Park (maybe just two, one for downvalley and one for local).
Most people wait near the one sign at the corner and then end up walking back down a
lineup of buses. This is especially confusing for non-residents. It would make for faster
queueing and loading if they were clearly marked areas where each stopped.
11/9/2019 Facebook Put a boutique bus stop where the defunct gas station is.
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 7 of 1058
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
11/21/2019 Email
all the city needs is a bus shelter with seating and proper signage installed at the
Paepcke Park down valley bus stop. Also a sign; no parking for delivery trucks on this
block.
A more desperate need is to improve the Hunter street and Durant street bus stop and
intersection!
The continual flow of pedestrians, (which backs up traffic during rush hour), needs to be
controlled with a pedestrian traffic light; like the ones on our Main Street intersections.
Also a large sign Over the roadway double parking is never allowed on this block.
Maybe this winter we could place a traffic cop at this intersection form 3 till 6pm.
Snow and ice build up at The bus stop on the corner of Hunter and Durant needs to be
removed so bus riders can disembark safely. Riders are let off at this bus stop wearing ski
boots. This bus stop has very poor drainage.C S
11/30/2019 Email [See last page in attachment for full message]M C S G W
11/30/2019 ACV
Yes. One way would help a lot on Garmsch. If it remains 2 way, just make it NO LEFT TURN
ONTO MAIN.S G
11/30/2019 ACV
[RE: "Idea: Garmisch sidewalk]
By RFTA Staffer: This letter describes why it would be a safer solution if the bus stop was on
Main Street prior to the turn onto Garmisch. I agree with danger and uncomfortable
feeling for the exiting passengers. It is dark, wet, slick, intimidating. It would cost much less
$$ to move the stop onto MainStreet.
By AshleyH (original poster): I agree with RFTA Staffer. Before BRT, my express bus would
stop on Main, and it was much safer. A proper stop, one way or the other (on Main before
or after Garmisch, or removing parking on Garmisch to accommodate one), should be
the priority. The flashing crossing across Main was a huge upgrade to this location,
already.G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum crossing behind bus G W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Shelter and bike parking; Better cross walk C W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Have to jump over snow at crossings. Improve.M W
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 8 of 1059
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Main Street pedestrian crossing is distressing/feels dangerous (+7 check marks)M W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Use flashing red light @ xing- no one stops for yellow M W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum sidewalk to Red Brick W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Important!! [sidewalk to Red Brick]W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Blinking cross walk (+2 check marks)W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Pedestrian Markings W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Most of traffic going north, everyone crosses; no set bus stop W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Sidewalk connections could be inproved throughout area. (+6 check marks)W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum dangerous for walking. Add w crosswalk, (2) crossings W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum widen sidewalk on paepcke; bus pull out for inbound on main W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Need full stoplight at Main + Garmish! It's Dangerous M G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Increase radius (+1 check mark)G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Garmisch is disorganized and has conflicting user corridors (+7 check marks)G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum formalize bus stop on Garmisch G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum afraid to hit people/bus when turning right to Garmisch; hard to see on Garmisch G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum taxi drop off have to beware of bus G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum MAKE BLEEKER ST; Garmicsh to Library pedestrian G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum don't mind Garmisch; light helps a lot, add shelter and route info! w/ real time G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Shelter + Seating @ DV C S
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum
Desire for shelter/covering at outbound stop with more seating, real time bus signs and
better route information (+10 check marks)C S
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Shelter + Seating C S
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum be careful of lighting, night sky. Shelter, add bike parking w/ cover C
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum shelter w/ actual shelter from elements, the one at 8th is open in the front C
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum make it like 8th street, so many people wait C
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Winter maintenence @ crossing (+ 2 check marks)M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum I fall all the time [@ crossing]M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum education on how to use lights, maybe different color M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum hard to reach RFB as bike rider M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum education on how to use the button M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum cut + cover underpass for Main St crossing M
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum More route info
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum separating ski buses? closer?
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Like the blinking lights
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 9 of 10
G
M
M G
60
Main and Garmisch/Paepcke Transit Hub
Phase I Public Comments
*Date *Via *Comment *M *C *S *G *W
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum No pullout (+1 check mark)
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Cost of shelter not worth it, prices go up every year. Don't wait very long at the stop
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Real time Bus signs do not work!
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Top priority is keeping the park
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Maybe bus outbound down garmish; proximity
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Children's play area
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum easy to miss lights, especially if not familiar with that
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum designate a stop G
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum more bike parking
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum no one-way, adds circulation; maybe no lefts
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum if you actually use the light it works
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Should the routes change? Maybe stop needs moved to S. of Paepcke
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum mainstreet is really busy, side streets arent as busy, move the bus stop to a side street
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum people don’t know bus stopping inbound on Main
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Busses miss me at night; busy during xgames
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum trash can and recycling
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum can we move to Aspen?
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum Keep tranquillity of park; public safety is critical
12/4/2019 Dec. Forum
Covered, lighted downalley bus stop like 8th St.
Better sidewalk connections
Use w. side of park for more bike parking inbound bis stop. Make that setreet one way
toward the mountain.C W
Updated: 12/23/2019 Page 10 of 1061
1
Bryana Starbuck
From:Rubey Park Info <rubeyparkinfo@rfta.com>
Sent:Saturday, November 30, 2019 3:50 PM
To:PaepckeTransitHub@gmail.com
Subject:Paepcke bus stop ideas
Hello,
Recently RFTA employees received a flyer in our work mailboxes asking for our ideas to improve the stop at this bus
stop. I saw after I looked at the webpage that the time is near the end for community comments. That the 2nd phase has
already begun. Please consider adding my knowledge of the area of concern because I have been working as a bus
driver and Rubey Park Information specialist since 1994. I am sorry I didn’t get involved in the debate in a more timely
manner.
I joined the project website as RFTA Staffer today, and left one suggestion and commented on a couple earlier
comments. I would be happy to speak to anyone in the planning team. Feel free to email my personal email at
sagpski@gmail.com or call my phone# 970‐379‐1983. I can be reached at Rubey Park 925‐8484 Thursday, Friday and
Saturdays.
INBOUND:EASTBOUND
1.The Paepcke Park stop for City Buses on Main Street is in a safe
location. Midblock. There should be a shelter and better signage there.
2.BRT stop on Garmisch and Main/Hopkins is not safe nor an appropriate space to drop
off passengers. It is a left over stop from the time the Snowmass Ski Buses were the
only buses turning off of Main onto Garmish. A lot of money could be spent clearing the
area, changing direction of traffic, adding a sidewalk, adding a bus shelter, and so
on. There is a much simpler fix in the mix.
a.Move the bus stop from Garmish after the turn, to Main Street midblock
between 1st and Garmish. Add better signage, a bench, and/or a shelter onto the
sidewalk.
1.The shelter design does not have to match the other RFTA shelters that are
large and cumbersome.
2.A clever designer could create one that the neighborhood wouldn’t neigh
about.
b.Do not allow left turns onto Main Street from Garmisch.
c.Garmish can be turned into a ONE WAY STREET in the SOUTHERN DIRECTION.
d.Add a Pedestrian Light at Garmisch crossing E/W to meet the crosswalk on Main
Street N/S crossing. Alternative would be
another Traffic Light added to Main Street at Garmisch. No Please!
e.There will be a few problems created for the buses that will turn after the drop
off.
1.Pedestrians walking to the corner and crossing before the buses are able to
make the turn, causing a backup as they wait.
More Later. Thank you. Susan Anderson RIDE RFTA!
[redacted for participant privacy]
62
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63
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report Attachment
Updated: December 23, 2019
Aspen Community Voice
Pinned Comment Maps
Attachment 2
64
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
All Pinned Comments
65
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
Seating
66
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
Crossings
67
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
Drainage
68
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
Bus Shelter
69
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Aspen Community Voice “Place a Pin” Comments
Updated: November 13, 2019
Other
70
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report Attachment
Updated: December 23, 2019
Stakeholder Interview Sheets
Attachment 3
71
Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Stakeholder Interviews to Date
Updated: December 23, 2019
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS TO DATE
Please note that interviews with various key stakeholder interviews/outreach efforts are ongoing
including nearby businesses, building property managers/owners, special events, RFTA, and public
safety personnel.
Date Organization Name(s)
10/14/19 COA - Transportation Lynn Rumbaugh
10/14/19 COA - Transportation John Kruger
10/15/19 COA - Special Events Nancy Lesley
10/15/19 COA – Street Jerry Nye
10/15/19 Aspen RePrographic Tim Perry
10/15/19 Red Brick/Aspen Parks & Recreation Desiree Whitehead
10/17/19 COA - Environmental Liz Chapman & Sandy Doebler
10/17/19 Yellow Brick Nancy Nichols and team
10/18/19 Hotel Aspen/Molly Gibson Jeff Bay
10/21/19 COA – PD Linda Consuerga
10/21/19 COA - Parking Mitch Osur
10/21/19 Molly Gibson (Stan Clauson Associates) Stan Clauson & Britni Johnson
10/23/19 COA - Climate Action Ashley Perl & Laura Armstrong
10/23/19 COA – Parks Austin Weiss
10/28/19 WE-cycle Mirte Mallory
10/30/19 Next Gen/Bleeker Moms Kimbo Brown-Schirato
10/31/19 ACRA Diana Morrisey
11/5/19 Pitkin BOCC Kelly McNicholas Kury
11/21/19 Property Management – 100 E. Main Troy Forbes
12/12/19 100 E. Main Condominium Association Board
72
PAEPCKE TRANSIT HUB IMPROVEMENTS
[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:15:24 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Transportation
Stakeholder Name: Lynn Rumbaugh
Date: 10/14/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• The inbound BRT bus stop is unsafe, dropping passengers (including many children) into a busy
street. The outbound bus stop is very busy and does not offer adequate seating, lighting, trash
receptacles, signage or other functions. The crossing of Main is scary, even with the ped signal.
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Outbound: a transit station similar to 8th street with lighting, real time signage, bike/ski racks,
adequate seating and trash. Inbound: Buses should be able to pull off the road and drop
passengers in a safe, lit location with a safe crossing and enough time for turning cars to see
them and slow down.
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety and the need to make transit competitive by offering proper amenities.
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• The number one thing we hear is that the inbound is unsafe. Secondarily, we receive
complaints about lack of seating and trash receptacles as well as lack of real time signs on the
outbound.
Who else should we be talking with?
• Yellow brick, Kids First, Red Brick (recreation), local employers, businesses at the outbound bus
stop that are impacted by trash and lack of seating.
Any final thoughts or questions?
• We should sit down with RFTA staff for an in-person discussion.
73
PAEPCKE TRANSIT HUB IMPROVEMENTS
[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:12:38 PM
Stakeholder Organization: City of Aspen
Stakeholder Name: John D. Krueger
Date: Oct 14, 2019
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
•
These are very busy bus stops with high usage on a daily basis. There are conflicts between buses,
cars and pedestrians. A safer and more efficient intersection needs to be developed.
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• A full bus stop out of traffic on Main and Garmisch with safe pedestrian connections. The bus
stops should have all amenities like snow melt, shelters, real time signage, bench, trash can
and lighting. Easy access to all of the other amenities like carshare and bike share Good way
finding to town and other locations.
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
•
A safe location for the buses and pedestrains. Remove unsafe situations and conflicts.
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
•
There needs to be improvements made in this area for safety reasons, ease of use by riders and
pedestrians.
Who else should we be talking with?
•
Transit users, bike share users and car share users. Also all other stake holders-neighbors, RFTA staff
and business in the area.
Any final thoughts or questions?
• This is a good project and long overdue. There are unsafe conditions that need to be
rectified.
74
PAEPCKE TRANSIT HUB IMPROVEMENTS
[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:17:12 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Special Events
Stakeholder Name: Nancy Lesley & Sandy
Date: 10/15/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• In spring summer fall, lots of walking and use as pedestrian, feel safer at traffic light crossing.
• Events: 4th July, start of parade route, utilize entire cross section of Main St for parade
• Other events that use Garmisch: Paepcke, used as vehicle re-route or head in parking utilized
for staging and event prep, Arts Festival
• Right hand turns heading west on Main onto Garmisch are dangerous
• Straighten sidewalk on north side of Paepcke
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Move car to go location, We-Cyle re-location, public restrooms in park
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding this
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Nothing much
Who else should we be talking with?
• Car to Go, We-cycle, Parking (Mitch), downtown services
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Events utilize head in parking, porta-potties location, would have to re-work certain events,
close Garmisch for Food & Wine Load In, Arts Festival closes north bound traffic on Garmisch
for duration
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:11:27 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Streets
Stakeholder Name: Jerry Nye
Date: 10/15/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Snow plowing to middle on Main, sides on Garmisch
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Okay with current function, pedestrian safety is issue, look at moving stop west
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Snow removal
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• No complaints, cross walk lights out
Who else should we be talking with?
• Sounds like we covered all the necessary entities
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Not supportive of pedestrian island, two wind rows
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 3:55:13 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Aspen Reprographic
Stakeholder Name: Tim Perry
Date: 10/15/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Main things we keep hearing is need for improved lighting at crosswalk and where the busses
drop off
• If a shelter is possible for outbound, that would be good – people stand in the courtyard while
waiting, there is not enough place to sit
• Wayfinding signage, people don’t know the bus system, what is this bus, need electronic real
time signage
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• The safety of the crossing if that could be figured out, people push the button and wait hoping
that people stop, people don’t always pay attention there
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• There are some trash problems, not as bad as it used to be
Who else should we be talking with?
• Yellow Brick
Any final thoughts or questions?
• None
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 3:59:29 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Red Brick/City of Aspen Parks & Recreation
Stakeholder Name: Desiree Whitehead
Date: 10/15/2019
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Flashing lights have helped, but still room for safety improvements for traffic to stop for
pedestrian crossings
• Water splashes onto sidewalks
• Need coverage for weather at outbound stop, like what is at 8th Street
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Adding a shelter and fixing the crossing, give people a spot wait
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Crossing at Main Street, people getting off with kids to go to Yellow Brick
• Use stop for small kids, crossing Main Street is hard with a lot of kids
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Cars not making complete stops
Who else should we be talking with?
• Sarah Roy, COA, Red Brick
Any final thoughts or questions?
• None
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:14:26 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Environmental Health
Stakeholder Name: Liz Chapman
Date: 10/17/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Felt safe, frequent user, pedestrian, bike and vehicle user of intersection, rapid flash beacon
makes feel safety, keep RFB, does not like no sidewalk on Garmisch, Garmisch bus stop needs
to be formalized and pedestrian connections, would like to see road width remain the same,
Outbound bus stop: not as important as Garmisch, but would appreciate upgrades, bus route
posters do not help people from out of town, real time sign needed (useful information), ticket
purchasing kiask
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Bus lane on incoming bus, not to stop traffic, creates dangerous situation for crossing peds
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Poorly lit at Garmisch stop
Who else should we be talking with?
• Taxi drivers, most frequent drivers
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Mobility pickup/drop off
• Trash, recycle bins at both stops
• No compost at this stage due to contamination
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:05:17 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Kids First
Stakeholder Name: Cecelia Martin, Trevor Brown, Adley Kent, Baily Ostertaz, Nancy Nichols
Date: 10/17/2019
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Nancy – I ride the BRT every day and getting off the bus on Garmisch is not safe, crossing
behind the bus to get to Main Street
• Crossing Main Street especially in winter, road is slick, can never know for sure if a car is going
to stop
• Make a cut out like on 8th Street, have buses turn down Aspen St and people can cross at
stoplight instead of RFB, less worry about crossing Main Street
• Cecelia – would like same idea as 8th Street for here, place for bus to pull off, ride bike into
town and, one lane will stop and the other doesn’t stop, safety is definitely the priority
• Not a lot of cars see the flashing lights, maybe something can be improved about that or get
rid of it all together, motorists treat it as more of a suggestion
• Adley – at the outbound bus stop, waiting bus riders congest the sidewalk and make it
awkward; pedestrians can’t get through
• Trevor - at Garmisch to Main Street, stop left turns onto Garmisch, people pulling out of hotel
cause congestion, add a center median on Main to prevent left turns, carve out space for the
buses to stop
• If the BRTs were to turn on Aspen, they might have to get rid of parking, but would be worth it
• When the weather isn’t ideal, I feel bad trespassing, typically have to shelter under the
building, people prefer the shade of the tree, Business did fence off garden area
• Seating is important too, people often use the ledge while waiting
• Improve street lighting for night, worried that bus won’t see me waiting
• Perhaps underpass/overpass
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Safety, figuring out how you can cross the street and not get hit, people might not walk to the
light
• Like the look of 8th Street stop, people have shade/shelter for both inbound and outbound
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Same thing with parents, getting on and off the bus with kids and it’s not safe
Who else should we be talking with?
• A lot of post office workers use stop
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:05:17 PM
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Not attached to that corner as the pickup spot, open to other locations
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:01:52 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Molly Gibson/Hotel Aspen (HayMax Hotels)
Stakeholder Name: Jeff Bay
Date: 10/18/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Transit hub is very busy, consistently people waiting for pickup
• Dangerous crossing across Main Street even with flashing light, cars don’t pay attention or
don’t see people crossing
• Busy crosswalk for bus riders and hotel guests, staff
• When a bus is picking up ppl westbound, it blocks ability for cars to see pedestrians
• No designated stop on Garmisch, sometimes blocks guests in and out
• People making right turn go around bus, often close calls
• Identifying designated BRT cutout on Main Street side for inbound, blocks traffic
• Other BRT stops have under pass/overpass, this BRT stop is busier
• People would cross there even if there weren’t a flashing light
• Maybe a crosswalk on west side, but would rather resources go to existing crosswalk, maybe
lights in roadway like in Boulder
• Current position of WE-cycle station is permanent and convenient with existing crossing
• Hard to hit crossing light while on bike
• Because hotels on other street, a lot of users not from town, don’t have familiarity, should
design for lowest common denominator
• Add shelter with message of bus times
• Larger, clearer display for routes – which bus should I take?: See Aspen city routes
• Poster sized/kiosk display with popular destinations (Bells, arc, ski shuttles, Snowmass, Buttermilk,
Highlands) consolidate those stops at one stop, explain the routes
• Shelter would be great, people stand on grass, cigarettes and trash – somewhere for people
to sit, get out of the rain with proper trash receptacles
• When buses turn right from Main, when someone wants to turn left it gets cluttered/crowded
• Add curb cut on Main Street
• Buses stopping in the middle of the street on Garmisch just isn’t the right solution, popular drop
off, but people do get on there in winter time
• Would be great to have ticket machine
• Can ACRA contribute informational kiosk that is tourist oriented
• Signage should be in Spanish too
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Crosswalk, somebody will get hit there – it is not an if, but when.
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding this
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• How do I get to…?
• What bus do I take to get to …?
• Information about transit, WE-cycle
• Loading zone for downtown town
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:01:52 PM
Who else should we be talking with?
• Medical/dental office
• School to different activities
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Financial contributions/special entitlements for hotel
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:13:31 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA PD
Stakeholder Name: Linda Consuegra
Date: 10/21/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Formalizing bus stop on Garmisch important, pretty good overall, usage of RFB key, more
lighting, /familiar citizens & well marked
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Have a location for inbound BRT stop and pedestrian connection to Main
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Garmisch stop and pedestrian connectivity to Main St crossing
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Rear end accidents
Who else should we be talking with?
• Talk with PABST as designs come in
Any final thoughts or questions?
• North bound traffic on Garmisch hard to turn left onto Main, like one-way idea
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:16:27 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Parking / Downtown Service
Stakeholder Name: Mitch Osur
Date: 10/21/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Biggest compliant: when buses are parked, cannot see RFB on north side of street, no drop-off
location and pedestrian conveyance
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Bus shelter on north side, drainage and wind an issue
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Convenience for bus users
• No route maps and confused tourists
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Parking in bus lane on north side of Main St after 3 PM
Who else should we be talking with?
• ACRA
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Concerns about removing head in parking at Paepcke Park with change to parallel, fear of
push back from citizens about removal of parking, one-way southbound interesting idea
• Busy hotel area with need for parking, Molly Gibson parking
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 3:48:26 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Molly Gibson Land Planner / Stan Clauson Associates
Stakeholder Name: Stan Clauson and
Date: 10/21/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Buses stop mostly by alley
• Changing to parallel parking on Molly Gibson side
o 3 spaces - 2 loading and 1 handicap (closest to alley w/ flush curb)
o ADA curb on alley side alley
• No designated space for pedestrians
• Perhaps a bus stop further up the street for more formal bus stop, step out onto paved surface,
a bit further from Main Street, not many people stand there and wait
• Sidewalk on Paepcke side of Main is in bad shape, could use a green buffer between street
and sidewalk, currently slush goes up onto sidewalk
• Molly Gibson is adding green space on Main Street side and sidewalk buffer (maybe)
• Add shelter for outbound
• If stops can be consolidated, BRT should use Main Street stop and bus can go up Aspen
• Crossing generally works fine, perhaps some PD enforcement at RFB, maybe a little bit of
education about ped lights, people don’t always pay attention
• Look should be similar to 8th Street with real time bus signs would be amazing
• Transit hub area does need improvement, but generally works the way it is today
• Left turn right turns, perhaps medians at this intersection, no left turn pocket on to Garmisch.
There is a conflict with people turning onto Garmisch, especially when bus is stopped and
people are walking in all directions
• If Garmisch was one way, could cause more circulation and speed, and would impact flow of
guests
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Sidewalk to walk on
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Wider, detached sidewalk
• Encourage awareness
• Better lighting
• Led lighting connected with RFB specifically at crosswalk
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding this
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Out of town visitors ask for recommendations on what to do
• How hard is it to get from A to B?
• Creating public space
• WE-cycle on both sides of street
• Could be better signage, particularly in winter for ski destinations, better wayfinding
• Is it possible to move Highlands stop?
• Ski circuit bus?
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 3:48:26 PM
Who else should we be talking with?
• Clarks
• Write water engineer – did work on stormwater and conditions
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Make it known that flashing signals can be used by bike riders and are allowed to use on bike;
• Keep that ped signal available
• Buttons placed for ADA purposed, not labeled with directions of use
• What’s the right signage for these buttons?
• MG looking to submit building permit application in March, 6-9 mo. Processing time fall 2020-
spring 2021
• Hotel Aspen starting work with utility work, spring 2020 hotel aspen
• Any attempt to move 3 parking spaces by MG would be incredibly problematic
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:06:53 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Environmental Health
Stakeholder Name: Ashley Pearl & Laura Armstrong
Date: 10/23/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Downvalley bus is fine, nice to have shelter, decent buffer
• Crossing is decent, RFB is great
• Inbound BRT must be formalized, inbound local needs separation, no way finding
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Ped connections, ped safety
• Garmisch south of Main is scary for bikes and ped, with no connectivity to Hopkins bike/ped
way
• Big misconnection
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Sidewalk along park and opposite side
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• No
Who else should we be talking with?
• Parent group that influenced sidewalk on Hallam
Any final thoughts or questions?
• EV charging on Garmisch near park, not high priority since one is being installed on 1st
• Check in with Ron on capacity of transformer, check in with Laura
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:07:45 PM
Stakeholder Organization: COA Parks
Stakeholder Name: Austin Weiss
Date: 10/23/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Garmisch not ideal for bus stop with existing infrastructure, need shelter on north side of Main
• All aspects need to be looked at (Car-to-Go, We-cycle, etc.)
• Sidewalk makes sense on Garmisch (both sides of Garmisch)
• Need Bike parking
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
•
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Protective of Paepcke Park, don’t want to change that space drastically
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• No real complaints
Who else should we be talking with?
• Open Space Board once we have conceptual design
• Chat with landscaping architects about sidewalk on northside of park
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Bus pullout in park: large encroachment with pullout and sidewalk
• One-way Garmisch: extension to park, challenging though
• Parallel Parking on West side of Paepcke: no heart burn over that, parking user stand point: no
issue
• Bike lockers utilized?
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:04:14 PM
Stakeholder Organization: WE-cycle
Stakeholder Name: Mirte Mallory
Date: 10/28/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Scary intersection for both pedestrians and cyclists
• Stations on both sides of street is good because riders don’t have to cross street, bikes don’t
have to be returned to opposite side
• Two stations important for safety
• Crosswalk very narrow corridor but large intersection because crosswalk is accessed via
sidewalk, feels like you have to mount sidewalk with bike – on both sides, isn’t biker friendly
• Whole intersection could be treated as slow zone, as is traffic moves fast through intersection
• How could Garmisch quadrant be treated as own, slower intersection space
• Cars come up fast up to crosswalk, distance between stop bar and crosswalk is close
• Need lights at Molly Gibson side before crosswalk
• Could there be visual demarcation before crosswalk, painting treatments to slow traffic – art,
vibrant demarcation – like in front of Gondola plaza @ Durant
• Slowing things down is really important
• Consider parking
• Bus shelters, important onboarding location, no shelter from elements, people gather under
building or tree, people linger/wait
• Off boarding on Garmisch, people get off and dispersing
• Stopping by crossing and site lines, maybe better if crossing pushed west?
• Where car-to-go and Paepcke parking is important, but important to consider site lines
• Buses turning right, cars backing up
• Parallel parking
• Bike racks needed - bikes are attached to trees, banisters, need to encourage bike riding
• Bike storage on outbound side, more on north side – should be on both sides
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Bus shelter with real time signage, more places to sit, bike racks, a creative, colorful
dynamically painted intersection that appropriates that quadrant between Paepcke as
pedestrian bike crossing and they have priority there, alignment of pedestrian crosswalk,
elevated crosswalk (speed table)
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety generally, Safety of the intersection
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Will share online portal
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:04:14 PM
Who else should we be talking with?
• Transit users, Pitkin OST
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Put something at intersection for people to leave comments, dry erase board, chalk
• Kids first
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:09:17 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Bleeker Moms
Stakeholder Name: Kimbo
Date: 10/30/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Lot of teachers use bus stop
• Guandlet, wondering if people stop
• Can’t see flasher b/c of bus (outbound station)
• Scary with kids, no hang out, want bus shelter, kids be contained
• Kids use to ski from school
• Needs better signage, routage information, glass signage at Ruby (mini ruby with buses
staging/stationing)
• Move bus stops for ski buses down the road, separate
• Real time with bus capacity
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Overall user experience, treat it similar to 8th St
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
•
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• See below
Who else should we be talking with?
• Teachers: use for bus transportation around town
• Next Gen
Any final thoughts or questions?
• Cross walk on Main should have flashers, especially at night
• Make life easier for commuters that make town go around
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 4:00:46 PM
Stakeholder Organization: ACRA
Stakeholder Name: Diana Morissey
Date: 10/31/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Busy stop with a lot of foot traffic across Main
• Can get dangerous crossing 82
• A dozen or so pedestrians at a time crossing, going in all different directions
• Generally flashing lights work, but sometimes people don’t stop
• Sometimes people don’t know what flashing lights mean or how to use them
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Where the BRT stops on Garmisch, most people it seems go to cross Main and it seems
disorganized
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• It seems like most visitors start their trip or ask about directions from Rubey Park – not so much
from other stops in town
Who else should we be talking with?
• Food and Wine, Ruggerfest, Arts Festival
• PD BBQ
Any final thoughts or questions?
• None
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview
Version: 11/11/2019 3:57:34 PM
Stakeholder Organization: Pitkin County BOCC
Stakeholder Name: Kelly McNicholas Kury
Date: 11/5/19
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Winter time concerns, crossing gets icy
• Sidewalk in front of Paepcke Park
• Pretty wide stretch of road, have to cross quickly
• Timing – significant waiting period for buses
• There is nowhere warm to wait - two young kids when it’s cold, windy. I have to figure out
where to wait; No place to get shelter
• Paepcke Park could be rejuvenated more – very active during events
• Maybe add a few picnic tables with number of people that gather
• Food trucks by park
• Opportunity for real time signage, better wayfinding
• Should align with other bus stops
• Key destinations, a lot of tourists, not sure which bus to get on
• Can get dark in winter, but lighting is not a stand out issue
• Getting cars to recognize pedestrian at night
• Kiddos in grass & trees and people taking shelter in the grass and trees
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make at this transit hub and why?
• Snow free path across Main St., deicing, shoveling
What is the single most important thing you would like the design and engineering team to consider?
• Safety
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding this
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• None specifically
• People help others cross street, get off bus
Who else should we be talking with?
• Admin at Yellow and Red Brick
Any final thoughts or questions?
• “When getting off the bus at the inbound stop of Paepcke Park, I had another thought today.
I think to improve safety, it would be better to have a buffer between the street and the
sidewalk. Right now they abut each other and I have visions of my toddler falling into the
street when she runs to the crosswalk.”
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview Guide
Version: 11/21/2019 11:21:58 AM
Stakeholder Organization: 100 E. Main Property Manager (Romero Group)
Stakeholder Name: Troy Forbes
Date: 11/21/2019
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• We’ve been at 100 E. Main for almost 2 years. We have terminated our contract for the end of
the year, but still there through the end of the month, not involved after Dec. 31
• The traffic for bus stop has been a concern, there is only a small bench, building planter area
4x4 wood, there is a commercial sign to be installed early December
• People waiting for the bus hang out on the planter, go into the lobby
• Our team tries to keep the area cleaned off, trash and cigarette butts accumulate
• Have had to get bikes removed. They get left there, stuck by side of building, latched to the
trees. Have talked with PD.
• Talked about getting a bike rack, added a small one by alley, needed to get a ROW permit
for bike rack elsewhere
• People waiting on the bus sprawl across the property, often 7-8 people hovering or in the
lobby
• Have told ownership that something built might help prevent lobby goers or the trampling of
grass, bushed damaged from people
• Property owners seem very supportive of bus stop enclosure that could shelter people during
weather
• My big question – what are the plans for the space with the limited area?
If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you/ownership make at this transit hub and
why?
• Would like to see the traffic that is waiting for the bus to be contained in a place that makes
sense for them to be and out of the lobby, off of the planter - a nice, clean looking place
• There is a dental office, has complaints about smoking and crowding
• Keep people from sprawling out
• We’ve had to keep an eye out for wear on property including planter painting, shrub damage
• A solution for bikes, that goes with keeping everything contained
Are there and common questions or comments you and your colleagues receive regarding t his
area? What are you hearing people in the community say?
• Crowding, people coming into the lobby
• When it gets cold, people have tendency to go into lobby – restrooms get used (now locked),
have talked about increasing security, but it is not as big of deal now that they’re locked.
Have added no loitering signs to remind people that lobby is not a bus stop waiting area –
have to clean that lobby from weather days
• Similar concerns with summer
• With special events, doctor’s offices are on normal business hours, entrance to lobby is locked
outside of business hours
• Have had conversations about adding more signs
• Increased trash with special events
• Making sure there is regular cleaning of the area
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview Guide
Version: 11/21/2019 11:21:58 AM
Who else should we be talking with?
• Dr. Paula Kadison
• Dr. John Miller, Dentist
• Janey and Moan (sp?) – front desk
• Penthouse resident, Kimberly Paige
• Board meeting Dec. 12, 10AM at library
Any final thoughts or questions?
• The crossing is big deal, helps people cross the street
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[INTERNAL] Stakeholder Interview Guide
Version: 12/23/2019 5:36:46 PM
Stakeholder Organization: 100 East Main Street Condominium Association
Stakeholder Names: Ben Wolff (Frias), Mike D (Frias), Troy (Romero), Dr. John Miller, Tiffany, Paula,
Pam, Tom
Date: December 12, 2019
Tell me about your observations about this area along Paepcke Park on Main Street and Garmisch
specifically safety, function and/or experience.
• Important that our sign is able to be seen
• Trees out front are legacy
• Tiffany part of development team
• Hight traffic area - people want to come in and use restroom, or seek shelter, especially when
weather is bad
• Association pays to clean the lobby, keep up grounds
• People on the association’s property creates liability, people sitting on planters, walking on
grass; limited growth in planters. I don’t think people want to sit there, but they have no
alternative. Give people an alternative place to sit.
• Limited clean up from RFTA. Cigarette butts, water, glass would be on the ground if association
didn’t help with the clean-up.
• Most people use trash can when available, often full or over flowing
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report Attachment
Updated: December 23, 2019
RFTA Supervisory Staff
Survey Responses
Attachment 4
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
RFTA Supervisory Staff Survey Responses
Updated: December 23, 2019
PAEPCKE TRANSIT HUB RFTA STAFF SURVEY
42 responses
Survey and Engagement Themes Quantities:
27 unique mentions - Main Street crossing
29 unique mentions - Covering or shelter at outbound stop
27 unique mentions - Seating
29 unique mentions - Garmisch is disorganized
Question 1 - Please check mark the level of importance for each potential area for improvement:
No improvement
needed
Somewhat important
to examine
Critical to improve
Main Street crossing 15 votes 12 votes 12 votes
Bus route signage 10 votes 14 votes 15 votes
Signage for Tourists
(skiing information,
Maroon Bells, etc.)
7 votes 15 votes 18 votes
Street lighting 14 votes 12 votes 14 votes
Seating 10 votes 14 votes 13 votes
Shelter at outbound
bus stop
10 votes 12 votes 18 votes
Designated Bus Stop
at inbound bus stop
on Garmisch
12 votes 10 votes 18 votes
Road Condition 10 votes 10 votes 19 votes
Other... 1 vote - 10 votes
Other:
9 responses
• Moving curb on SW corner of Main & Garmisch to make inbound right turns safer
• Double yellow line at Garmisch/Main
• Dropping people off on Garmisch is unsafe, too dark -need more lights
• Crossing signal is blocked by bus outbound, Cars turn right in front of bus as leaving
• Buttermilk Crossing
• Bus pull off area so buses are not blocking road
• Winter days very slippery at Main/Garmisch
• A reflection mirror at Rubey so the MV & Cemetary can see if cars are coming from the bus
side (Big blind spot)
• I know this is not a transit hub issue - X-games info for out of towners. We lose huge tracts of
time with tourists who don't know about fares, etc
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
RFTA Supervisory Staff Survey Responses
Updated: December 23, 2019
Question 2: What problems do you and other RFTA staff most often see? (check all that apply)
• People are lost/need directions (29 votes)
• Cars don’t see pedestrians (22 votes)
• Pedestrian crossings aren’t safe on Main Street (20 votes)
• Pedestrian crossings aren’t safe on Garmisch Street (16 votes)
• People are getting on the wrong bus (18 votes)
• Other…
Other:
13 responses
• Too dark - need lights
• Because too many Aspen Drivers have their head up their ass
• They don't wave you down
• No light at Gamisch
• Ear buds and Cell phones - Honking loud horn does not help!
• People are getting on the wrong bus, Huge issue with Garmisch, especially for someone with
disablility
• People asking for bus info
• Pedestrians don't look, just walk out into the street or don't use visible signaling device or
gestures at night
• People not paying attention and using cell phones
• People are confused about where to board on inbound bus to Rubey
• People trying to sneak rides beyond the intercept lot down valley
• Pedestrians don't yield even when lights are flashing
• People walk in front of moving traffic
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
RFTA Supervisory Staff Survey Responses
Updated: December 23, 2019
Question 3 - What questions are drivers/RFTA staff asked the most at these stops? (check all that
apply)
• How do I get to _________? (27 votes)
• Is this the bus for ________? (29 votes)
• How much is bus fare? (11 votes)
• What time is the next bus? (25 votes)
• How do I buy bus tickets? (8 votes)
• Other…
Other:
5 responses
• Too dark – need lights
• You’re late!
• Is this free?
• When is BRT?
• BC & Hwy 82
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
RFTA Supervisory Staff Survey Responses
Updated: December 23, 2019
Question 4 – If you could wave a magic wand, what changes might you make at this transit hub
and why?
20 responses
• Make the crossing and right run safer for inbound buses on the run from Main onto Garmisch
• Street corner. 3 points of service; BRT goes right on Garmisch ends at parking area (ice, cars
backing out, car pulling out onto Main, More lighting, signage. On Main it's a sticky wicket.
Make Main one lane? with bus lane taller pedestrian flashing signs so buse s don't block
view. Put flashing lights in middle of road. CDOT would love that - as usual it's a conundrum
of many in Aspen.
• Nice shelter across from park on Main St. Outbound, like at 8th Street
• Shelter, more seats, maybe a button people press that activ ates a light as bus request
• We desperately need to improve communication with the Hispanics! Spanish language
signs/materials are desperately needed!
• There is no such thing with magic so why speculate or dream?
• Information Booth at Paepcke Park. Bus pullou t on Main. Safer drop off on Garmisch - Molly
Gibson parking creates many issues often blocking bus ability to drop off. Ice needs
cleaned off in this area. Drop off at curb rather than in street is essential. Crosswalks with
crossing lights and street lig hts.
• The north side flashing light is not visible to outbound motorists when buses are stopped on
the north side. Shelter
• Better supervisiors, they need to do their job better so the drivers can do their job better
• Inbound BRT Garmisch/Paepke Park stop on Main St. instead on Garmisch with cross walk -
Just like 8th Street
• Gosh. The mind reels. Option paralysis.
• Make all the pedestrians, bikes, automobiles vanish and leave the hub for buses only!
• More room to tun when turning south onto Garmisch. To miss the curb in an ?, you have to
often wait while blocking traffic on Main to let a car coming out of Garmisch move into
traffic while you block their view. That curb needs to be moved while also eliminating
parking there where we are often blocked by limos and delivery trucks.
• More comfortable seats for the drivers
• A bus stop sign at the corner of Hopkins & Garmisch (inbound). Most people expect to be
picked up/dropped off at Molly Gibson alley. This is a bad spot for buses to stop because
sometimes there are 3 buses there at the same time, building up traffic on Main.
• All the stuff above, but info for rides most important!
• I think RFTA/Aspen should come up with some instructional videos for the whole bus system
throughout the valley. Then people can just go onli ne and watch a tutorial video for how
our system works and have individual videos for specific routes and destinations and other
videos with tips on how to board, pay and etc. Put it all online and teach the public before
they ride, how to ride.
• OK
• I like Aspen the way it is, don't change anything!
• Little information at Paepke outbound...Buttermilk doesn't pick up here. Maybe flashing light
for people to cross at Garmisch. Move light pole to North 4' and take away first parking
space.
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Input Report Attachment
Updated: December 23, 2019
Public and Stakeholder
Outreach and Publicity Log
Attachment 5
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Outreach and Publicity Log
Updated: December 31, 2019
Date Activity Reach
October-November Individual Stakeholder Meeting
Interviewees
30 participants to date
10/9/19 Pop-up Event at outbound stop
(English and Spanish)
~45+
10/10/19 Pop-up Event at Paepcke (English and
Spanish)
~15+
10/11/19 Aspen Community Voice Page
Launched
342 Total Visits
20 Engaged Visitors
122 Informed Visitors
260 Aware Visitors
10/14/19 Press Release - Aspen Community
Voice Hosts Two New Public Input
Initiatives
10/15/19 Media Hit – Staff Report, Aspen Daily
News, “City seeking input on Paepcke
Park transit, Galena Plaza redesign”
10/16/19 Pop-up Event at Paepcke (English and
Spanish)
~20+
10/16/19 Pop-up Event at outbound stop
(English and Spanish)
~50+
10/21/19 Aspen Community Voice email to all
registered users
11/1/19 Email to COA Community
Development NotifyMe Newsletter
11/8/19 Boosted Facebook Post 2,474 Reached
105 Engagements
2 comments
11/8/19 Instagram and Twitter Posts
11/13/19 RFTA supervisory staff survey (English
and Spanish)
42 responses
11/18/19-12/4/19 Publicity for Feedback Forum event
including newspaper ads, email blasts,
social media post and flyers
11/29/19 Media Hit – Staff Report, Aspen Daily
News, “City of Aspen hosting
feedback forum at the Limelight”
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Paepcke Transit Hub Improvements - Phase I
Public and Stakeholder Outreach and Publicity Log
Updated: December 31, 2019
12/2/19 Event Reminder Release - City of
Aspen Feedback Forum at the
Limelight
12/3/19 Media Hit – Carolyn Sackariason,
Aspen Times, “City of Aspen trying to
get a grip on outreach efforts”
12/4/19 Joint Open House at Limelight, 2
sessions
100+ participants
12/5/19 Media Hit – Alycin Bektesh, Aspen Daily
News, “Attendees deem Aspen’s
feedback frenzy a success”
12/12/19 100 W. Main Board Meeting 9 participants
Approximate Commenting Participants to Date: 333+ participants
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