Winning the Battle Against the Beltway
December 4, 2006
by Rob Mednina and Tom Hoffman of CINQ
It appears that the current Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Beltway is in trouble, and in our estimation, it will fail due to political and economic reasons.
A New Governor & CDOT -
The Governor-elect, Bill Ritter has express concerns about the need for a beltway, and we believe he will look at this highway with a critical eye. Ritter will also likely appoint a new CDOT Director. Joe Jehn, our regional CDOT director is also likely to leave office.
Gwyn Green, a Mountain Ridge resident and our State House Legislative representative was re-elected to HD23. Gwyn has worked hard to actively oppose the beltway and CDOT, and her support in the state house will continue to be invaluable.
Kathy Hartman surprisingly defeated the incumbent for Jefferson County Commissioner. We believe she will be more willing to listen to citizens than her predecessor, and bring more balance to the county.
House Bill 1041
A Douglas County court confirmed local decision making powers under HB-1041. A Jefferson County court would likely uphold the same ruling. This means that Golden will be able to enforce highway design parameters to protect Golden’s quality of life. (AND HOME VALUES FOR MOUNTAIN RIDGE!)
“Golden’s efforts to challenge a 6-8 lane toll road may finally be paying off.” - Chuck Baroch, Mayor
This decision is further indication that CDOT’s position is unsupportable and that we are within our rights to exercise 1041 powers to protect our quality of life and the interests of our citizens. This means that CDOT will have to respect Golden. - Mike Bestor, City Manager.
The Environmental Impact Statement has slowed to a crawl.
"Now I'm depressed," - Arvada Mayor Ken Fellman (when he learned that the draft environmental impact statement - once promised last summer - won't be ready until early next year at the earliest).
Broomfield Mayor Karen Stuart noted that she will leave office in January. In addition, state transportation chief Tom Norton and transportation commissioner Joe Jehn also may depart next year as a new governor takes over. "I'm not sure how to keep this moving forward," Stuart said. (DP 10/9/06)
The Northwest Parkway toll road is in financial trouble and is seeking a buyer or a lease to prop up insufficient revenues. This is bad news for the proposed toll road portion of the beltway. The City of Golden has run feasibility studies for the financial viability of a beltway toll road, and the city believes it is not financially viable to potential bond holders.
CINQ Efforts
Our primary efforts have been education and community outreach. CINQ has done presentations to dozens of HOAs, community groups, plus media outreach and advertising. We opposing any toll road in the NW Quadrant, while supporting substantial mitigation for Golden, and promoting 4-lane arterial improvements to SH93 and Indiana/McIntyre (as recommended by 1999 DRCOG-funded study).
The City of Golden
We give high marks to the city, who has worked hard to oppose the beltway. Here’s a comparison of what Golden wants, versus CDOT’s proposal.
| City of Golden’s Proposal (Mueller Study) |
 |
CDOT Proposal |
|
|
|
| No toll road through Golden |
|
One alternative is to run a 6-lane toll road through Golden |
| 4 lanes through Golden |
|
6-lane toll road or 8-lane superhighway |
| Serpentine design to slow traffic |
|
No slowing of traffic, straight highway (similar to Glenwood Canyon) |
| Cut and cover |
|
None |
| 45 mph |
|
65 mph |
| 55 db noise level |
|
69 db noise level |
Rob Mednina and Tom Hoffman - CINQ
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