The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is legally required to include a median for the 400 block of Pagosa Street in its upcoming reconstruction project, according to Main Street Advisory Board Coordinator Kathleen McFadden.
The board met Thursday, July 18, with McFadden providing details about three primary areas of concern being brought to the attention of CDOT by the three business owners chosen to represent the voices of downtown Pagosa.
McFadden explained during the meeting that the CDOT is required by law to include a median in the 400 block of Pagosa Street, but that the size of the median is undetermined at this time.
“Given the design and the crash data for the 400 block strip of town, this is a state-mandated safety requirement and a national safety standard,” McFadden said. “So, eliminating the median is not something they could consider whatsoever.”
She went on to mention that after a few conversations with CDOT representatives, CDOT expressed that the median could be narrower than the proposed 7.5-foot width.
“We could actually have a discussion about that,” McFadden said in regard to CDOT’s response on narrowing the center median.
She added that a narrower median will help with snowplowing and emergency vehicle access, and that CDOT “will definitely consider that.”
The second area of concern discussed by McFadden is the issue of staging.
“They definitely understand the concerns,” McFadden said of CDOT, explaining that the reality is that there are major cost and logistical reasons.
She noted that staging the project in sections would extend the length of the project by “at least one more season.”
The project is currently scheduled to last two seasons with winter shutdowns, according to McFadden.
“The primary request from business owners for this issue is to be sure and relay our concerns with the contractor and determine if there are possibilities for cooperation to minimize business disruption,” an agenda document states.
McFadden mentioned that after a lot of discussion, what became apparent is that “the business owners just want to be heard,” explaining they would like to have conversations and input on the project, rather than just being told “no.”
She noted that CDOT has stated that it can not make any guarantees about what public input will be adopted into the reconstruction plan.
McFadden explained that the three business owner representatives prepared a schedule showing the most significant months, in terms of revenue for the community, that they plan on sharing with CDOT.
The third area of concern identified by McFadden was communication between CDOT, the Town of Pagosa Springs and the community.
McFadden explained that CDOT is working to bring a project information team on board this summer, which will serve as the primary point of information.
The project information team will have an opt-in email and project hotline, McFadden noted.
“This is the primary place for information at all times,” she added, explaining that the Main Street Advisory Board will replicate and disseminate information through its outlets as well.
Board chair Rick Holter mentioned the importance of “positive messaging” while the reconstruction project is occurring to help promote that businesses will be open.
McFadden mentioned she received a call from someone planning to visit in September who was worried about if the construction will affect their visit.
“Even with the construction, he’s still going to have a wonderful visit to Pagosa Springs. That shouldn’t deter anyone,” she said.
Board member Rosanna Dufour mentioned the possibility of applying for grants that could be used to help minimize the impact of construction on tourist experiences.
Other news
During the July 18 meeting, the board voted unanimously to add two more voting members to its board, bringing the total number of voting members to nine.
McFadden explained that the board received five applications and that the board is specifically looking for people to help reestablish the culture and heritage preservation committee.
McFadden went on to inform the board of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program.
The program provides up to $50,000 for towns with a population of less than 50,000 “to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities,” the agenda states.
Dufour mentioned that amount would not be enough to cover any Lewis Street alleyway renovation projects.
“That number is just way too small to actually make a dent in the alleyway project,” she said, explaining that the funds could be used to replace the greenhouse panels at the Pagosa Springs Middle School.
The next Main Street Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 8. Meeting agendas can be found at https://pagosasprings.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx.
clayton@pagosasun.com
