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ACRA: Give your input on DEPP

Aspen Times Staff Report

Aspen’s chamber of commerce is urging its members to show up at a City Council meeting on Monday to voice their feelings about plans for a downtown beautification project next fall.

The Aspen Chamber Resort Association board of directors recently heard from a number of members who are worried about the impacts on their businesses if the Downtown Enhancement Pedestrian Project goes ahead next fall.

The first phase of the DEPP was accomplished during this year’s spring off-season, when work crews tore up several blocks of Mill Street and Hyman Avenue in the commercial core, putting in new utility lines and storm sewers.



A number of business owners came before the council to complain about the disruption and loss of parking caused by the work crews and their work.

In the fall, work crews are expected to return to the same blocks of Mill and Hyman, this time to widen the sidewalks and install a number of new benches, light poles and other “furnishings” called for by the committee of local citizens who worked on the DEPP for more than two years.




Business owners have already complained to the city about the plans, and called for a delay until next spring.

ACRA President Christine Nolen stressed that the ACRA board took no official position about the controversy at its meeting on June 16.

“However, the ACRA board believes it has a responsibility to its members to alert you to issues that may affect you and your business,” stated a letter from Nolen to the membership.

Nolen’s letter indicates the City Council, at its next meeting, will be considering the possibility of delaying this fall’s project until next spring.

The council meeting will begin at 5 p.m. Monday in the basement of City Hall at 130 S. Galena St.