Golden Vision 2030 --- Blooming in Spring 2013

Not so long ago, thousands of Golden residents came together at block parties, farmers market days, chili socials, and meetings to share their stories, values, and expectations for the future of our hometown. The result was Golden Vision 2030, a collective document designed to promote decisions that protect and enhance Golden throughout the coming decades.

We're not in 2030 yet, but our direction is set and our shared vision is taking shape. This spring, Golden Vision 2030 is our reference point for least two defining moments.

Opening of Light Rail and the Golden Call-n-Ride plus the Start of the Pedestrian Bridge:
Vision 2030 Value Theme A, "We are committed to providing convenient and affordable public transportation and commuter options...and to fostering multi-modal opportunities...." and Value Theme F, "We value access to public...transportation options within and beyond the community." 

Mayor Pro Tem Joe Behm and Councilor Bill Fisher on the First Train Out of Golden

The inaugural weekend was really exciting, but what comes next will be even better. We now have the option of arriving at our destinations by bus, light rail, or a combination of both. Instead of negotiating traffic and worrying about getting to our destination on time, we will be free to visit with each other, read, spend time with our own thoughts, or use our electronic devices safely.

For $2.25 (regular fare, exact change) or $1.10 (discount fare, exact change), we can reserve a trip around town on the Call-n-Ride (call 303-519-9162) or just catch the bus at scheduled stops on its flex route (stops include 10th & Washington, Colorado School of Mines, Golden High School, and the light rail station). More information and maps are available at rtd-denver.com/callnride. The bus plan is a collaborative product of the community, Golden staff, and RTD staff.

The W light rail line will take us much farther afield. Riding the 12.1 miles of track from Golden to downtown Denver will cost us 39 minutes and $4.00 (regular fare, $2 discount fare, credit cards accepted at ticket vending machines). From there, we can enjoy the attractions of downtown or continue on through the RTD system. Regular uses will become savvy about the use of transfers, passes, and 10-ride ticket books. The parking garage by the station has 705 spaces for cars, 6 bike racks, and 12 bike lockers.

The pedestrian bridge across 6th Avenue will allow folks to walk or bicycle from the West side of 6th Avenue to the station. Either lock your bike at the station or take it on the train. Just wait by one of the bike symbols, allow bikeless passengers to exit or board, then board with your bike.The bridge is scheduled to be completed this Fall.

The Golden Plan for the 6/93 Corridor: Golden Vision 2030: Guiding Principle II,"As a community...we will recognize and address the impacts upon us from other communities and region. [T]he community was and is adamant that Golden needs to define its desired future and work to achieve it. The community wants and expects the City to proactively identify... infrastructure patterns and forms and not simply react...."

At the May 9, Golden City Council meeting, Council members will consider approving an agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) that would create a roadmap for transportation projects within our city limits over the coming years and decades.

To recap, last year Golden held community conversations on options for the US 6 and SH 93 corridor. Based on that feedback, City Council directed Golden staff to work with CDOT (the owner and manager of the corridor) to identify potential transportation improvements in Golden that reflect the community’s vision. The staff/CDOT negotiations used Golden's 2003 plan as the starting point for improving transportation within Golden city limits. It was designed to connect neighborhoods, preserve the natural and historic beauty of the area, and keep traffic and noise within reasonable levels.

The recent negotiations led to some changes to the original 2003 Golden plan. These changes would:
• Maintain current speed limits of 45 mph for any future road improvements, except between Heritage and 19th on US 6, which would stay at the current 55 mph limit.
• Leave the section between Heritage Road and 19th Street as is but make the median raised and landscaped, like Johnson Road, to help reduce both speed and noise.
• Prohibit expansion of US 6 to six lanes unless traffic volumes reach no less than 70,000 vehicles per day. Golden’s modeling shows traffic volumes in 2035 of only 31,000 vehicles per day on SH 93 and only as high as 51,000 vehicles per day between 19th Street and Heritage Road.
• Allow for an additional lane in each direction to be managed, with variable tolls or carpool requirements depending on congestion or time of day. There would be at least two free lanes each way on US 6 and one free lane in each direction on SH 93. CDOT has adopted the managed lanes concept statewide for all capacity improvements.

Informed public comment at the May 9 City Council meeting is welcome. Join us for an Open House at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m.in Council Chambers, 911 10th St. If City Council approves this agreement, Golden would immediately apply for funding through CDOT for the US 6 and 19th Street interchange and potentially for widening and noise improvements to SH 93.

City council makes its decisions as a body and in public. However, I personally intend to support the plan unless some new evidence or argument emerges at the council meeting. While staff has been hard at work reaching design solutions, I (along with many other councilors) have been talking to regional and state officials. From those talks, we have learned that we have a unique window in time to do exactly what Golden Vision 2030 expects of us -- to shape our own transportation future rather than having a standard regional design imposed on us.

For details on the plan visit www.GetTheFactsGolden.org or call me at 303-279-0088.