Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 03 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes February 16, 2024 Page 2 of 6 responded that RTD does have a process for permanent changes to routes and that staff will continue to have that conversation, but noted that RTD does have concerns about other alternative routes and is firmly against a route other than LaFarge for 2024. Chair Dickinson commented that he appreciates the effort from staff and noted that parking and traffic on LaFarge are the complaints that he hears the most often. He hopes that there can be continued conversations with RTD regarding alternative routes in the future. Councilmember Kern asked whether staff could elaborate on some of the RTD considerations that are preventing the use of an alternative route. Director Zuccaro mentioned that proximity to services, handicap accessibility, and physical movement of the bus were the three concerns voiced during the meeting. Councilmember Bierman asked how many parking spots would be impacted by a closure. Manager Zarate responded that there are approximately 20 parking spots per block. She also noted that while the DBA request includes the 900 block of Main Street, staff would consider removing that section from the closure proposal which would result in increased parking. Director Zuccaro added that staff has been in conversation with the new owner of 833 Main Street (former Chase Bank) regarding leasing out additional parking spots. Chair Dickinson noted that the City usually implements a patio program over the summer which also impacts parking spots on Main Street, although not to the intent that a full closure would. Councilmember Fahey asked whether future conversations can include the Future 42 plan for future parking or a detour to the bus route. Manager Zarate responded that staff will continue to explore those options and will look at implementing signage on Hwy 42. Councilmember Kern asked whether it would be possible to implement signage discouraging vehicular traffic from utilizing LaFarge. Director Kowar responded that the City can explore, but noted that enforcing or encouraging vehicles to follow the signage could be an issue. Councilmember Bierman asked whether residential parking permits could be a possibility. Director Zuccaro responded that the City has looked into it before, but noted that this would be a new program that the City is not currently prepared to implement. Councilmember Fahey wondered about paid parking, but Chair Dickinson noted that the City does not currently have any paid parking and implementing a new paid parking program might not be feasible.