[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6676201,"mediaKeyId","3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06","parentId",3416839,"title","Littleton council approves Phase 1 of Mineral Mobility project amid debate over 16-foot concrete trail in Jackass Gulch","audioSeconds",9625,"startMs",558000,"endMs",10183000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06&start=558&end=10183","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06/thumbnail_558000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6676201/Littleton-City/Arapahoe-County/Colorado/Littleton-council-approves-Phase-1-of-Mineral-Mobility-project-amid-debate-over-16-foot-concrete-trail-in-Jackass-Gulch","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676201-6134c1442119be7b60aebbffd84aecb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213402&Signature=k1o8unDWIsCFFmwrOc5Y0fXkWdgQNSBaFSY3SYd9r08svel5FuUwqOdgpDduxDn7yxCc9xzfYxjAPLszMys2Nt9uv5pz-ScbMtPyy8KJtIRFCBn0VJnIMN61GlVKhCSiK15xYMX3Q2kpvmrduU8d9J7askmuCCCG8DpDoZC70Mp21MYppL2WbFAuxKuDZh-ZlBa3RJu9TvQdi-rGamd20VlrtG~M~MROJEeUnsYQAnXr4GUXYxDpHiC3d5vc6TVhyyhI0D1Jx1UnCt5iPqTRMzswySCuHuP4Y7twUnFsvYhlZY7XcSEKk4psW7snGojwQVxILkHVTC5mJqHaX6EZiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Littleton City, CO","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Littleton City Council voted 5–1 on May 20 to award a construction contract for Mineral Mobility East Phase 1, a multimillion‑dollar multimodal project designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle access between the High Line Canal and the Littleton Mineral RTD station.

The vote advances Phase 1 contract work that staff said must be completed this year to meet grant deadlines. \"The Mineral Trail will provide year‑round, high‑comfort bicycle and pedestrian facilities for all ages and abilities,\" Brent Soderlund, director of public works and utilities, told council during the project presentation.

Why it matters: the project bundles safety upgrades — a mill and overlay of Jackass Hill Road, buffered bike lanes, traffic calming at two intersections, and improved High Line Canal crossings — with plans to pave a 16‑foot‑wide path through Jackass Gulch. Staff and some residents said paved surfaces are necessary to meet ADA requirements year‑round and to satisfy maintenance and grant conditions; opponents warned that a wide concrete corridor would degrade the gulch's open‑space character and that alternatives were not fully explored.

Project background and funding: the Mineral Mobility concept began in 2020 and later secured a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Safer Main Streets grant along with contributions from Arapahoe County Open Space and South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Staff told council the project has $4.4 million in outside grant funding that requires Phase 1 construction to be finished by Dec. 31, 2025, or Littleton could risk losing those awards.

Public comment at the meeting was long and largely opposed to a single, wide paved road. Mark Flink, who described himself as a 35‑year Southbridge resident, said the proposal \"was added to the mobility improvement project through false and misleading statements\" and criticized the city for promoting a 16‑foot concrete road that he said does not exist elsewhere in the metro trail network. Several speakers, including Ned Stern and Tammy Whitney, urged the council to preserve the existing crusher‑fines soft trail or to pursue a dual‑surface design.

Disagreement in the meeting centered on accessibility and maintenance. David Ortiz, who described himself as a high‑functioning paraplegic, urged council to prioritize paved, maintainable surfaces: \"The part of the plan that seeks to pave for the pedestrians, that's accessible. That's equity,\" Ortiz said. Staff and the city’s maintenance partner, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, told council they do not plow crusher‑fines trails and that the topography in parts of the gulch makes a stable, year‑round soft surface difficult to maintain.

Council discussion and decision: members raised the tradeoffs between preserving open space character and creating a reliable ADA‑compliant connection to transit. Councilmember Driscoll expressed concern about replacing the existing soft trail and argued the city had not done sufficient due diligence on crusher‑fines options; Councilmember Reichhardt described the safety and accessibility benefits as a key factor in his support. After discussion, the council approved the Phase 1 construction contract by a 5–1 vote; Councilmember Driscoll voted no.

What the contract covers and next steps: Phase 1 includes Jackass Hill Road repairs and traffic calming, buffered bike lanes and enhancements to High Line Canal crossings; staff said Phase 2 will address the remaining intersection work and extend the Mineral Trail to the RTD station. Construction for Phase 1 is expected to begin soon and — per grant conditions cited by staff — must be substantially complete by the end of 2025.

Context and constraints: staff said design choices were constrained by topography, retaining‑wall costs and grant requirements. The city also reported that modifying the scope now would require renegotiation with multiple funding partners — particularly CDOT, which staff said has stricter timing and scope requirements tied to the Safer Main Streets grant.

Council members and staff said they will continue to seek public feedback on design elements and will monitor maintenance, lighting and safety details as the work proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting - 05/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Littleton City Council voted 5–1 on May 20 to award a construction contract for Mineral Mobility East Phase 1, a multimillion‑dollar multimodal project that includes a 16‑foot paved trail through Jackass Gulch, traffic calming and other pedestrian and bicycle improvements.","taxTitle","Littleton City, Arapahoe County, Colorado","taxId",52180,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676170,"Littleton updates 2025 budget, carries forward capital items and adds procurement legal staff to manage surge in contracts",1090,12240000,13330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06&start=12240&end=13330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06/thumbnail_12240000.jpg","/articles/6676170/Littleton-City/Arapahoe-County/Colorado/Littleton-updates-2025-budget-carries-forward-capital-items-and-adds-procurement-legal-staff-to-manage-surge-in-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676170-890a852e28a0f8b751748ad97c2998e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213402&Signature=QSN-0r0AfWl0~77HS~-7GhVUXd8NpwH~9RJZtc~pDl-mkuXhc2ytC1ypml1jHmJBh4ryMKr16TyoqioeI4yTXxMRMcl5r45jhp0ciJAUIxnkQys01GAEFpSE4OsqffPeywh-ySDY-SWtEI9exiuPh~LogmnZly7Ow07mCjNNVF7KdvxAdolM~voWA5XcnV3EnrCQ~-qphX8rGQypuPiCLZBkSFa8nUGwfrHwLI8LestkTcLLUg0Qh2dFhBQTc5S0w~-ATSyN5dyfJPgWzsDrFyVnaiqsqQYxxs0B6gMI1PwdslGlZUS2jaczu2e7zCbxnW~mSlKfesAjQBCMhbMOTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On May 20 the Littleton City Council adopted several ordinances that reallocated unspent 2024 appropriations to 2025 and approved staffing additions to address an expanded contracting workload.

What council approved: ordinances on second reading carried forward approximately $9.2 million in open purchase orders from 2024 into 2025 and adjusted about $21 million in multi‑year capital project budgets to reflect timing changes and newly appropriated grant reimbursements. Council also approved the city‑enterprise budget amendments for sewer and stormwater enterprises.

Procurement and legal staffing: staff reported the city’s contracting workload has grown from roughly 200 active contracts in 2019 to about 600 in recent years as the city undertook more capital work and grant‑funded projects. To reduce program risk and avoid staff burnout, council approved adding two full‑time positions — one in the finance/procurement area and one in the city attorney’s office — to provide contract administration, training and risk management support. The city manager said portions of those positions’ costs will be charged to projects in the 3A capital fund because much of the workload is tied to those projects.

Budget outlook and risks: staff presented updated general fund projections showing slower sales‑tax growth than previously forecast; year‑end 2024 results were about $1.5 million lower than earlier estimates. The staff forecast showed a modest operating gap in 2025 that narrows later in the five‑year model if expected development‑related revenues (including Mineral Place) materialize; staff said they plan careful vacancy management and timing adjustments on capital projects to limit structural drawdown of fund balances.

Why it matters: councilors and staff said the new procurement resources are necessary to manage increasing contract complexity and to protect the city’s exposure on insurance, compliance and grant reporting. Councilor comments praised the funding of essential administration and encouraged conservative budgeting while monitoring economic indicators.

Next steps: staff will implement the reappropriations, advertise and recruit for the approved positions, and return with construction schedules and grant‑reimbursement updates for specific capital projects.","Council approved budget amendments to reappropriate unspent 2024 purchase orders and capital project balances into 2025, and authorized two new staff positions to support procurement and contracts in finance and the city attorney's office amid a growing workload tied to 3A projects and grant management.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676179,"Littleton schedules June hearings on state‑directed ADU rules, parking and turf changes",1934,10206000,12140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06&start=10206&end=12140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06/thumbnail_10206000.jpg","/articles/6676179/Littleton-City/Arapahoe-County/Colorado/Littleton-schedules-June-hearings-on-statedirected-ADU-rules-parking-and-turf-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676179-7cfc67ca78a011007daf019b1bd589fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213402&Signature=Aczr-I1AT8CnEj1SJsEZZ74AnN-Tw1QBV6G8uNbVO9JkX95k8JqdsOcE~R~wjZW4m4CLubINzvuwEL3OJZmebUonPiAEcs96PIIJjpSY70YxtwTXTyWzZQB5~T3OQNqdJqMaZ2THfKuBrqlalNX2n2VSbyV5KmS9zAKqYUptdo-T1aEtdyZDYGYf4UhKgx5Qh5wdcZpXC33-VY4x2~bnkWIMANN05RZ2ILvEUYY23GZdDOzVgF9ZaJpxBzbUarzOep8QLEISAg6w2-TrKuH9FHl36RFJ5xwDtcSvvaoPRKqf5KmL5MF48DRpPQtkzA38JahON9UGSZgE4hG-HrmIVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Littleton City Council on May 20 voted to publish and set public hearings for June 3 on two ordinance packages that implement state‑level changes and update local land‑use rules.

What the ordinances do: staff said Ordinance 9 updates the unified land use code to comply with House Bill 24‑1152 (state ADU legislation) by loosening certain restrictions on accessory dwelling units, removing some design constraints, and aligning lot‑setback rules. Ordinance 10 bundles multiple 2024 legislative updates, including limits on nonfunctional turf on nonresidential properties and an expansion of state‑authorized parking minimum waivers in designated transit areas.

Key ADU changes staff highlighted: staff proposed raising the maximum size for detached ADUs to 1,000 square feet (from 750 or 800 in some zones), removing a requirement that a detached ADU must be on an alley lot, and allowing ADU heights to approach the district maximum rather than being capped by the primary dwelling’s roofline. Staff said attached ADUs remain limited by the primary house size and that existing coverage and contextual development rules still constrain where larger ADUs are feasible.

Minimum parking and transit area: the city will implement a state rule that removes parking minimums for qualifying multifamily or mixed‑use residential developments near high‑frequency transit stations. Littleton staff proposed applying the exemption to all residential developments (including small multifamily) within the state’s applicable transit area map for the Broadway and Mineral corridors and downtown, rather than limiting it to five‑unit or larger developments.

Nonfunctional turf: staff said the ordinance will prohibit installation of artificial turf and nonfunctional ornamental turf on nonresidential properties and added definitions to distinguish functional recreational turf from nonfunctional landscaping.

Public process and next steps: both ordinances were approved on first reading with a 5–1 vote (Councilmember Driscoll opposed both first readings). Staff will hold the public hearings June 3, at which council will hear public comment and take final votes. Staff emphasized the city retains some local discretion — for example, buffer and setback requirements for visual mitigation will remain in place even as state law reduces some local controls.

Council comment: several councilmembers said they wanted additional public education and an upcoming study session on a separate citizen petition to amend the charter related to land‑use notice and a proposed two‑year pause on residential code changes. Councilmember Zink and others asked staff for clearer outreach so residents understand what the changes mean for their properties.

Outcome: hearings were set for June 3; no final adoption occurred tonight. Staff will return with more detail and public comment.","Council set public hearings for June 3 on two ordinances that implement state 2024 housing and land‑use laws: rules easing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) restrictions; removal of parking minimums near transit; and limits on nonfunctional turf for nonresidential properties.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676186,"Littleton approves design contract to reimagine museum’s history gallery after community engagement",3942,2590000,6532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06&start=2590&end=6532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06/thumbnail_2590000.jpg","/articles/6676186/Littleton-City/Arapahoe-County/Colorado/Littleton-approves-design-contract-to-reimagine-museums-history-gallery-after-community-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676186-4c1ccc794e114fd2a9de5e02d69ad813/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213402&Signature=Cns2ZS~DqyKDQ7HLSeDVoJFiB1~Ug3l17fhHNlpvU8sTimMYCPNNXTbvAiujgwS-Xgil7gCJZYcmIV7nkQiHHqO8nW3HgtMb9Pq0Oo0Vp7Z-yZH-h18Zclu0fjZxyx0luMcEmDDKj7Zt6YHaJS3On-tLfO36k2ps2W0Jnk4I8nzhy42vlt6Fe9ZKE6E8ojXfR~vCL0Y5jfk0U7NQvST~UIH65T8bSacvN8kzbW1-zG99dGHq5pmG4VrU~ABqRaMoYV5NEBwObbHjRKAqETDp2YpbG2huoDGw28krLA~7LS9CcqmZf-VQ3sTw37WGFBtwGM61ypDZxwD3QQNT-86bmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Littleton City Council voted unanimously on May 20 to approve a design contract with Studio Tectonic LLC for schematic and design development of a major renovation to the Littleton Museum’s history gallery.

Why it matters: the project will refresh the museum’s primary gallery — last overhauled two decades ago — with new storytelling, hands‑on elements and expanded representation of under‑told local histories. Museum leaders said the plan will keep traditional histories while adding community‑identified topics and accessibility features.

What council approved: the contract funds the next design phases (schematic and design development) and follows a 2024 concept master plan and multiple rounds of community engagement. Tim Namm, museum director, said the gallery redo includes timeline ‘‘towers,’’ thematic nodes such as the South Platte River and interactive elements intended for broad age ranges and accessibility.

Funding and schedule: staff said a local private grant covers part of the design phase, and museum impact fees will fund the balance of design and the construction phase. Design work is scheduled for 2025–26, with a tentative build in 2027 and a goal to reopen the gallery in late 2027; final dates depend on funding availability and supply‑chain considerations.

Community and content: Studio Tectonic presented concept sketches that link Littleton’s deep artifact collection (the museum holds about 60,000 objects) with experiential exhibits. The museum plans continued outreach to under‑represented neighborhoods and stakeholder groups to shape narratives and rotating content.

Council comment: members praised the plan’s emphasis on children’s engagement and storytelling. Councilmember Eckerd highlighted the museum’s role in community identity; Mayor Pro Tem and others noted the project’s potential as a long‑term quality‑of‑life asset.

Next steps: staff will proceed through schematic design and further community engagement, then return to council as the project moves into final design and construction procurement. Council approved the resolution to authorize the design contract.","Council approved a contract with Studio Tectonic to lead schematic and design development for a top‑to‑bottom revision of the Littleton Museum history gallery — the first full redesign in 22 years — guided by community input and a focus on untold stories and accessibility.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676197,"Neighbors press Littleton council for residential permit parking after Littleton Brewery opens",1020,1164000,2184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06&start=1164&end=2184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416839-68e1b4d28e64613844c64a0413faff06/thumbnail_1164000.jpg","/articles/6676197/Littleton-City/Arapahoe-County/Colorado/Neighbors-press-Littleton-council-for-residential-permit-parking-after-Littleton-Brewery-opens","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676197-5f5ab47b12995d8dcb94e5baa3541c52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213402&Signature=gwpaL3KXop2EDOCzIWBKaHlIr5N4Pvr0FcQyddTNzHDu6G8G113Wsjaz61kGflzRjGjSse58LFq8ZIw2ySAfj3Cx4~oJFqXh2BE-YX2m0qaGYBL5V1GZpTmueUFlW4VOViS7n79fLoSrIS-e0DKGwJapW0xahYPDA0T~xdd2LuKhwuc6BdC0MeydqZ5y2YD5EBhU4HmeVEEdoq6jRLK~4nhaGrAkGgQxpeYU8G9oNT31wFeLpRl-TwuqfkK89iPO2MpJNlw0UHOj6fRyyWcImXtcgqgOvjj4j6uKJyR0X5jqsraNV9A-wCRcqE5uAHc6P7Z1RcyOpQ0fEsM8KW1b~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents living near Littleton Brewery told the City Council on May 20 that the brewery’s patrons and employees have crowded streets around Forest Hill and Littleton Boulevard, leaving many homeowners without on‑street parking.

Why it matters: residents said the spillover parking affects daily life and safety — blocking driveways, along alleys, and preventing deliveries — and urged the city to create permit parking to reserve spots for residents. Council members said they were aware of the problems and described incremental enforcement steps now in place.

What residents said: multiple speakers who live on or near South Forest Hill Street described recurring nights with no available parking. Dwayne and Pam Duffy said there was \"not one parking spot available\" and asked whether permit parking could guarantee at least one space in front of each residence. D. Bone (Deboam) described planning medical appointments and family events around the lack of spaces and said some employees park for entire shifts in front of residents’ homes.

Council response: councilmembers said the police department had boosted enforcement and that short‑term steps — painting parking lines to clarify legal spaces and reviewing fine amounts — were under discussion. Councilmember Reichhardt said staff and police were exploring additional measures, including possibly increasing fines or towing when vehicles create safety hazards, and that permit parking could be considered if earlier steps proved insufficient.

Background and staff notes: the council and city manager acknowledged parking enforcement is underway and that a proactive approach is needed before considering permit zones. Councilmember Reichhardt also suggested council consider permit parking along with the upcoming Littleton Boulevard planning efforts to balance public and private space.

Next steps: staff said they will continue enforcement efforts, evaluate whether existing fines and towing policies are adequate, and explore permit parking if current measures do not solve the problem. No formal action was taken at the meeting; residents were advised about existing enforcement channels and the possibility of future council consideration of permit parking.","Multiple residents from Forest Hill and adjacent streets urged the council to adopt permit parking and other enforcement to address widespread, overnight parking tied to a new brewery; councilors acknowledged the issue and discussed short‑term enforcement and longer‑term steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Littleton council approves Phase 1 of Mineral Mobility project amid debate over 16-foot concrete trail in Jackass Gulch

Littleton updates 2025 budget, carries forward capital items and adds procurement legal staff to manage surge in contracts

Littleton schedules June hearings on state‑directed ADU rules, parking and turf changes

Littleton approves design contract to reimagine museum’s history gallery after community engagement

Neighbors press Littleton council for residential permit parking after Littleton Brewery opens