Trustees back removing parking from Fourth Street Plaza; approve buffer, canopy and utility relocation in Chaco's Park update

Carbondale trustees reviewed updated site‑plan work for Chaco's Park and directed staff and designers to move forward without on‑site parking, to add an east‑side buffer for the play feature, and to protect and increase tree canopy on the west side of the plaza.

Design review and accessibility: Consultants Nick and Eric presented two parking scenarios for the Fourth Street Plaza: a configuration that would retain four head‑in spaces (two van‑accessible) and a smaller option that would provide two accessible spaces. Designers told trustees that staff and the parks‑and‑recreation commission initially preferred a four‑space solution to increase accessible capacity but that the town also has about 50 special events per year that close the street.

After discussion, trustees expressed a clear preference for maximizing public green space, protecting shade trees and creating a wider, pedestrian‑first plaza. Multiple trustees said they would rather remove the head‑in spaces and rely on nearby public lots, temporary event parking and clearer signage to meet downtown access needs; staff said there are large parking areas a block away that could be used and that the launchpad lot can be managed for accessible parking during events.

Buffer and water play: Designers recommended moving the sidewalk west and using the space gained to create a roughly 10‑foot buffer between the street and the water play feature; trustees supported the buffer to reduce conflicts between vehicles and children using the feature and to allow space for pump and vault infrastructure.

Trees, materials and shading: Trustees repeatedly emphasized the need for canopy and shade. Designers said the plaza design will allow larger planting zones and that keeping or transplanting healthy trees is a priority. The board also supported a durable, non‑asphalt surface across the plaza (concrete or segmental pavers) that would read as a single pedestrian surface when the street is closed to traffic; trustees recommended using a phased approach for higher‑cost decorative paving and suggested artists or CPAC involvement for a future “creative paving” treatment.

Utilities and easement updates: Designers reported progress with Excel (the local electric utility) on a plan to remove an existing utility pole and relocate transformer equipment to the launchpad corner, eliminating utility cabinets currently on the park site. Staff said Excel may undercut and relocate cabling and that the project would remove visible utility boxes from the park.

Board direction and next steps: Trustees asked staff to return with revised construction documents that remove on‑site parking and protect the west‑side tree canopy and to work with the launchpad property owner on any required easement changes for relocated utility equipment. Parks staff will study temporary event solutions so accessible parking is available when the plaza is closed for festivals. Trustees also asked landscape designers to maximize tree root zones and to bring back pavement and shade phasing options aligned with the 2026 budget.

There was no formal vote recorded during the work session; presenters said the next package (50% CDs) will show the revisions agreed by the trustees.