Board agrees to accept Brush Creek Park‑and‑Ride quitclaim deed from CDOT; ordinance set for public hearing

Pitkin County commissioners voted to set an Aug. 13 public hearing on an ordinance that would accept a quitclaim deed transferring the Brush Creek Park‑and‑Ride property from the Colorado Department of Transportation to the county.

Public Works Director Brian Bennett told the board the state originally acquired the property in 1997 and had reduced the parcel to about 27 acres after earlier transfers. Recent upgrades created roughly 400 paved parking spaces, new lighting and landscaping; Bennett said additional unstriped dirt areas on either side of the paved spaces are used for special events and can hold vehicles depending on how they are arranged. He said expenses for snow removal and routine maintenance have historically ranged between about $70,000 and $100,000 per year depending on work undertaken.

Bennett said CDOT recorded a deed restriction specifying the property may be used only for public transportation purposes or other non‑proprietary public uses; staff said that restriction would bind the county if it accepts the title. The county would also assume responsibility to negotiate or replace existing leases and intergovernmental agreements: staff said two current leases (RFTA for bus operations and the City of Aspen for enforcement) would cease and instead the county would execute a lease with RFTA and take over monitoring and enforcement.

Commissioners discussed opportunities the site offers for staging, overnight or paid parking, EV charging and possible event staging in coordination with EOTC. The board approved moving the ordinance to a public hearing Aug. 13 and instructed staff to continue coordination with EOTC and CDOT on permitted uses and the deed restriction.