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Median-art project stalls as CDOT requests more approvals; commission considers alternate sites
Summary
Staff and commissioners were told new CDOT requirements could add thousands in engineering and stamp-of-approval costs and still offer no guarantee of installation; commissioners discussed moving artwork to city-controlled pedestals or other South Broadway sites.
The Englewood Cultural Arts Commission heard an update that the median-art project continues to face significant permitting hurdles with the Colorado Department of Transportation and that additional engineering approvals could add tens of thousands of dollars to the project.
Commission staff and commissioner Debbie reported that CDOT has requested additional calculations and stamped approvals beyond earlier requirements. "They just keep asking for more and more and more," Debbie said, summarizing a traffic engineer's view of the requests. Staff told the commission that a single stamp-of-approval begins at $1,500 and that a minimum traffic plan would be another $1,500; staff estimated the minimum additional cost to proceed could reach roughly $66,000 for the remaining pieces, and that CDOT review could take months with no guarantee of approval.
One design in the queue, called Rainbow Point, received an additional engineering stamp but remains contingent on final CDOT sign-off. Staff also raised concerns about a proposed reflective material on one sculpture that CDOT may reject for safety reasons, saying the final decision rests with CDOT and not the city or the artist.
Commissioners discussed alternatives that would avoid CDOT jurisdiction, including placing pieces on city-owned pedestals in the amphitheater area or installing art on South Broadway medians that are within city right-of-way and part of an upcoming complete-streets project. A commissioner suggested abandoning the CDOT median project after years of delays if progress remains unlikely; others asked staff to compile a list of possible city-controlled locations with photos so the commission can prioritize placements and consider a ranking or vote.
Staff noted that pedestal installation and foundation work carry costs as well: concrete pads and securing hardware will be required and have previously been done as part of median redesign projects. The commission asked staff to work with Public Works and provide a list of alternative installation sites and associated cost estimates at a future meeting.
No formal vote was taken on abandoning the CDOT median-art approach; the commission recorded the update and asked staff for follow-up information and site recommendations.
