Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parking Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors press Aspen council to enforce rules after repeated W Hotel parking and noise complaints
Summary
Multiple Aspen residents told the council that the W Hotel’s use of loading zones and parking in a marked fire lane has repeatedly blocked ambulance access and caused nuisance noise; they urged the city to enforce ordinances and require public comment for zoning changes affecting loading areas.
Residents and neighbors of the W Hotel told the Aspen City Council on Dec. 17 they have sustained recurring problems with noise and the hotel’s use of loading zones that, they said, endanger emergency access.
"On December 3, when vehicles on Spring Street completely blocked the Aspen ambulance, the police officer told me an ongoing problem," Ken Rifkin told council, describing multiple reported violations and his request that the city coordinate with EMS and the fire department. "I asked the city council to enforce immediately ordinance 39 series 2014 50 15.1 which addresses the W loading zones and Spring Street Fire Lane." (Ken Rifkin)
Neighbors said repeated meetings and city actions have not solved the issue and asked for stronger enforcement, including public comment on zoning changes and compliance with the hotel's subdivision agreement. John Sarpa, a co-developer who spoke later, acknowledged the constrained street layout and offered to work with planning and engineering staff to develop a better operational plan.
Council members and staff said ticketing occurs for observable violations and that city departments — parking, police, and the city attorney’s office — have been engaged; staff committed to pursuing further coordination with EMS and exploring operational fixes.
No formal enforcement motion was taken at the meeting, but staff and the developer agreed to continue working together and to pursue follow-up with the appropriate departments.
