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Council approves pedestrian-mall safety services after debate over temporary barriers
Summary
After debate about aesthetics and safety, council approved Resolution 50 — a professional-services contract to advance pedestrian-mall safety improvements — while staff said permanent in-ground infrastructure is costly and interim planters and surface-mounted bollards will be used this summer.
Council debated Resolution 50, a professional-services contract intended to advance pedestrian-mall safety improvements, including potential replacement of current temporary white meridian barriers with more attractive or permanent measures. Councilor Bill pressed for a quicker, attractive interim solution this summer rather than continued rental of the temporary barriers. "I'd much rather spend $150,000 on putting something in place for this summer that is gonna accomplish our needs and look better and more appropriate for Aspen," Bill said.
Parks and Open Space Director Matt said staff are "charging as fast as possible" but cautioned that in-ground bollards require significant subsurface work, utility coordination and expensive vaults and concrete footings. Landscape architect Mike Tunde agreed that the temporary barriers check the safety box but are not aligned with Aspen aesthetics.
After discussion, Council moved and approved Resolution 50 by roll call: Councillor Benedetti — yes; Councillor Doyle — yes; Councillor Guth — no; Councillor Rose — yes; Mayor Richards — yes. The vote advances study and procurement work; staff said planters and surface-mounted bollards will be deployed while longer-term infrastructure work is planned and studied.
