This week: Airport Noise Monitoring, Armory Addition, Lumberyard RFP
What's happening...
(ACC - Aspen City Council, BOCC - Pitkin Board of County Commissioners)
🛫 Airport Noise Monitoring Kicks Off
Aspen’s new noise monitoring program for the airport is officially underway, gathering data to help the community understand the impact of airport noise. This is part of broader discussions about the airport’s expansion, with a focus on managing environmental impact and controlling growth. City officials are working to implement safeguards that align with Aspen’s sustainability and transportation planning goals. Former councilwoman Ann Mullins and former Pitkin County commissioner George Newman are urging a yes vote on Pitkin County ballot item 1C, which supports further environmental protections and transportation initiatives.
💵 Aspen’s Proposed 2025 Budget
The City of Aspen’s 2025 proposed budget is set at $175,294,965, breaking down to $25,028 per resident based on the city’s population of 7,004. This marks a 13.7% increase from the previous year. The budget includes higher capital outlays and transfers while accounting for rising costs across various city departments.
ℹ️ Armory Hall Proposed Visitor Center Addition
Tuesday, the ACC will be presented with updated floor plans and renderings for the estimated $40M Armory redevelopment. The plans include an addition to the north side of the building for a visitor center. Rent for food vendors is calculated to be less than 15% of gross sales.
🏘 Lumberyard Updates
On council's consent calendar this week, the architect's contract will be increased to $3.9M for additional services.
The RFP to develop the 277 affordable unit housing project received 12 responses: Aspen Housing Partners (SCG & Berkshire Lane), Bond Brookside LLC, Continuum Partners, Corum Real Estate Group, Fairfield, Gorman & Company, Penrose, Pinnacle Real Estate Development Group, Realty Capital, The Michaels Organization, The NHP Foundation, Ulysses Development and Romero Group.
Staff has begun the evaluation process and intends to narrow the field for finalist interviews in late October or early November.
🚧 Mill Street Bridge Repairs Extended
Repairs on the Mill Street Bridge have been extended through mid-November due to rising material and labor costs. Residents and commuters should expect continued traffic disruptions and detours. The project is part of the city’s broader effort to upgrade critical infrastructure, but the rising costs have caused delays across several key projects.
🦉 Owl Cigar Mural Update
The iconic Owl Cigar mural, located on the west wall of the old Crystal Palace building, will be relocated after a 4-3 vote by the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission. The mural will move to a different section of the wall when the building is rebuilt to preserve its historical significance.
⚡️ More Code Updates, Less Energy Usage
Staff will present to the BOCC more energy code updates with the continued goal: 1) Reduce annual emissions by 90% from 2019 levels by 2050; and 2) Require all new residential development to be net zero by 2030. Two tiers of energy usage are recommended by staff:
🏛 Ordinance on Tax Code Amendments
The first reading of Ordinance #18 introduces several tax code amendments:
Sales Tax: A reallocation of revenues to fund city infrastructure and public safety initiatives.
Tobacco Tax: A proposed increase to reduce smoking rates and fund public health initiatives.
Food Tax Refund Program: Adjustments to provide more support for low-income families.
These changes aim to modernize the city’s tax structure, aligning it with Aspen’s long-term sustainability and public service goals.
📜 2025 Non-Profit Grant Cycle Update
The non-profit grant cycle is now open, featuring updates from the June 2024 City Council session:
• Grant requests capped at 10% of division budgets.
• Expanded Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship for local artists and youth engagement.
• Location eligibility limited to the Aspen-to-Glenwood corridor.
These changes aim to ensure better-targeted support for local organizations and cultural growth in Aspen.
🗳 Ballot Measure Support
The Council will consider Resolutions #130 and #131 in support of Pitkin County Ballot Questions 1A and 1C. These measures focus on securing funding for infrastructure improvements and protecting the environment. A “yes” vote will help sustain vital community initiatives.
• Ballot Question 1A: Extends the current tax to fund wildfire mitigation and other environmental protection efforts.
• Ballot Question 1C: Provides funding to address transportation infrastructure needs.