The Mountain-Ear
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| NDDA shovels for gold, kicks off sidewalk project |
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| Written by administrator | |
| Wednesday, 30 September 2009 | |
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Barbara Lawlor NEDERLAND At last. A pedestrian-friendly walkway flanking the highway running through town was officially dedicated Friday afternoon. For weeks, drivers have been patiently dealing with one-lane traffic through town because they could see the excavation project taking shape; could imagine a real sidewalk, making for a safe stroll out of town to the Eldora Road. On Friday, members of the Nederland Town Board of Trustees gathered with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) officials and the Nederland Downtown Development Association (NDDA) to designate the project’s official beginning. The sidewalk mission actually began almost 20 years ago, when a downtown revitalization committee was formed to figure out how to make Nederland more attractive to those millions of people who drive through town in the summer, fall and ski season. Teresa Warren was among those original dreamers and she has never let go of her quest. Nederland Board of Trustees members Dallas Masters and Kirk Barnett thanked Warren and the NDDA for their work in getting the dream of a sidewalk to the moment of reality. Warren said, “It is so exciting to watch the progress being made every day.” Scott Belonger, a designer with Loris and Associates, thanked the town and the NDDA for involving him with the project. The Rollinsville resident said, “Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make an impact on the community that is so important to me. I enjoy coming through the Nederland area and watching it becoming bigger and go through significant changes.” The first sidewalk is slated to be paved this week and the downtown area is already being prepped for completion. One-lane closures can be expected during this time, but it is a worthwhile headache. The project is funded by NDDA grants, the ARRA stimulus and DRCOG, and Mutual of Omaha is carrying the paperwork. John Benedetti, president of Nederland's Mutual of Omaha branch said the bank is here for worthwhile community projects. “And people can walk to the bank to make deposits now,” he joked. Mayor Martin Cheshes says he looks forward to the completion and lots of people walking on the sidewalk to town businesses. The construction crew will take advantage of the good weather and hopes to finish all construction by November. NDDA member Ron Mitchell said he just got back from a convention of city leaders and learned that a sidewalk can result in economic change. “Everyone said that a sidewalk in the downtown area was a tremendous benefit to their town.” The first sidewalk, to be named the Brian Mahon Way, ends at the road to Eldora but Boulder County planners say they are pursuing funding for more options. The land being used for the sidewalk is part of the CDOT right-of-way property. After the officials gathered with the golden shovels to dig into the dirt for the traditional ground-breaking moment, Warren said, “This is a wonderful welcome sign into our town. Six trees which were already dead have been removed and the homeowners had to move their fences, but it all looks nice and is the result of many years of work.” After the ceremony, the sidewalk gang went to the Pioneer Inn for refreshments and congratulations. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 October 2009 ) |
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