Citizens Opposed to the Toll Road

Greetings,
The City of Golden held a critical meeting February 24 regarding the proposed Jefferson toll road deal. Golden was being offered a deal by the county that included some road planning, and the "promise" of money to fund one or two projects. This proposed deal was viewed by most people as inappropriate, and many came forward to voice their concern. In the end, city council decided to abandon the current deal, and pursue a much stronger, two pronged strategy. First, the city will move forward with a lawsuit keeps the pressure on toll road proponents, and act as a best, last resort if the city decides to sue. Second, the city will move forward with negotiations, but pursue a much more ambitious agreement.

(Excerpt from press release) “To seek an enhanced IGA that will provide greater certainty of funding for the priority elements of the Muller Plan; addresses noise and other pollution mitigation and monitoring for northern neighborhoods, including Mitchell Elementary; addresses improvements to Highway 93 north of Golden; addresses improvement of other arterials outside the city limits to disburse traffic; includes provisions for no non-compete agreements that will impact travel on other alternative roadways that serve the area; requires CDOT be a part of the process and agreement; addresses Rocky Flats contamination issues, particularly during construction if it occurs; and addresses timing of key roadway improvements in Golden and sequencing of those improvements before parkway construction begins. City Council further directs the City Manager to work with the city’s attorneys to develop options for the City to challenge the Jefferson Parkway approvals in court in the event that negotiations do not timely and adequately progress in a fashion that protects the City’s position. The City Manager and the City’s attorneys shall keep the City Council appraised of litigation options and possible deadlines. The motion does not preclude the use of other strategies by the City to advance the City’s position regarding the Jefferson Parkway.” (To read the City of Golden’s press release dated Feb. 25 http://www.getthefactsgolden.org/

City Council Must Hold Fast...
These developments are very good news for Golden as both council and residents are galvanized with a clear direction. The key issue is council must not retreat from these better terms. The voice of Golden residents is clear - if we pursue a deal, it must meet the full and complete needs of Golden, and toll road proponents must "pay the toll" to get Golden's cooperation. Again, city council must hold fast to these better terms. It should be acknowledged that Golden's council and staff have worked very hard on this issue, and many thanks should be given to council for their wisdom to understand that Golden has the leverage and power in any negotiation. CINQ encourages their continued courage, tenacity and wisdom. However, CINQ points out that having a "friendly" relationship with Arvada, Broomfield and Jefferson County is not the goal - protecting Golden is. If that means not having good relations with neighboring communities, then so be it. It is apparent that elected officials from neighboring communities don't care much about Golden, and are more interested in pandering to developer interests. Sorry to say, but road proponents have a long track record of questionable dealings on this issue, and they are not to be trusted.

It is important to note that Rep. Ed Perlmutter was at the Feb 24 meeting, and we appreciate his interest. Moreover, the Town of Superior Trustee, Debra Williams spoke last night, and stated that her community also opposes the toll road, and is pursuing possible legal action. Debra's willingness to come forward is much appreciated, and illustrates that Golden is not alone in its opposition.

CINQ encourages Golden citizens to talk with council members, and encourage them not to bend on Golden's terms. If a deal is done, the bar must be high. If toll road proponents cannot meet the full and complete needs of Golden, then legal action is required. If a lawsuit moves forward, the benefits should not be discounted. Slowing the progress of the toll road by legal action can result in diminished interest from investors among other unforeseen benefits. Obviously, other parties are also pursuing legal action.

Interestingly, the tact by toll road proponents is to “divide and conquer” – offering each community a deal to go along. In the Jefferson Toll Road minutes from December 2010, Kevin McKasky says, (paraphrasing), Golden and Boulder would go along by February. Here we are in March, and neither community is even close. You may have read that Boulder sent a letter to Interior Secretary Salazar, asking him to delay the Rocky Flats land sale to the tolling authority UNTIL Boulder gets its $5M from Jeffco for section 16; translation – Boulder doesn’t trust the county to pay. The key point is surrounding communities, Golden, Boulder, Superior, etc., should band together and help each other, and support each other’s interests. The outcome would be better for us all.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Write Golden City Council and tell them to “Keep the Bar High for Golden” - citycouncil@cityofgolden.net
2. Sign a petition on this web site – (This petition was presented to Golden City Council on Feb. 24 with over 400 signatures).
3. Make a donation to CINQ. Donate on-line on the home page at www.gothebetterway.org
or mail a check to: CINQ, P.O. Box 715, Golden, CO 80402-0715

Rob Medina
CINQ - Citizens Involved in the Northwest Quadrant
www.GoTheBetterWay.org
info@GoTheBetterWay.org
720.261.2058