Public Open House, April 2012
On April 10, 2012, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, an open house for the Baptist Road West project was held at Lewis-Palmer High School at 1300 Higby Road in the Town of Monument, Colorado. The purpose of the meeting was to gather input on the alternatives presented, any issues for the project, and solicit feedback on the process.
Members from the Baptist Road West project team including representatives from El Paso County, County Commissioner, and the project consultants Felsburg Holt and Ullevig (FHU) and Nolte Vertical Five (NV5) were available during the open house to discuss the information presented. Approximately 30 people attended.
The public was notified of the open house through a postcard that was sent to approximately 850 residences and businesses residing within the boundary shown below. In addition, an article was posted with the Gazette about the open house.
Stations and Displays
The open house utilized numerous display boards organized in several stations. Below is a description of each station and the display boards that were included. The display boards can be downloaded by "right clicking" on the image and selecting "save as...".
Station 1 – Welcome
Included a welcome board, an aerial board in which attendees could mark where they live, and a third board requesting input specifically regarding the process, issues, and range of alternatives.
Station 2 – Project Purpose
This station provided the purpose for the project with regard to safety and mobility, and a graphic describing the process and the project status.
Station 3 – Traffic Analysis
Two boards were used to show daily traffic volumes and impact on Baptist Road west and 2040 level of service comparison.
Station 4 – Project Issues
These two boards presented the resources (habitat for special status species, wetlands, floodplains, utilities, and drainage) within the project area and supplied information regarding Santa Fe Trail modifications.
Station 5 – Alternatives
Provided aerial view visualizations of existing alignments, major shift north alternative, and major shift south alternative. There was a board showing alternatives profiles of the major shift and minor shift.
Station 6 – Next Steps
One board provided the possible screening criteria with brief write-ups on addressing the purpose and need, environmental, right-of-way, accommodates approved plans, constructability, project cost, and utility impacts. The second board provided informational ways on how to comment.
Public Comment Summary
The public was invited to submit comments regarding the project using a comment form provided at the meeting.
Twenty-four comment forms have been completed. Seventeen of those comment forms were completed and submitted at the open house, with five others submitted via of the project website, and two received by mail. Information was also provided at the meeting on how to submit comments after the meeting by mail, email or accessing the project website.
The comment form provided space for written comments and posed the following questions:
Question 1:
The at-grade railroad crossing presents a significant safety issue and should be replaced with a grade separated crossing, with the choices of:
completely agree, generally agree, neutral, completely disagree, generally disagree
Question 1 Results:
Slightly more attendees checked "completely agree" followed closely with "generally disagree" to "completely disagree" that the at-grade railroad crossing should be replaced with a grade separated crossing due to a safety issue.
Question 2:
On a typical day, how often do you and or members of your household/business cross the railroad tracks on Baptist Road, with the choices of:
more than 6, 5 to 6, 3 to 4, 1 to 2, 0, occasionally, more weekly than daily
Question 2 Results:
The majority of the attendees marked that on a typical day, they cross the railroad between one to four times a day.
Question 3:
The proposed process for the project study and evaluation of alternatives is understandable, fair, and reasonable, with the choices of:
completely agree, generally agree, neutral, completely disagree, generally disagree
If you answered "generally disagree" or "completely disagree", what would you change?
Question 3 Results:
Most of the attendees marked "generally agree" to "completely agree" that the process and the evaluation of the alternatives is understandable, fair, and reasonable.
A few comments stated that there was no need for a grade separated railroad crossing and question the need for the proposed improvements for connectivity to residential developments and open space. Questions regarding funding (who is paying for the improvements) were raised.
Question 4:
Please identify the top 3 issues that are most important to you:
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Question 4 Results:
The top three issues identified were funding, minimize environmental impacts, and minimize property impacts. The trail connectivity and bike lanes on the roadway together were important.
General Public Comment Summary
The following is a general list of the public comments received in conjunction with the April 10, 2012 open house as of April 16, 2012. They are divided by general topic and the order does not reflect priority or importance. Comments have been summarized to reduce the length of this document. The project team will consider public comment throughout the project development process.
Need for the Project
Several comments questioned the need of the project citing that there is no current problem and the improvements are premature until future residential development (Forest Lakes and Willow Springs) construction begins.
Emergency Services
A couple of comments express concerns that the train would delay emergency services. One comment suggests that the cross sections of the bridge should have larger shoulders for use by emergency vehicles.
Several comments remind of an existing emergency exit further north which is in need of repair.
Santa Fe Trail Connectivity and Type of Use
Several comments express safer trail connectivity across Baptist Road. One comment suggests incorporating an underground passage for the Santa Fe Trail where it crosses Baptist Road, and another comment adding that bikers never stop when crossing Baptist Road. A few comments suggest the trail should connect to the national forest and allow for horse as well as bicycle use.
Two comments want connectivity to open space for the benefit of everyone's use.
Environmental Impacts
Five comments wants the environmental impacts kept to a minimum, including comments that the aesthetics and use of the area should be preserved. If a bridge is going to be built, to use natural materials to better fit with the aesthetics of the area.
Alternatives
One comment states the existing alignment is the best alternative.
One comment is in favor of the minor alignment in current roadway and location.
One comment suggests an alternative up north over Willow Springs as a rotary, which would reduce noise and light pollution and be fuel-efficient. To also, make an exit for the parking lot for trail access, Forest Lakes, and Hay Creek Road.
Proposed Bridge over the Railroad Tracks
Two comments express the existing bridge is fine and in good shape.
Two comments suggest building a bridge more north by the ice rink road.
Traffic Analysis
One comment states no stop light at the Hay Creek/Baptist Road intersection. It would bring a "city cluster feeling" and be an inconvenience to the residents. The occasional train wait is better than waiting for a green arrow signal to turn onto Hay Creek Road.
Another comment expressed concern regarding the traffic flow on Baptist Road for Green Mountain residents accessing Hay Creek Road during construction and then when Forest Lakes and Willow Springs are developed.
Funding
Seven comments states taxpayers should not fund the possible improvements, citing that if future development is the driving force behind the project, then the cost should be borne by the developers. A couple of comments suggest waiting to see if Willow Springs becomes an open space before spending millions of dollars.
Other Comments
There are two favorable comments regarding the presentation of the information and that project team was approachable at the open house forum.