PROJECT

small bridge structure. It should take 590 working days.

Montoya said the work now will include a complete sidewalk along the southern side of the road. He said the plan includes a sidewalk along the northern side of the road as well, but the city does not have the rights-ofway from property owners along the way that would allow them to do that work. Getting that would add delays to the project, he said.

“We have rights-of-way easements that are needed and we have sent out o er letters to those property owners. We have received one response out of a couple dozen. If we do not get an o er, acceptance or negotiation, that really only leaves us with an option of condemnation.” e other option is to eliminate the northern sidewalk from the current work plan, he said.

“We may be able to squeeze in some temporary trail locations and proceed with the work right away,” Montoya said. “Essentially that would be commencing construction now without

Note From The Publisher

Linda Shapley

e change to our nearly two dozen publications gives them a cohesive feel, and combined with a change to a more compact size in printing, allows the news content to take center stage, as it should.

Two years ago this week, our publications became owned by a new company, the Colorado News Conservancy. Its mission and purpose are right there in its the rights-of-way in fully place,” he said. “Of note, this project has been solicited, we have bids in hand and have evaluated those bids.”

Councilors agreed the sidewalks along Bridge Street are important, but the widening work is more important.

“ e dangers associated with this project not continuing, the frustration with the tra c there, my recommendation would absolutely be to proceed and deal with the north side as we can and as we are able,” Councilors

Peter Padilla said. “As long as we are showing the sidewalk along the south side, delaying this project through two dozen negotiations would only frustrate and serve to delay. I don’t think it’s serves anyone.”

Councilor Clint Blackhurst agreed.

“We’ll have a nice sidewalk on the south side, new tra c lights along the way so people can cross to the south side easily,” Blackhurst said.

Councilor Ann Tadeo said she agreed, and said it’s important to avoid condemnation and eminent domain considerations.

“Having the nice sidewalk along the south side is better, it’s what we need,” she said. “I am not a fan of eminent domain. Just saying the words makes me cringe. I don’t like it.” name: to conserve local news, keep it in local hands and keep it vibrant. We recognized that folks get their news in di erent forms, not just in print, so this is just the rst stage in a project to demonstrate our commitment to innovation and progress.

We want you to feel proud and connected to whichever of our publications you receive. We hope you will appreciate the e ort and attention to detail that went into this re- design. We welcome your feedback and comments on our new look, and any part of our newsgathering. Your opinion matters to us, and we always strive to improve to meet your expectations. ank you for your continued support and loyalty to our publication. We believe there are better days ahead.

— Linda Shapley,

Brighton to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day

In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the City of Brighton will be hosting a series of events to promote environmental protection and sustainability, along with the planting and preservation of trees. e community is encouraged to participate in the mix of planned activities. is year’s Annual High School Beauti cation Project will take place at 9 a.m. May 5 at Carmichael Park, 650 E Southern St. e senior class from Brighton High School will help plant 30 new trees to celebrate Arbor Day.

If you have questions, please contact Kyle Sylvester, Assistant Director