CENTRAL CITY  — The G3 Casino Resort project came up again at the October 20 Central City Council meeting, this time over plans to demolish several historic buildings in Gregory Gulch.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved the demolition plan on September 22 in a 3-2 vote, but the developer wasn't happy with some of the 10 conditions attached to the approval.

The project involves removing several buildings along Gregory Street and Packard Street, including the house at 341 Gregory Street. Plans call for reusing portions of old rock walls, building facades, and power plant ruins in a proposed Historic Discovery Lane. Two residential structures may be relocated.

Rather than approve the HPC decision as part of the consent agenda, the council agreed to hold a public hearing on November 3, 2026, to take a closer look.

The remaining consent agenda items, including bills and the October 6 meeting minutes, passed unanimously.

Fire restrictions approved

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-18, allowing City Manager Daniel Miera to declare and enforce fire restrictions alongside Gilpin County.

The idea is to keep restrictions consistent across city and county boundaries. The council had questioned whether the city could still make its own decisions, so the wording was changed to make clear that Central City can impose stricter restrictions when necessary.

No one spoke during the public hearing.

No development application for Moroni Ranch

Miera addressed social media rumors about a possible residential development on the Moroni Ranch property in Eureka Valley.

He said there is no active application before the City, although he has heard about a group interested in purchasing the property. The previous 15-year development agreement expired earlier this year.

Mayor Jeremy Fey assured residents that the council wasn't making deals behind closed doors.

"We're not doing anything behind closed doors. We don't have any handshake agreements," Fey said.

Council members encouraged residents to contact them directly with questions rather than rely on anonymous social media posts.

Stevens Street dispute continues

Karen Rittenhouse returned to council, still looking for answers about access to her home from Stevens Street.

She and her husband have used the road for 38 years, but there is disagreement over where the public street ends.

Rittenhouse described an October 8 meeting at the property with City officials and attorneys. An alternative driveway has been proposed, but she questioned whether it would be practical.

The route could involve crossing a hillside, building stairs, and possibly a retaining wall. She wondered how they would carry groceries and firewood to the house.

Her husband said historical surveys dating back to 1878 show Stevens Street existed at that time. He also raised concerns about emergency vehicle access.

Fey later explained that the council had been advised not to discuss the dispute publicly because of the legal issues involved.

Another resident, Deb Wray, questioned why political signs associated with Eric Langan were being displayed in windows when she believed other candidates weren't allowed to do the same. Fey said he wasn't sure whether the City's sign code prohibited them, adding that he had displayed signs in windows himself in past elections.

Opera asks for funding during workshop

Before the regular meeting, the council heard funding requests from local nonprofits during a budget workshop.

Scott Finlay of Central City Opera presented plans to install heating in the historic Opera House, which is largely limited to summer performances.

The project would cost an estimated $500,000, with the opera asking the City for half and seeking the rest through private funding.

Heating the building would allow concerts, comedy, lectures, and other events during the colder months. Finlay hopes to have the work completed before the 2027 festival.

The opera also proposed a 10-year partnership, requesting $250,000 annually to help preserve its historic properties, including the Teller House and several cottages.

Finlay said more events could bring additional business to local restaurants, casinos, and hotels. The opera estimates that 20 additional performances could generate nearly $29,000 in annual city admission fees.

Council members were interested but acknowledged the substantial cost. No funding decisions were made.

Around town

Betty Mahaffey of the Belvidere Foundation invited residents to a lecture by historian John Kittredge about women miners in the Central City area on Saturday, October 24, at 4 p.m., upstairs at 123 Main Street.

She also announced upcoming lectures on Rollins Pass, Jeremiah Lee, and local ranching history, and reported that repairs to the Belvidere roof have begun.

The Gilpin Historical Society's Creepy Crawl continues October 23 and 24, with new stories and buildings on the tour.

During council comments, members thanked the nonprofits for their work in the community. Fey also reminded residents about the third annual Taste of Gilpin on November 12, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring an expected 10 to 12 restaurants. Tickets are available at OpenArts.

The next regular Central City Council meeting is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when the G3 demolition request will return for a public hearing.