The Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDAA) Board of Directors held their meeting on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 6 p.m.to decide on the next steps for the Big Springs Parking project. Board members discussed at length such weighty issues as the parking complications on East 1st Street and the fate of the Bryant House.

NDDA Executive Director Kate Masingale presented the first Action Item to the Board, which was a vote to authorize the release of the approved funds for Nederland Fire Department’s Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). An IGA is an agreement between two governmental entities to solve problems of mutual concern. The Board voted to approve the funding.

The Big Springs Parking Project, aimed to improve drainage and add sidewalks and more parking to Nederland, required the Board to vote on two separate resolutions before moving forward. The project was bid on by Edge Contracting Inc. with a total budget of $358, 537, which was accepted and approved by both the NDDA and the Board of Trustees.

Board members moved to approve the authorization and release of the funding for the project, though the progress of the Big Springs Parking Project faced one final issue. The question before the NDDA was whether or not Public Works would handle the asphalt paving phase of the project for an estimated savings to the town of $11,000.

Though the Board all wished to support Public Works, the possibility that a gap in construction between two contractors might lead to a liability issue for the town ultimately swayed their decision. Though one member abstained from the vote, it was agreed that Edge Contracting Inc. should be fully responsible for the project, especially the proper compaction of the asphalt so cracks don’t form in the concrete.

The NDDA heard two presentations for event funding, for applications received from Ned Gravel and Wild Bear Nature Center in February, 2022.

Ned Gravel requested $1000 for traffic and safety for their Ned Gravel Bike Race on July 9. The funds would cover the costs of signage and fencing for the event, as well as the payroll for traffic control and flaggers. Ned Gravel also hoped for the funds to cover the creation of a guide map of Nederland for participants of the race, as well as the creation of a bike safety course for kids, with a helmet provided to any child who needs one.

Board Chair Barbara Hardt mentioned an updated town map that already exists at the Town Hall which could serve Ned Gravel’s event and open up some of the funds to be utilized elsewhere. The NDDA motioned to approve the funding of $1000 to Ned Gravel.

Wild Bear Nature Center (WBNC) requested $1000 to advertise for their Wild Earth Week Events, April 17 to April 24. WBNC anticipates over 300 people visiting their center at 20 Lakeview Drive, with such attractions as live animal ambassadors, including a peregrine falcon and a red-tailed boa. The requested funds are specifically for boosting WBNC’s social media ads, purchasing newspaper ads, and printing and distributing flyers. The NDDA voted to approve the funding of $1000 to WBNC.

The NDDA moved forward to the Discussion Items on the meeting’s agenda, hearing a presentation by Deputy Zoning Administrator Cynthia Bakke on the best management practices for the promotion of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The goal of the presentation was for the NDDA to analyze the barriers in Nederland’s Zoning Code to be considered regarding renewable energy sources such as Solar PV.

Nederland has achieved the Bronze Designation status as a solar community by SolSmart, an organization that helps municipalities achieve the benefits and incentives that can be gained from home and business owners going solar. The lack of language for solar energy in Nederland’s current Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Codes is a major barrier towards becoming a more green and sustainable community.

Board members discussed many zoning considerations for Solar PV systems, including maximum height for both rooftop and ground panels, and the issue of potential glare and obstructed roof access for the Nederland Fire Department. Board Member Catherine Valen requested further information about whether the lifespan of current Solar PV systems covers the cost of installation and whether or not the panels are recyclable.

With two surveys already approved by the BOT and released to the public, the NDDA was tasked with discussing the issue of parking in the Central Business District. The central focus was on East 1st Street and on the lack of employee parking, with Board members suggesting trial runs for back-in parking only and most agreeing that paid parking should be considered.

The Board looked forward to getting the surveys back from business owners and residents alike, to see in what direction the results may point them. It was mentioned that as more people come to town, both to live and to visit, actions should be taken to adjust town codes toward making downtown more for pedestrians and less for vehicles.

Board Member Danielle Crouse led a discussion on whether or not the NDDA wanted to collaborate with members from the Nederland Area Historic Society (NAHS) on an external restoration of the historic Bryant House, located at the RTD Park and Ride.

The dilapidated building has been labeled an “eyesore” by members of the community and is currently on RTD owned land. In 2003, the town entered a license agreement with RTD, permitting use and maintenance of the Bryant House; the town currently leases the house to the NAHS.

The Bryant House was considered for historical landmark status in 2006, but the RTD did not issue a letter of support and a determination was made against the Bryant House in 2007.

The consensus of the NDDA at first was against taking Bryant House on as a project, with Board members requesting more information from the NAHS on their plans or proposal. Board Member Ron Mitchell expressed a personal investment in the house, having acted on restoring the property in the past. Mitchell agreed to assist Crouse in researching the proper grants necessary for the project, as well as engaging RTD in the conversation.

Hardt brought to the NDDA a proposal to create and release a public survey asking business owners and residents their opinions on festivals held in Nederland. The proposed survey would include a sales tax history of recent years, though the content of the questions being asked in the survey was up to the Board to discuss.

The Board appeared to agree that, though businesses thrive from these events, the general feeling among the community appears to be against said events. Though the aim of the survey would be to get a consensus from the community to help guide future decisions, not necessarily to criticize any immediate actionable results, it was decided that the NDDA should not be involved with such a survey, at this time.

The NDDA meets the second Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, starting at 6 p.m. For more information please go to: https://townofnederland.colorado.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/downtowndevelopment authority