Hope Jordan, Executive Director. On January 13, 2021 the Nederland Downtown Development Authority met to listen to committee reports, review projects and consider funding requests from Public Works Manager Chris Pelletier. 

The Big Springs Parking Committee is working with Public Works Manager Chris Pelletier to create parking and drainage improvements on Big Springs Drive. During the meeting, Chris Pelletier informed committee members that Town Engineers completed some of the engineering designs.

 The Performance Space/Electrical Box Committee is happy to announce that the electrical box and shed located in Guercio field is finished. The committee looks forward to working with Town Advisory boards on a possible performance space. 

The NDDA Beautification Committee informed the board that they are looking into a more sustainable approach to the Beautification project in 2021. Committee members are currently researching information on native plants and sustainable gardens. 

The Wayfinding Committee informed board members that the NDDA signage project is underway. Committee members are working closely with Merje Designs to engage stakeholders, including business owners, Town advisory boards, the Board of Trustees, and community members. Keep a look out for a request for your input!

Matthew Hannon a representative from Partners for a Clean Environment (P.A.C.E.)  met with the board and shared a lot of information on energy conservation. Business owners can contact  https://www.pacepartners.com/ to learn more about free and low cost energy initiatives available to them. 

The Nederland Downtown Development Authority will match $70,000 of the Safer Street grant secured by Town Staff. The criteria of the Safer Streets grant is to develop a project that promotes safe walkability through town. The design phase will wrap up by the end of June 2021. Public Works Manager Chris Pelltier will keep the board informed on project developments. 

Board members also approved $30,000 in matching funds for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant. Public Works Manager Chris Pelltier sought funds from the NDDA to match funds to develop a right hand turn lane off of Lakeview Drive on to CO 119. The total cost of the project is $350,000.  

The next NDDA meeting is on  Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. For more information check out teh NDDA website at https://nederlandco.org/government/town-boards/downtown-development-authority/.

(Originally published in the February 4, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)