LID approves funding for Diagonal connection plan

The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) advisory committee approved a $10,000 expenditure for connectivity planning, accepting a proposal from Niwot architectural firm Fletemeyer & Lee Associates, Inc., to create a plan for better access to Niwot from the planned bikeway-pedestrian path in the median of the Diagonal Highway from Longmont to Boulder.

The proposal was presented by Mary Coonce on behalf of the Niwot Business Association (NBA). Coonce is a LID member, and also serves as treasurer of the NBA. The application stated, "The Diagonal Highway is a major transportation artery connecting Niwot to Boulder and Longmont. Any changes to this artery will directly affect the businesses in Niwot LID district. It is imperative that the community determine a master plan to ensure Niwot continues to enjoy a safe and effective connection."

The approval is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners, which acts as the board of directors for the LID.

Fletemeyer & Lee has already begun work on the planning process in an attempt to get ahead of the fast-moving bikeway project. To date, the preliminary plans for the bikeway and rapid transit bus lanes do not include any improved access to Niwot and the Niwot business district. Access to Niwot currently requires bikers and pedestrians to cross the traffic lanes of the Diagonal Highway.

Fletemeyer & Lee's preliminary drawing, presented by NBA president Eric Bergeson, who is also a member of the LID, proposes an underpass under the eastern lane of the Diagonal and the railroad tracks, exiting on the north end of Whistle Stop Park where 1st Avenue would be if extended. Another option discussed was to exit the underpass near 2nd Avenue.

The LID subcommittee sought bids from planning firms, and Fletemeyer & Lee was selected over the only other bidder. A third contractor declined to submit a bid due to the short time-frame requested. Fletemeyer & Lee's proposal was accepted for Phase One, with an additional bid for a Phase Two of the project to be considered later. Fletemeyer & Lee expect the work on Phase One to be completed by mid-March. LID member Heidi Storz will lead the supervising committee.

Fletemeyer & Lee expects to engage multiple Niwot community groups as part of the planning process, and will engage with a traffic consultant to "verify conceptual planning configurations with CDOT regulations," according to the proposal.

Phase Two of the planning process is expected to cost an additional $15,000 to $25,000. The Phase Two description is, "Develop a comprehensive downtown pedestrian and vehicular connection plan, including the following geographic areas: The western commercial district (primarily located on 2nd Avenue), the Outlots located at the southwest corner of Niwot Road and 79th Street, and sidewalk frontage area north of Cottonwood Square."

In other business, LID sales tax revenues were up 2.9% in October over the same period in 2021, following two months of declining revenues over the prior year. The annual rate of increase remains high, however, at 11.7% over 2021 through October. Revenue collected stands at $239,253 through the first 10 months of 2022.

LID Treasurer Bruce Rabeler, who serves as one of four rate-paying business members of the LID Advisory Committee, announced that he will not seek another term. Rabeler is a co-owner of Little Bird with his wife, Liz Gould. Applications for the position closed Jan. 13. Niwot Community Association representative Jeff Knight's term also expires, but Knight has reapplied for appointment. Niwot resident representative Scott Firle's term expires as well, and Firle indicated that he has reapplied. The Board of County Commissioners will make appointments to the five-year terms in February.