After the Storm
Photo by Laura King
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What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Friday, Aug. 29th
- All day - The Friday Tour
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Community Center CLOSED for Maintenance
- All day - Free Workout Week @ Unite Fitness
- 9:30-10:30AM - Rooftop Yoga
- 10:15-10:45AM - Toddler Time - Registration Required
- 7:30PM - Assassins
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
MTAB Recap
Revised drawing to indicate that the two lanes are being reduced to one
In response to yesterday's article about the Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board meeting, a reader reminded me that I should have explained the reasons for the changes to Ford and Jackson Streets, since I quoted a letter in opposition.
That's an excellent point. The project is a response to the Transportation Master Plan, which says that we want better, safer routes for bicyclists, including children and senior cyclists. This project is the City's response to that plan.
In watching the meeting, I realized that I had missed one major change: the two traffic lanes will be reduced to one. In looking at the drawings, I'm still not sure I'm seeing that, but I'll leave you to interpret them yourself. From the discussion at the meeting, it was clear that they are going from two traffic lanes to one.
I thought it was a good meeting. Several well-informed citizens were there, offering thoughtful comments. One of them asked if the project was a done deal, regardless of their comments. I think it probably is, but staff is going to bring it back to the board next month with responses to all of the citizen questions and concerns. Hopefully, the project will be better as a result of the citizen input.
MTAB doesn't formally approve projects, but they will discuss this plan again next month when staff provides answers to the citizen concerns. The project becomes a "done deal" when City Council approves a contract to pay for the work.
Citizen Comments:
My notes on the citizen comments follow. I'm sure I missed some, so when they post the recording today, I encourage you to watch it yourself.
From a Retired Firefighter and Jeffco Public Works Employee:
- Snowplows and street sweepers won't be able to clean beyond the dividing curb, so the bike lane will fill up with snow in the winter and trash in the summer, making it a dangerous surface.
- Some people need to leave their trash cans in the street. Will they be in the way of the cyclists, and how will the trash trucks get to the containers?
- Large trucks still need to use those streets (such as delivery trucks to Safeway). Will they be able to turn at the narrowed intersections?
- Can firetrucks safely operate on the narrowed streets?
- Commented that he drives those roads all the time, and he doesn't see that many cyclists, but there are lots of cars.
From an Avid Cyclist:
- Also concerned that the bike path won't be cleaned or plowed.
- Concerned that the concrete divider will leave them nowhere to swerve if they need to avoid a hazard.
- The bike paths that the city built on Heritage Road feel unsafe, so no one uses them. The traffic lane feels safer.
From a Resident of Ford Street:
- Other cities have built these dividers and later removed them.
- Also concerned about cleaning--lots of accidents on Ford Street, so the bike lane may be strewn with broken glass and taillights.
- Parking is at a premium in Golden, and we're removing several blocks of it. There were 26(?) cars parked on East Street today.
- Why not move the bike lane to East Street, which has a lot less traffic?
A letter sent by a long-time resident who drives those streets a lot:
- We already have traffic back-ups on Ford Street and we're going to remove a lane and exacerbate that problem.
- What happens when the Clayworks project opens and we have hundreds more people in this corridor?
- What about Super Cruise nights?
- Most Golden employees are driving, not biking.
- People can't load up with groceries from the grocery store or bags of fertilizer from the hardware store on bikes.
- A single lane means all traffic will have to stop when the buses stop.
- Cars won't have a place to pull out of the way of emergency vehicles.
Staff Responses:
- Losing parking spaces. The people parking along Ford Street are primarily Mines students. They'll have to find somewhere else to park. That will continue to be a problem. The new residence hall will not include on-campus parking permits. Fewer students may have cars, but those that do will need to park them off-campus.
Board: Does Mines have enough parking for all of their students?
Staff: Don't know, but students are not required to buy permits, so many choose to look off-campus for free parking. - Traffic from Clayworks. They submitted a traffic study and there are plans for when traffic reaches certain levels. Reminded us that there was traffic when that was a manufacturing facility.
- Maintenance. They have plans for sweeping and snow removal. They have machines that let them clear sidewalks and it would work in bike lanes. It will require more man-hours, but the equipment shouldn't be a stumbling block.
Board Comment: The bike lane on 19th is never plowed.
Staff: Bike lanes are a lower priority than streets when it comes to snow plowing. In some places we won't have a place we can push snow. - Trash cans. They will see if alley improvements would make it possible for more people to put their cans in the alley. If not, there will be gaps in the concrete divider where the cans could go.
Board comment: trash cans fall over and blow over and will obstruct the bike lane. - Big trucks needing to turn. The designers would certainly have ensured that big trucks could make the turn, albeit with difficulty.
Board comment: if we design the intersections for truck turns, the wide streets are more dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross. - Firetrucks. Traffic planners worked with the emergency responders and they said they can operate within this design.
- Speed. One of the objectives of the project is to decrease speed by making the street narrower. That is safer for both pedestrians and cars.
Board comment: Maybe we should ask the police to install permanent photo radar enforcement along this corridor.
10:30AM and 1:30PM Museum Highlights Tours @ Colorado Railroad Museum
Each Friday, join us for an hour of exploring a different aspect of Colorado’s railroad history. Each tour covers a specific theme.
Tours are subject to change and are based on guide availability. Each week’s theme is explored using a variety of museum resources to help bring the subject to life with the understanding that guests are welcome to continue their visit on their own after the tour.
Friday Tour Tickets - $3 each plus General Admission ($10 adults, $5 kids 2-15, $8 seniors 60+).
Location:
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W. 44th Avenue (Map)
When:
All day on Friday, Aug. 29th
Live Music for Friday, Aug. 29th
Conal Rosenbaum
Click to enlarge
- 5:30-8:30PM ConalRosanbalm @ Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage)
- 6:30-9:30PM River Spell @ Goosetown Station
- 6:30-9:30PM Jeff Goodwin and the Front Range Cowboys @ Golden Outpost
- More Live Music
5-8PM Live Music @ Eddy Taproom
6-9PM Matthew Rising @ Barrels and Bottles
6-10PM Mountain Magic Band @ Wrigley’s
9PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: The Comings and Goings of Courthouses
The 1878 Jefferson County Courthouse
Click to enlarge
Jefferson County built a magnificent courthouse in 1878. It was located on Washington Avenue, between 15th and 16th Streets. As that was one of the highest points in town, the courthouse was a focal point for the community. The area around it was called “Courthouse Hill,” and included some grand residences.
By the early 1950s, the County needed a new courthouse. The population of the Jefferson County was growing rapidly, and they needed increased capacity for records, courtrooms, and county offices. They also wanted more parking space.
The new courthouse opened on the west side of Washington Avenue in 1953. For a few years, the 1878 building housed the Jefferson County Museum (later the Golden Pioneer Museum, and now the Golden History Museum).
The old courthouse was demolished in 1963. As the June 20, 1963 Transcript commented, “Completed in Feb. 27, 1878, the two-story brick and stone building served over 75 years as Jefferson County Courthouse until the new $900,000 structure was occupied in 1953. Nostalgia aside, the courthouse and adjacent jail are yielding to modern practicality.”
To visualize the location of the 1878 courthouse, stand in front of Foothills Art Center's Creative Campus (SW corner, 15th and Washington) and look toward Castle Rock.
The 1953 courthouse served for 40 years and was replaced by the current building in 1993. The old courthouse building was used by the School of Mines for a few years but has since been replaced by newer construction.
Weather
Overnight: A slight chance of rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. West northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 58°F
Saturday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 76°F
Saturday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 55°F
Sunday: Sunny, 78°F
Sunday Night: Mostly Clear, 56°F
Labor Day: Sunny, 80°F
Monday Night: Mostly Clear, 57°F
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 80°F
Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 56°F
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 76°F
Wednesday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 54°F
Thursday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 75°F
News About Golden - August 29, 2025
I-70, US 40 reopened after hazmat situation
By Alexander Kirk, Angela Case
9News
GOLDEN, Colo. — Interstate 70 has reopened after a hazmat situation closed both directions of the highway and adjacent U.S. 40 Wednesday morning... Read more...
8 candidates running for 4 Golden City Council seats
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
In January, the Golden City Council will have at least three new members.
Now, the question Goldenites have to answer this fall is: Who should represent them on this new council? Read more...
IMPROVING CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEMS: GOLDEN POLICE DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL PARTNERS ACHIEVE GOLD CERTIFICATION IN CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM PROGRAM
Golden Police Department
Crimewatch
Golden, Colorado — August 2025 — The Jefferson County Regional Crisis Intervention Team (“CIT”) Program, which includes the Golden Police Department among its core partners, has been awarded Gold Level Certification by CIT International... Read more...
Tag trouble? Golden's municipal court now enforces the law
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
Earlier this year, when the Golden Police Department pulled someone over for expired license plates, the matter went to state court.
Now, thanks to a new state law and a corresponding city ordinance, it’ll go to the Golden Municipal Court... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Goosetown Station
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, and Centennial State Wealth Advisors
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, and Mary Rains, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, and Kate Olivier
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, and Peyton Gibson
