During this week’s regular Town Council meeting, over a dozen residents living on Homestead Drive came to the podium to voice safety and quality-of-life concerns in regard to the recently completed Midland Avenue Streetscape Project. Last week marked the final installment of the Basalt Summer Concert Series, but the concern was that increased traffic to historic Basalt has led to an overflow of pedestrians and vehicles — from Midland’s commercial area and onto the primarily residential Homestead Drive.

Residents suggested creating a neighborhood advisory committee that would work closely with Town staff and the police department to implement possible solutions to parking, zoning and noise complaints. 

Mayor David Knight praised the group for using their voice, and directed staff to organize a meeting. Councilor Ryan Slack echoed the mayor and urged any Basalt citizens who want to see change to approach the council.

Presentations
Representatives from the Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC) and the Basalt Green Team presented their drafted work plans for 2026.

BPAC has had a successful year thus far. The team has awarded 12 grants to local artists and organizations. And, in the spring, it launched the Arts Consignment Program, through which artists can publicly display their work in Basalt until it’s sold. BPAC received 40 submissions for the program and is currently in the midst of a selection process. BPAC also organized and hosted the third annual Summer Concert Series and the second annual Basalt River Jams.

Looking ahead, BPAC aims to expand its grant program with matching sponsors, and continue offering the same successful programming for the next 10 years. The team also plans to pursue a Colorado Creative District or similar designation in Basalt, which would not only shine a light on local creativity but also attract new funding opportunities. 

The Basalt Green Team also had a successful year. In 2025, the Green Team launched its Community Composting Plan, with approximately 130 users to date. And the team had to end the extremely popular e-bike rebate program early due to a depletion of those funds.

In 2026, the Green Team plans to expand its Building Benchmarking Program to track emissions from new construction. Developed in partnership with the Community Office for Resource Efficiency, the program is currently voluntary. However, the Green Team intends to make the program a requirement sometime in the future. As far as alternative transportation, the team will continue to support the WE-Cycle program and plans to expand the Basalt Connect rideshare program to Basalt-adjacent areas.

Waste management and composting continue to be priorities, and the team plans on developing a commercial composting program wherein participating vendors can receive Green Business designations.

Community outreach
This week, the Town also published a notice that its staff is seeking public input regarding design guidelines for Midland Avenue. The guidelines will be used to direct both new construction and alterations to existing buildings in order to preserve Downtown Basalt’s historic character. Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.letstalk.basalt.net where they can share photos of their favorite buildings and what they think makes Basalt special. The comment period is open through October.

Citizens are also encouraged to use the same website to offer feedback concerning the renovation of Cliff’s Hillside Park on West Homestead Drive. The park is a candidate for ADA and general safety improvements. The current playground structure was gifted to Basalt by tennis champion Martina Navratilova, but after many years has reached the end of its lifespan.