Re: Sopris Sun
It was quite an eye-opener on Thursday, June 19 when I picked up my Sopris Sun and found the cover page blank. Each Thursday I look forward to picking up my favorite newspaper, The Sopris Sun. I confess I am guilty of taking advantage of this “free” situation that gives me so much enjoyment and news, especially of our local area.
In addition to so many good articles, schedules, photos, etc., letters from readers are often very thought-provoking. For example, if you still have the June 19-25 copy, take time to read some informative letters. You may learn things we all should know.
I send many thanks to Raleigh, the editor, and all those working with him. I believe you have succeeded in your mission “to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism.”
With hope that others who are able and with similar feelings will help keep you writing for us.
Wendy Draina
Carbondale
Changes to Carbondale streets
If you have traveled Hendrick or 8th Street south of Main, you have noticed odd-looking clusters of white or yellow plastic posts altering the streets. Changes to more streets are coming as the Town’s Mobility and Access Plan (MAP) is tested and implemented. The goal is to make our streets safer and more pleasant for all types of use including bikes, pedestrians, public transit and cars. Many of these changes will look odd because they are temporary, meant to test various plan concepts.
Early in 2023, the Board of Trustees (BOT) approved funding for a comprehensive analysis of Carbondale’s multi-modal infrastructure. Town staff was directed to manage the process, an experienced consultant was hired to study and propose a long-term plan and the Town’s volunteer Bike, Pedestrian & Trails Commission (BPTC) was asked to provide guidance and feedback. The public, too, was encouraged to provide input, and during the second half of 2023, hundreds of comments and concerns were documented. The final MAP draft was approved by the BOT in January.
The objectives of the plan are very clear: “Carbondale will have a safe, connected and affordable transportation network which ensures mobility and comfortable access for everyone; prioritizes biking, walking and transit; reduces private vehicle use; and proactively confronts the pressures of growth to protect and preserve the small-town character and values of the Carbondale community.” It is a big vision and will not be achieved without significant funding and several years of planning and testing.
As a member of the BPTC, I ask for your patience and your feedback during these early stages. Please consider the long-term objectives, recognize the temporary nature of this testing phase and give each feature a few months before you make a final judgement. Please ask yourself whether negotiating a mini-traffic circle or a street narrowed to accommodate bike lanes is a reasonable trade-off that serves the greater community good — for safer routes to schools, a healthier environment and preservation of our neighborhood-centered, deeply connected character. When we move around town on foot or by bike, that character is enhanced. We watch out for each other, wave, enjoy a front-porch or sidewalk chat. We connect.
In their song “The Last Resort” the Eagles sang: “They call it paradise, I don’t know why. You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye.” Obviously from recent increases in traffic and growth, the word is out on our little bit of paradise. MAP is an attempt to change that growth paradigm. To preserve our Carbondale character, we must prioritize and secure safe and appealing bike and pedestrian access to our schools, parks, downtown core, shops, doctors’ offices, library and between neighborhoods now and for the future.
When it is safe and pleasant to walk and bike, more of us will do it. And driving our cars will be more pleasant, too. We all benefit. That’s the Carbondale spirit!
Thanks in advance for your patience and support.
Changes on tap for summer 2025:
Hendrick Drive: bike lanes, mini traffic circle; center medians at Ivy
West Main: bike lanes
South 8th: curb bulbouts (street narrowing) at Garfield and Euclid
Sopris Avenue and Weant Boulevard: minor alterations to slow vehicles turning off Highway 133
Main Street and North 8th from Village to Main: painted green and white bike “sharrows” on road
Yet to be determined: Nieslanik pedestrian crossing of Highway 133
Rick Blauvelt
Bike, Pedestrian & Trails Commission
Big, Beautiful Bill
As an aging Medicare-dependent member of our population, I am very concerned about H.R.1, Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and the cuts it proposes to Medicare. As the daughter of two very elderly, Medicare-dependent human beings, with a variety of medical conditions, living on their limited social security, I am horrified at the lack of respect and compassion this bill displays toward our elderly citizens who have worked their whole lives and contributed their hard-earned money into the Medicare system.
Furthermore, when one comprehends that the root cause of these cuts is to give tax breaks (TRILLIONS!) to the wealthiest people in our country, at the expense of the poorest, my normal even-temper fails me. I am appalled at our politicians who have voted for this bill. I tuned into Jeff Hurd’s telephone town hall meeting on March 15 where he promised that he would protect Medicare for his constituents but then turned around and voted for H.R.1 on May 22.
Either our politicians are living in a bubble and are totally disconnected from the American people or they are completely bought and sold and are voting out of self preservation with disregard for their constituents. Fellow Americans, let your voices be heard!
Jan Schubert
Carbondale
Tribute to Veterans
On the Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate that day in 1776 when we declared our independence from Great Britain and undertook a magnificent experiment as a free democracy. It hasn’t been easy! We continue to face challenges and major differences of opinion. We should always remember that these freedoms have often been hard-earned by young Americans.
As we celebrate, we should remember the men and women who serve — and have served — in our military. They, sometimes at great cost, served to protect the U.S. and the freedoms we enjoy. Our U.S. veterans will be honored at several parades around the Valley this holiday. If you served, join in and receive your community’s appreciation. If you are on the sidelines, express your gratitude as they pass. Don’t hesitate to stop someone you know is a veteran on the street and say, “thank you.”
Aspen’s Fourth of July parade invites all U.S. military veterans and active-duty members, locals and visitors, to join our group, Tribute to Veterans. Meet at 10am on Main Street by Paepcke Park. (Remember traffic is a nightmare that day.) Call Sally at 970-948-8278 for details. Rides are available, but must be arranged in advance.
We hope to see you there. Happy Fourth of July!
Hugh Roberts
USAF Vietnam
Tipping points
We live in a world that is currently on the edge of so many things that 350 words cannot begin to express.
1. Climate change and global warming — the globe has experienced the 10 warmest years on record within the past 10 years (climate.gov)
2. Political strife and unrest — there are six major conflicts going on around the globe (Reuters)
3. Habitat loss — global wildlife populations have declined by over 73% over the past 50 years (WWF)
4. Violence — life is becoming more violent, shootings are normalized and blaming the other side doesn’t help
Let’s find common ground by imagining a space where we can all gather, air our thoughts, find common ground and build a stronger, more inclusive future for the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. It’s all about weaving our community’s diverse threads into a cohesive, resilient fabric.
We are asking for people to sign a petition (www.bit.ly/Hurd-petition) you are tired of not hearing back from your local representatives. Please consider taking a small step toward democratic representation and add your name to over 400 other local residents today.
Steve Kuschner
350 Colorado
Roaring Fork Valley Coordinator
Re: Re: Sopris Sun
The Sun will keep shining, the question is how brightly?
Show of hands; how many readers of this fine paper know about geoengineering or HAARP or 5G’s capabilities? Must search beyond Wikipedia. Another term is: solar radiation management. In Europe it’s: stratospheric aerosol injections.
Look up and support The Sopris Sun.
Richard Vottero
Carbondale
Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.