Town Releases Revised Beaver Creek Blvd. Streetscape Enhancement Plans for Input
 

Avon, CO – The Town of Avon is eager to gain feedback on streetscape plans for the Beaver Creek Boulevard enhancement project. The final design plan, along with background information, can be viewed in detail at www.avon.org/bcblvd.  The Town is urging those with an interest in the project to provide written comments, attend an open house, or the upcoming public meeting.  A large format illustration of the proposed modifications is on display at the Recreation Center, Avon Library, and Town Hall.  The revised streetscape enhancement plan will eventually be presented on February 28^th at 5:00 p.m. before the Avon Town Council.   
 
The proposed plan and project stems from a Walkability audit and report completed in July 2015 by world leading walkability expert Dan Burden of Bluezones.  The plan includes wider sidewalks, narrowed and improved pedestrian crossings, on-street parallel parking, and several opportunities for additional landscaping.  A continuous bike lane is included in both directions, between the travel lanes and parking spaces, as opposed to the separated cycle track lanes that were tested this past summer.  Dan Burden recently had a chance to review the updated plans and noted “Beaver Creek Boulevard is at the heart of your transformations, going from a higher speed road for automobiles to a place focused on people--the heart and soul of the community. We love what we see in your Beaver Creek Boulevard Plan.”           
 
The construction timeline would be fall 2017, either in total or in phases into 2018. If more review and design time is needed, the schedule could be adjusted. If the plans receive a favorable vote by the Avon Town Council, construction documents would be prepared this spring. According to Town Engineer Justin Hildreth, construction could commence as soon as the week after Labor Day. Final costs would be developed and confirmed with construction level plans after a formal bid process. The Town has budgeted $2.5M to fund the streetscape plan, with all proceeds coming from the Capital Improvement Plan budget. 
 
While it would cost upwards of $700,000 to simply repair and repave the length of Beaver Creek Boulevard, this project aims to bring to life a safer, walkable, and more active place that could in turn spur private development along the roadway. Treadstone Development recently gained approval for a 142 unit hotel in what would be the middle of West Beaver Creek Boulevard.  Treadstone’s president Keith Hampton agrees with the direction the plans are headed, stating "We are excited to see the plans for the West Beaver Creek Boulevard remodel move forward.  It will create a more pedestrian and bike friendly environment that will enhance the experience of our guests when they visit Avon."
 
On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Town staff representatives will hold open houses to present the Beaver Creek Boulevard Redesign Project. The purpose of the open houses will be to familiarize those interested with how the plan has evolved since previous stakeholder and public sessions. Public comments will be collected and presented, along with the full plan, to the Avon Town Council at the February 28^th public meeting.  The program for public involvement in February is outlined below: