Meeting Time: July 27, 2021 at 5:15pm MDT
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Agenda Item

6. 21-291 General Citizen Comments

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    Chelsea OConnor over 3 years ago

    I am opposed to the gondola because I fear it will make the traffic situation worse, especially for Sandy and the area surrounding the canyon. I have already seen ads for the gondola in my online browser. How is this possible when it hasn’t been approved? Is it a sign of how it would be used if built? I’m very concerned that the gondola will be a marketing tool for the resorts, dramatically increasing the number of visitors in both the winter and summer. LCC is already a top spot for skiing but would the gondola draw even more people who may have otherwise gone to resorts in Wyoming, Colorado, or even Park City? I’m sure “the longest gondola in the world” would be heavily marketed domestically and internationally by IKON as well. In the summer (assuming it runs) would it become a “must do” for all the out of state tourists on their way to the national parks?

    I understand we have to plan for organic growth over time but what happens if we install this gondola and end up in an even worse position than we’re in right now? I think we’re greatly underestimating the impact this could have on traffic in Sandy. Maybe I’m wrong but the risks seem much higher compared to an enhanced bus service. If done well, the enhanced bus services would allow us to get more cars off the road and could be used to access other trailheads in the canyon, not just the resorts. It is a much better option for the community, who will be responsible for paying for it.

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    Benjamin Wood over 3 years ago

    I am opposed to the UDOT proposed updates to Cottonwood canyon, including the additional lanes of traffic, increased speeds, and Gondola. I am convinced this will make my neighborhood less safe for me and my family to drive, bike, and walk. Having a gondola only moves the congestion problems to another area, so I would counter that we should instead increase electric bus pickups from multiple places and give them a preferential lane up the canyon, while restricting car usage in the canyon. I lived in Switzerland for 2 years. Each time I visited the area near the Matterhorn, we had to ride a train to the town - no cars whatsoever are allowed; only small electric taxis in the town. It was a small price to pay to have beautiful clean air in the alpine environment, and the transportation options worked well for everyone. Bending to the will of more and more cars only destroys our environment, clean air, and general safety. Let's be creative and visionary instead of accommodating and blind to how these "solutions" only transfer or compound the problem of balancing access with stewardship.