The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Taking control of the space by Big Mine Park
The Crested Butte Town Council Monday agreed to spend payment-in-lieu-of parking funds for parking spots in town. The council agreed to purchase two parcels of land across from the Nordic Center at Big Mine Park for $124,000. The lots should provide about 11 parking spaces, according to Town Manager Susan Parker.
Businesses must either provide parking in Crested Butte or pay $13,000 for each space required for their business. That money is put in a specific fund that is used for parking.
“This will give us more control of the land near Big Mine Park,” explained Town Parks and Recreation Director Jake Jones to the council after an executive session. “It could primarily be used for snow storage but it will take snow that is currently on parking spaces over there. Securing this property gives us some room to move.”
The council will purchase one parcel from John Banker and one parcel from Mac Bailey. Those parcels will be tacked on to the 25-foot wide strip of land controlled by the town west of Mikey’s Pizza.
The town’s payment-in-lieu-of-parking fund has approximately $248,000.
“It seems an appropriate site and an appropriate use of funds,” said Councilperson Jim Schmidt.
“It seems like the right way to go and gives us some options to consider,” added Councilperson Dan Escalante.
“It’s great to use payment-in-lieu-of parking fees for parking,” said Councilperson John Wirsing.
The council voted unanimously to spend the $124,000 on the two parcels and Mayor Leah Williams said the new spaces along with the entire parking area by the ice rink will see some pavement this summer.
