Heated sidewalk debate returns to Crested Butte council

Safety vs climate?

By Mark Reaman 

A staff approval for a heated sidewalk in front of the former Princess Wine Bar and Mountain Sprits Liquor Store led to some Crested Butte council discussion over whether to continue to allow such items in town in the future. 

The issue was discussed at the September 15 council meeting. “Do we want heated sidewalks in town?” asked councilmember Mallika Magner. “I think it is worth a discussion.”

“The idea has been to have that policy discussion during planning for the Elk Avenue streetscape,” said community development director Mel Yemma. That plan is several years away. “These requests have historically been allowed in the past.”

The council in the past has touched on both the climate impacts of heating sidewalks to melt snow and ice along with safety concerns that come when some portions of the sidewalk are heated and adjacent portions are not. Such situations can be challenging for pedestrians navigating the Elk Avenue sidewalks.

Councilmember Kent Cowherd noted the area would attach on both sides to areas where the sidewalk is currently heated. 

“Heated sidewalks that melt the snow and ice are definitely safer for people,” said councilmember John O’Neal.

“It’s the climate impact that we have raised concerns about previously,” said Magner.

“They can be 100 times more impactful in terms of climate impact than plowing and using trucks to move the snow if they are on all the time,” said councilmember Anna Fenerty.

Yemma informed the council that the infrastructure has already been installed by the developer (the Mark Walter group). She said the council could decide to not allow them to use it.

Responding to a question from mayor Ian Billick, town attorney Karl Hanlon said he would then anticipate a legal challenge. “That wouldn’t be consistent with previous town action,” he said. “My advice on this one would be to approve it and if you want to change the policy, you can begin that process.”

“It is still safer for people to walk on a sidewalk where the snow and ice has been melted. I see people struggling and falling all the time in the winter. I’d be in favor of allowing it,” reiterated O’Neal.

Magner expressed concern over a possible legal challenge in this particular case and moved to approve the request. The motion passed 4-3 with Magner, Fenerty and councilmember Beth Goldstone voting against it.