McConnell Bridge and Ponds Update

September 2016 Update

McConnell Bridge has been designed up to 30% and is waiting for FEMA to approve the bridge and road design. Upon FEMA's approval, the final design – which includes McConnell Drive pavement – will be completed, and construction will be scheduled.
FEMA has been made aware that this project is Town’s first priority. Updates will be sent following FEMA’s response.

Confluence Area CIP

Restricted Traffic Access

The contractor has completed all the roadway curb and gutter in the project's vicinity. Preparation for paving is underway; pavement installation is anticipated to begin around September 29, weather permitting.

Please note that throughout the paving phase, traffic accessibility will be restricted. Residents are asked to keep vehicles off the roads from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Main St. Streetscape

Contractors have completed the installation of raised islands at crosswalk locations along US-36, and landscaping along the north side is nearing completion. Over the next few weeks, the contractors will be preparing for curb and gutter installation on Railroad Ave.

Lane closures and other traffic delays can be expected throughout the project on weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note the speed limit remains at 25/35 mph in the construction zone.
Your cautious driving may save a life!

More on Main St. Streetscape Project >>

Short-Term Vacation Rentals Survey and Focus Group

The Town of Lyons is looking for local residents to participate in a survey regarding Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) in Lyons. With the significant increase of both hosting and booking through AirBnB, VRBO, etc., as a means for short-term lodging in Lyons, the Town’s Planning & Community Development Commission is looking to recommend some changes to the Town’s current code that would make STVR legal (a “use-by-right”).

Currently, this type of short-term lodging is not allowed in Residential zoning districts without a business license for a Bed & Breakfast. The Town would like to create some rules to protect the character of the neighborhoods in Lyons while also allowing Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs), as a means for additional income for Lyons residents and an opportunity for more visitors to stay in this lovely town. In an effort to understand the various sides to this issue, the Town is looking for input. Please take a moment to fill out this short, 10-question survey to weigh in on this hot topic.

Though log-in information is required, all survey submissions will be anonymous. 

Create Account or Sign In to Take Survey >>

Focus Group

Thursday, September 29 | 6 to 8pm | Town Hall Board Room
Do you currently rent your property on AirBnB or VRBO? Would like to share your experience with us? Are you concerned about the impact of STVRs? Would you like to share your perspective with the Town?
If so, please contact Matt Manley, Flood Recovery Planner (mmanley@townoflyons.com) to sign up for 1 of 8 spots in the Focus Group. Depending on the number of respondents, multiple focus group sessions may be held and/or participants will be randomly selected to participate.

Fire Ban in Western Boulder County Rescinded

Lower temperatures and additional moisture have decreased wildfire risk

On September 13, 2016, Sheriff Joe Pelle rescinded the fire ban in place for western Boulder County. 

The decreased temperatures and additional moisture we have received have decreased the wildfire danger to our community. Although our risk for wildfire has decreased, we still urge residents and visitors to make sure that any open burning is done in a safe manner. Never leave a fire unattended and ensure that the fire is completely out and cool. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Residents are also reminded that although the fire ban has been rescinded, there are still permit requirements in place for slash burning and broadcast burns, also known as prescribed fires. Permits are available online at: www.bouldercounty.org/safety/fire/pages/openburnpermit.aspx or at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, located at 5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder. Agricultural burns and campfires are now allowed and do not require a permit.

For current fire and shooting restrictions for United States Forest Service properties, which includes most campgrounds in western Boulder County, please visit their website for the most up-to-date information: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices.

US-34 Traffic Impacts for the Week of August 15

via Colorado Department of Transportation

See this week's US-34 traffic impacts, and other updates on the US-34 Big Thompson Canyon Construction Project >>

St. Vrain Creek Coalition Hosts Flood Recovery Progress Tour

Thursday, September 29

Registration is OPEN for this FREE event that will take you around the Saint Vrain Watershed to get a closer look at some of the flood recovery projects that have been completed or are in development. We will have speakers at each stop to give tour participants insight to what has happened and what will happen within these various project areas.

Read more on the Recovery Progress Tour >>

Boulder County's AAA Falls Prevention Week

September 19-23

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is helping coordinate more than 40 events around the county as part of Falls Prevention Week, Sept. 19 – 23. A fall can have devastating consequences for an older adult. It is a common concern for the families, friends and caregivers of the aging. The explanation is simple:

• Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
• Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.
• Many older adults limit physical and social activities due to fear of falling  which in turn can lead to an increased risk of falling. 

The AAA, in conjunction with the Boulder County Partners for Falls Prevention, is offering this annual event to help educate area residents on the many ways they can reduce their risk of falling.

More Information on AAA's Falls Prevention Week >>

Please do not reply to this email, as we are unable to respond to inquiries sent to this address. Please direct questions to Arielle Hodgson.