Bill Meyer of the Rotary Club gave an update on the pillars at Nine Mile Corner located at the intersection of Arapahoe Road and Highway 287. Bill provided historical context of the subject stating that in 2021, a new right turn lane was built with a raised pork-chop island, which caused the south pillar to be partially buried and greatly impacted the integrity of the pillar. As a result, CDOT created a working group comprised of various groups in the area to make a recommendation to mitigate the adverse impacts to the pillars. The working group recommended that the gateway pillars be relocated to the northwest corner. Work began on plans to relocate the pillars last spring, however, the land owners on the northwest corner where they were proposed informed the working group that they were not willing to participate in the project. Without their participation, the relocation project isn't feasible, and a new plan for the pillars must be developed. Bill stated that there is an upcoming meeting with CDOT to discuss the next steps in the process, however, all alternatives that were previously considered are now being considered again. It is expected that this project will take years to complete.
Bill also stated that CDOT recently posted a sign in the area identifying the monument. CDOT is also planning to have landscaping work completed in the area to help rehabilitate the visual impact of the pillars. The Board discussed whether it would be an option to move the south pillar further south toward the retention pond. Bill stated that the working group is continuing to work on the project and he will continue to update the Board moving forward.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Richard Binzel - Lafayette, CO