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i_tlrc_2017a_2017-09-20t09:02:50z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 09/20/2017

Location: RM 271

Final

Panel of Concerned Citizens Groups on Central I-70 Project



TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE


Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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10:08 AM -- Panel of Concerned Citizens Groups on Central I-70 Project



Dr. Jan Douglas, representing the Sierra Club, introduced herself and the panel. She noted that the panelists wish to discuss issues related to large transportation projects generally, through their presentation would mostly discuss the scope of Central I-70 project.





10:12 AM



Mr. Steve Kinney came to the table to present. He distributed a presentation to the committee (Attachment C). He stated his concerns regarding the Central I-70 project's implications on property values in several Denver neighborhoods. He continued by noting the adverse health effects of interstate 70 and Central I-70 projects on several neighborhoods. He noted that incidents of children being taken to the hospital is 42 percent greater in neighborhoods near the project than in other areas of Denver.



17Tran0920AttachC.pdf17Tran0920AttachC.pdf



Mr. Kinney continued by discussing the Central I-70 project's projected costs. He noted that a large portion of the funding for the project is coming from the state's Bridge Enterprise Fund. He stated that he and others believe that an alternative that would cost half as much and result in a more effective solution for the community and commuters. Mr. Kinney showed photos of the neighborhood and illustrated impacts.





10:24 AM



Mr. Kinney continued by discussing the health and safety risks posed by the project. He noted that the area already has high pollution levels in the air and soil. He stated that CDOT has not adequately thought about soil removal and that the challenge has not been discussed in a fair and appropriate manner. He also stated that the lack of sunlight and other traffic bottleneck issues were not adequately studied. He stated that he and others in the community are requesting a supplemental EIS to reroute Central I-70 on I-270 and I-76, with current I-70 becoming a boulevard.





10:33 AM



Mr. Drew Dutcher came to the table to discuss the affect of the project on the neighborhood. He noted that local Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) chapters voted to adopt a resolution to oppose the proposed expansion of I-70. He continued by stating his belief that the project will have adverse effects on the community and that CDOT has failed to disclose how it has studied alternatives.





10:39 AM



Mr. Lloyd Burton came to the table to discuss the environmental and health impacts of the Central I-70 project. He stated that he believes the project is an egregious case of environmental justice that fails to include a risk analysis of superfund and other air impacts. He also stated that he believes that there is a public misunderstanding of the resulting health impacts to neighborhoods due to interstate traffic.





10:46 AM



Ms. Candi Cdebaca came to the table to discuss community activism against the Central I-70 project and her involvement in litigation against the project. She stated that she believes that CDOT arbitrarily winnowed down project options to three and decided to go with the worst option. She stated that she believes that 20 meetings per year was insufficient for the project's complexity.





10:53 AM



Committee discussion ensued regarding alternatives being proposed, including residential and business impacts. In response to a committee question, Mr. Kinney noted that the real area of concern is 300 meters, or 1000 feet, from the freeway. Mr Kinney also noted that CDOT plans to acquire 55 residential properties for the project. In response to a committee question, Dr. Burton stated that the most dangerous pollutants are micro particulates and the gases turned into ozone. He believes that CDOT did not model the concentrations of the smallest particulates.








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