Planes, trains, and automobiles are hot topics in Longmont. Steve Martin and John Candy would be proud.
Over the course of five days, the City of Longmont will host two town halls on two of the biggest topics in town: airplane noise and passenger rail.
Out with one, in with another:
As locals plead for an end to incessant airplane noise across the city, many are eagerly awaiting the long-awaited emergence of passenger rail
On July 23, the city will host a town hall on the future of passenger rail in Longmont. The city is expected to become one of 12 stops for Colorado Connector, more affectionately known as “Coco,” the train that hopes to revolutionize public transportation in Colorado. The project plans for trains to run its first routes by 2029 but, after the failed promises from the FasTracks debacle, many residents remain skeptical.
The town hall…
Offers an overview of the project, as well as a Q&A portion.
Takes place next Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Front Range Community College.
Learn more details and how to attend here.
Airplane noise:
Meanwhile, the City of Longmont is facing significant challenges managing overhead aircraft noise and the public backlash that comes with it. A central sentiment throughout this saga has been the public’s belief that the city can take action to mitigate aircraft noise while the city insists that its capacity to take such action is limited. To clear the air — pun intended — the city is hosting a town hall to discuss its legal limitations regarding what the city can and cannot do about airport noise.
This town hall…
Features John Putnam, an attorney with Kaplan Kirsch — the city’s special counsel on airport issues. Kaplan Kirsch is a national law firm specializing in environmental, land use, public lands, energy and transportation law.
Includes a presentation and Q&A opportunities.
Takes place Mon. July 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Longmont Museum. A virtual option is available, as well. Learn more here.
Zooming out:
On July 28, consultants with the city’s Airport Noise Improvement Project will present a summary of findings and recommendations to Longmont City Council.
Longmont is also seeing renewed action regarding bus routes. On July 28, RTD’s full board is voting on whether to add a new route to the Skyride bus service — Route AL — which would connect Longmont to Denver International Airport.