Colorado residents fume over Denver's $20M pedestrian bridge: 'Who is this for?'
Colorado residents have been left scratching their heads over a new $20 million walkway in the state capital, branding it as 'completely unnecessary' and a waste of taxpayer money, with one even questioning: 'Who is this for?'
The renderings for the project – meant to celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary as a state – were unveiled by Gov. Jared Polis earlier this week, prompting less than positive responses online.
'I'm thrilled that Coloradans can now visualize this walkway and its amazing positive impact on our community,' Polis wrote. 'Now, when Coloradans of all ages come to visit our State Capitol, they can more easily access and enjoy Lincoln Veterans Park while enjoying and learning from art from local artists.'
Comments from members of the public on Polis' social media posts about the project have been, for the most part, negative.
'I understand no public funds are being spent, however this is a public space,' wrote one user. 'This bridge feels like a clunky, over the top solution. Isn't there a simpler way to approach this that doesn't destroy the experience of civic center?'
Added another: 'This is so strange. Who is this for? Where are they parking and where are they walking to? Us peasants simply take the bus to Colfax and Lincoln and use the crosswalk.'
'Just think of all the good this money being used could have gone toward', wrote a third, with another adding simply: 'Waste of time and money. Completely unnecessary.'
Polis announced the plans to build the bridge last year, with a price tag of between $18 million to $20 million that would use both private and public funding. According to the governor's office, the bridge is intended to resemble Colorado's flowing rivers.
John Deffenbaugh, President and CEO of Historic Denver, said the bridge was out of place in Denver's historic Civic Center area and does 'nothing right.'
"It doesn't take pedestrians from A to B in a way which is convenient for them,' Deffenbaugh told 9News."It's a national historic landmark. It's a historic district.
'There are several layers of policy documentation to protect the evolution of this site to ensure it evolves in keeping with its historic characteristics. This bridge really plows right through everything that makes this park great."
Historic Denver had been aware of the project since August of last year and was initially expecting a ground-level crossing improvement.
"We were really hopeful that it was going to be a ground-level crossing experience with enhancements to crosswalks, enhancements to paving, really something to improve Lincoln and Broadway," Deffenbaugh Deffenbaugh told 9News.
"Unfortunately, that's morphed into a huge raised overpass over Lincoln, which really just drops people off at the corner of Broadway and Colfax for no reason."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
22 minutes ago
- Times
The 9 best plants for a Mediterranean garden look this summer
Act now to keep your subscription We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Times
23 minutes ago
- Times
Jodie Comer: ‘There's a fashion to see how much you can torture yourself'
Act now to keep your subscription We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Clinton donor and lobbyist's chilling threats against Minnesota capitol days after Democrat lawmakers were shot
A Minnesota lobbyist is facing felony charges after he allegedly threatened to shoot people at the Minnesota State Capitol just days after a lawmaker in the state was assassinated and another critically injured. Jonathan Michael Bohn - who has made numerous donations to Democratic causes including Hillary Clinton 's presidential campaign - was arrested on Wednesday after making the threats via text message. The 41-year-old Bohn works as the public affairs director of the Inter Faculty Organization (IFO). He made his first appearance in Carver County District Court on Friday. In court, prosecutors said he had texted someone that he was 'excited to have his gun at the capitol and blow someone's effing face off'. The criminal complaint, seen by KARE11, prosecutors claim he also said that: 'After January 6, I bought a pistol. 'Today I bought 500 bullets. I can't wait to shoot one of you mother******* in the face,' he wrote. Officials said that a search of his home uncovered a firearm and he was placed under arrest. According to the Minnesota House GOP, the text was received by a constituent of Rep. Jim Nash who then reported it to the authorities. The outlet also reported that Bohn cried throughout his first appearance as Judge Eric Braaten set his bond at $1 million and ordered him to not contact the person he had text. Bohn was also ordered to stay at least a half a mile radius away from the Capitol complex. His attorney, John Lesch, said Bohn was engaged in a political argument when he made the comments. Lesch contended that the remarks were inappropriate but didn't mean to convey an actual intent to harm anyone. He told the court that Bohn had been angered by a post that had mocked two of his friends, Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. Hortman was murdered last week alongside her husband Mark, while the same gunman also attempted to kill Hoffman and his wife. Authorities say Trump supporter Vance Boelter, 57, is responsible for the killings, he was arrested late on Sunday night following an extensive manhunt. Boelter was charged with a total of six federal counts - two for stalking, two for murder, and two for shooting and firearms offenses. He already faces state charges, including murder and attempted murder. In a statement, Bohn said: 'I condemn violence in all its forms, and I agree with the calls from public officials and community leaders to turn down the temperature of our political discourse. 'I failed to do that here. I am profoundly sorry that my words have created a distraction during this time of collective mourning. 'This moment demands unity, compassion, and reflection — and I am committed to being part of that healing.' In a bio on the IFO site, it says: 'In the halls of the Capitol, Jonathan is regarded as a well-connected advocate who has worked on a variety of issues leading to legislative victories.' State records say he has been registered as a lobbyist with the firm since 2015, and works in the area of higher education. The IFO is a union that represents thousands of faculty at the seven state universities in Minnesota. He has been placed on leave following the allegations. IFO President Jenna Chernega said in a statement: 'We are monitoring developments closely, cooperating as needed with law enforcement and will continue to keep our members informed. 'As an organization, we remain committed to respectful, values-driven engagement with lawmakers, community partners, and one another – even in difficult moments.' Federal Election Commission data also reveal he has donated Democrat PAC ActBlue numerous times, as well as the Hillary for America campaign.
