This wasn't the connection that Governor Jared Polis originally intended, of course. When Polis unveiled the official designs for the $18.5 million project, he championed it as offering a way for the disabled to reach the Capitol, a place for schoolkids to eat lunch, a gallery for artists, a safety measure for traffic on Lincoln Street...and a present to the public as Colorado celebrates its 150th birthday.
But criticism of the plan came fast and furious (with the price tag rising just as quickly), and it isn't slowing down now that Polis has launched a survey to see what residents of this state think about the bridge and the birthday in general. "I'm glad to see the interest," the governor says of the response. "I take it as wow, Coloradans are really interested. Where do we want to go with it?"
Good question: The responses on the Westword Facebook post about the survey are running forty-to-one against the bridge. "Waste of money" is a common refrain, as commenters suggest that Colorado could instead put the money to health care, education and fixing the damn roads! Says Jennifer:
A colossal waste of money and absolutely unnecessary and ridiculous, Governor Jared Polis.Adds Cynthia:
At a time when the federal government is stripping funds from every service, Colorado’s budget was cut from every side, and our infrastructure is in desperate need of an upgrade, spending millions on a pointless vanity project is immoral and wrong. Please use that money to benefit all Coloradans.Notes Lora:
They sure can find a lot of creative ways to waste money.Replies Peter:
I like Polis, but this bridge design sucks. A bridge needs to be a practical short-cut to safely cross lincoln, not this meandering nonsense. It also isn’t particularly beautiful for its price tag.Offers Steven:
It's ugly. Boondoggle. Spend the money on many small projects across the state so all Colorado residents and cities have something that celebrates this milestone. And not just Denver.Counters James:
Looks cool to me. I'm a full-time walker. Do it.Suggests Steve:
The proposed bridge is beautiful! But $29 million???! Even $19 million seems kinda steep. Sure looks like a political favor of some sort to me. Seems like you could build some more water parks on local creeks and rivers instead. Not the kayak type with manmade white water rapids, but just some lazy rivers for paddle boarders.Replies Geoffrey:
It looks beautiful the way it is. And call me cynical, but when I think of a bridge there all I can think of is people throwing things off of the bridge and jumping off of the bridge.Offers Joan:
Whoever proposed this project is so ridiculously out of touch with reality. Surely the state could apply $18 million to something useful.Comments Randal:
I think it's great.. I think it will add some texture to Capitol Hill.. It's time for something different..It's time for Denver to change.Responds Brandy:
Yeah, it's time for Denver to change all right, but not in this way. More setups for failure.Concludes Kevin:
Chance to give our opinion...but not really. The survey only asks limited questions and no chance to expand on why it's a waste of money.We'll give you that chance. What do you think about the proposed Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected]. And don't forget to take the survey: The deadline is midnight Monday.
