In anticipation of future issues with parking around Aspen, a Pitkin County department head wants to convert an under-used part of the Buttermilk lot to a paid system.
Brian Pettet, director of public works, said Tuesday that growing demands on parking in Aspen is causing quote unauthorized use of the Buttermilk lot. People can park there during the day but Pettet is concerned with overnight users like RVs and cars from neighboring subdivisions. Pettet brought County Commissioners a proposal to charge for most of those spots from April through December. Free parking would remain during ski season.
“Parking is going to be an emerging issue for this board. There is pressure from the community to use these resources more fully, both at Buttermilk and Brush Creek," Pettet said. "If we lifted the day-parking only at Buttermilk, that lot would be full all summer.”
Commissioners were wary of initiating and enforcing paid parking, citing the City of Aspen’s ever-increasing fees. The board directed staff to meet with other concerned parties, including officials at the airport, Aspen Skiing Company, and RFTA, before moving forward.