Questions, concerns remain about Cog Railway plan in Manitou Springs
Skepticism about the just-approved plan to restore the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway was expressed even before the City Council made its deciding vote on Tuesday night.
During his remarks at that meeting, Cog spokesman Gary Pierson said that he was told he and the council had been criticized by residents who either misunderstood or were mistaken about details of the plan.
“I wasn’t there but I heard it was quite lively,” Pierson said. “I was stung by the criticism. It’s an insult to The Broadmoor (the railway’s owner) and the City Council — who worked hard on this agreement — and an insult to Manitou Springs.”
Opponents of the deal believe the city gave up too much to The Broadmoor, such as a 50-year tax break that could knock as much as $16 million from the total project cost of nearly $100 million, and allowing the current depot to be renovated or replaced by a new structure.
Some critics also are uneasy about The Broadmoor planning to raise the $40 ticket price for the train, with no indication yet of how much the increase will be.
Under the agreement, the city will receive $1.5 million from The Broadmoor to offset lost tax revenue because of the Cog’s closure and to help to the city create more parking; reduce traffic congestion along Ruxton Avenue where the railway is located; and build a Cog Railway museum that the city will own.
“This may be the most important decision this council will ever make,” said Councilwoman Nancy Fortuin before the vote. “Do we have the best agreement for Manitou Springs? Don’t know. I do believe we have a good agreement, however. We can make assumptions about the future but we can’t guarantee it.”
Fortuin disagreed with critics who said the council voted out of fear and pressure from The Broadmoor.
“That’s not true but my fear is we’ll lose some public faith and trust because of it,” she said.
Caleb Elwell, who recently moved to Manitou Springs, spoke during the public hearing on Tuesday.
“I don’t like the tax break,” he said. “In 50 years, there’s a good chance that I won’t be here. It’s not right to make decisions that will lock our kids and grandkids to terms that they had no say in.”
Bill Koerner, a Manitou Springs resident, said he supports the plan.
“But I think we need to maintain some flexibility and not lock ourselves into anything,” he said.
Mayor Ken Jaray said the decision was difficult and he’s relieved that it’s over.
“I’m excited about the future and ready to get some stuff done,” he said.
Pierson said contractors from around the world will bid on the project.
“We have to pull everything out before we can put anything in,” he said. “New rails, new cars.”
Pierson said he hopes the project will start in late summer or early fall and be finished by spring 2020.
