NEDERLAND — With the exception of event funding, beautification, public art, and the Summer Concert Series, most recent Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) projects have come with heavy scrutiny from the community—from the much-maligned crusher fine sidewalks, to the Wayfinding signage initiative which recently launched to unsurprising online hate. 

The NDDA met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, to distribute support funds for various popular local events, as well as to review the results of a survey of local business owners concerning the East 1st Street “festival street” demonstration project to take place during leaf peeping season. 

While that project has so far been met with mixed emotions, especially from the business community, it did not compare to the impact that the new Wayfinding signs cropping up all over town has had on the community; so much so that a good portion of the meeting was spent focused on Wayfinding.

“We’ve gotten some good constructive feedback,” NDDA Executive Director Kate Masingale said, “and that is what Andrew and I are referencing and responding to.”

“There is definitely some feedback that I’m in agreement on, especially in the placement of certain signs where they’re obscured, and also lack of signs in other areas,” NDDA Chair Andrew Dewart noted. “This is something we’re listening to and actively working on.”

In response to the criticism—including that which was given in-person during the public comment portion of the meeting—Dewart specified that the Authority did review other applicants, as well as local sign designers, in addition to Merje, who was awarded the contract.  

Dewart added that the Pennsylvania and Florida-based Merje was the most competitive applicant, as well as the least expensive. 

Masingale detailed that follow-up meetings with Merje and with the construction administrator for the sign installation will be held, during which they will review some of the Authority’s suggestions for changes, much of which came directly from the community’s feedback, regarding, among many other things, signs indicating shopping and dining locations. 

Another issue which has been raised by Nederland’s online voices involved the true cost of the Wayfinding project. Masingale provided clarification, specifying that the Authority has currently spent $212,548.99, with a final bill for this phase of the project coming in at roughly $104,000, which has yet to be paid out due to the need of a final project evaluation. 

“That brings us to $316,680.79,” Masingale explained. “And that is including two allocations to wayfinding; there’s a $400,000 allocation and an earlier $22,000 that was initially approved for the work in 2020. There is more approved than that but we are trying to keep it wholly under $400,000; that has always been part of the conversation.”  

NDDA Board Member Meg Fox brought up the Barker Reservoir Trail being on the Wayfinding signs, expressing concern over highlighting a massively eroded trail and asking for guidance on how to get the matter resolved. 

“I think the goal was to point to regional amenities on that map, but I think that is something you can address through your process,” Town Manager Jonathan Cain answered. “That trail is not owned or maintained by the Town of Nederland and so that is something that needs to be taken care of with the City of Boulder.” 

Cain added that Town staff are already engaged in communication with the City of Boulder regarding the erosion on Barker Reservoir Trail. 

Support for the Summer 
In a wave of approvals for summer events, the NDDA agreed to award $13,500 in Special Event funding and $4,000 in Traffic and Safety funding, starting with the Nederland Farmers Market, which received $2,000 for the Party in the Peaks on July 19, and another $1,000 for all of their other bi-weekly markets.

Peak to Peak Endurance received a total of $4,000 for their upcoming Ned Ned trail run and Ned Gravel mountain biking event; Sweet Wave Audio received $6,000 for their Summer Concert Series; Nederland Jazz and Wine Festival received $2,000; The Vault received $1,000 for their Grand Opening; The Mountain-Ear was awarded $1,000 for their Studio Tour local art event; and Wild Bear Nature Center received $500 for their bi-weekly engagement offerings at the Nederland Farmers Market. 

Additionally, Nederland Parks Department Manager Nicki Dunn received $1,500 on behalf of the Town for their upcoming Fourth of July event, which is planned to include the annual parade that circles around East 1st and 2nd Streets and Snyder Street, and a community potluck celebration at Chipeta Park. 

The funding request breaks down to $867 for special downtown decorations, including pole banners and an entry banner; $133 for food supplies for the community potluck; and $500 for free Pony Rides, organized in collaboration with the Nederland Community Library. 

1st Street Flexibility meets rigid replies 
The Authority continued their discussion and planning around their Flexible First Street Demonstration Project, the pilot project instituted by the Comprehensive Plan and Subarea Plan that will have East 1st Street close to vehicle traffic to promote it as a pedestrian-only festival street during the autumn leaf-peeping season. 

Following the NDDA’s initial conversation about this project on March 11, Masingale has continued communications with those impacted by the demonstration with a meeting of ten East 1st Street business owners on April 21, and another meeting with ten of The Vault’s business owners on April 24. 

Initial conversations indicated that some business owners wanted to try the demonstration but not during leaf-peeping, were worried about resiliency due to frequent power outages, would appreciate a well-planned and well-executed event, were concerned about the lack of parking, and expressed a desire for updated sidewalks and “better accessibility.” 

The 20 business owners were given a survey, nine of whom completed and submitted the survey. Six out of the nine indicated being “open” to the Flexible First Street Demonstration Project. Five stated support for the NDDA to focus on sidewalk construction instead, and seven answered that downtown’s parking problem should be a priority for the Authority. 

This discussion was cut short due to a Board member needing to leave, which resulted in the loss of quorum. The NDDA will continue the demonstration project, as well as the prospect of moving forward with sidewalk or parking-related projects. 

The Nederland Downtown Development Authority meets the second Wednesday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. and will be held online as well as in person at the Nederland Community Center. 

For more information go to: townofnederland.colorado.gov/downtown-development-authority.