CENTRAL CITY — A last-minute request to shut down the Central City Parkway for a private car event did not get the green light from the Central City Council on June 16, 2026.

The closure was planned for Sunday, June 28, but the application came in after the deadline and was still missing some required materials.

Alderman Zane Plsek said he could not support blocking the city’s primary entrance for a private event.

“I cannot in good conscience block an entire parkway for an entire day on a Sunday for a private event, basically a car rally,” Plsek said.

Alderwoman Marcia Enloe asked what benefit the event would provide to the city. City Manager Daniel Miera said he understood that the organizers would make a monetary contribution.

Mayor Jeremy Fey, who attended remotely, said he had been speaking with the group for several months and had mistakenly believed the closure could be handled administratively. He said the group offered a $25,000 closure fee and was considering opening a brick-and-mortar showroom and garage in Central City.

“This relationship is with a group that can lead to a lot of economic development, both through the equity leadership themselves and through many of their members who are very prominent Coloradans,” Fey said.

The event would have been private, with footage collected to promote a larger public event next year.

Plsek moved to deny the closure. The motion passed 4-1, with Fey opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer and other council members suggested scheduling a work session with the group to discuss a possible long-term agreement.

Regional housing agreement 

During a work session before the regular meeting, Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger presented a proposed intergovernmental agreement with Idaho Springs related to Proposition 123 affordable housing requirements.

Central City committed to creating 13 affordable housing units under the program, with its three-year deadline approaching. Idaho Springs is willing to help Central fulfill that commitment through a regional approach.

The region, including Empire, Silver Plume, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, and Central City, has committed to producing 120 affordable homes.

Central City has received about $120,000 for planning activities and has been looking for potential housing sites within the city. Meeting the commitment would allow Central City to remain eligible for additional Proposition 123 funding.

Plsek noted that joining the agreement would not cost the City anything. Noffsinger said the regional approach would work better than requiring every community to meet its commitment independently.

“The next step would be a direction to prepare a resolution, maybe for the full council to approve, that would authorize Daniel to sign on behalf of the city council in this five-way agreement,” Noffsinger said.

Council members responded affirmatively.

Noffsinger also plans to request that Central City be designated as a rural resort community because it qualifies as a tourism destination. The designation could change how the area median income is calculated. Central City is currently tied to Boulder County, where the area median income is more than $100,000.

Noffsinger estimated the application process would take about 60 days.

The work session opened at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 5:37 p.m.

SOB definitions return

The group unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-11, which updates definitions related to sexually oriented businesses in the City’s Land Development Code.

City Attorney Marcus McCaskin described it as a cleanup ordinance intended to make the Land Development Code consistent with the sexually oriented business licensing regulations approved earlier this year.

“This is really coming before you as a cleanup ordinance,” McCaskin said.

Because the change is considered a text amendment to the Land Development Code, it will go before the Central City Planning Commission on July 1. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for July 7 at 6 p.m.

DDA appointment stalls

Fey nominated Steve Boulter for another term on the board of the Central City Development Authority, and the council confirmed the appointment.

Fey then nominated Eric Langan, but no council member moved to confirm him.

Langan, a longtime RCI Hospitality Holdings executive who now serves on its board and leads mergers and acquisitions, has been closely involved in the company’s adult-entertainment business at 130 Main Street and its legal challenges against Central City over the project.

McCaskin explained that Langan may continue serving until a successor is appointed and qualified. Council directed staff to prepare possible changes that would allow the council to make DDA appointments directly, rather than requiring a mayoral nomination.

During public comment, Langan said he and his businesses contribute about 18% of the DDA’s revenue and that his votes were instrumental in its creation.

“I think I’m entitled to a seat on the DDA,” Langan said.

Red Bus service could end

Miera also asked for direction on the intergovernmental agreement between Central City and Black Hawk for the Red Bus shuttle service.

Casinos currently fund the service through an annual transportation device fee of $190 per gaming device. The fee would likely increase to about $200 if the service continues.

Miera said two of Central City’s six casinos had submitted letters asking the City to discontinue the shuttle and reduce the transportation fee to zero. City staff had also received verbal support from additional casinos for ending the service .

Miera did mention that the City could continue with the device fee and use the funds elsewhere.

Alderwoman Kathy Walker asked whether the City had studied who rides the bus. Miera said ridership information has largely been anecdotal and does not clearly distinguish casino customers from employees and other community members.

Spencer directed Miera to notify Black Hawk that Central City would discontinue the service if at least four of the six casinos submit written requests before the June 30 deadline.

Gregory Gulch agreement approved

Fey declared a conflict of interest and disconnected from the meeting during consideration of Ordinance 26-09.

This ordinance approves a development and vested property rights agreement between Central City, G3 Gaming LLC, and DJ’s Ventures LLC. The agreement establishes vested rights to apply certain standard and uniform codes to part of the proposed Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort project.

Council approved the ordinance.

They also approved Ordinance 26-10, adopting the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code.

Noffsinger said the code would require electrical panels in new construction to accommodate the future installation of an electric vehicle charger. The solar-ready provisions are intended to make future solar installations easier.

New tourism slogan unveiled

Walker shared information from a recent marketing strategy meeting with the Colorado Tourism Office.

She encouraged residents and businesses to submit events through VisitCentralCity.com and said the City’s new slogan is “Up to something since 1859.”

Spencer said new promotional footage would be filmed during Madam Lou Bunch Day on June 20 and at several local businesses.

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

The next Central City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on July 7, 2026, on the second floor of Central City Hall.