In an effort to enhance local infrastructure, Colorado Springs is currently undergoing a significant utility project on Galley Road. The road, located on the south side of the city, has seen closures and traffic disruptions due to the replacement of a major water main. This project, which began in summer 2024, aims to improve water service reliability in the area. Divided into four phases, the current phase started in January 2025 and involves replacing 4000 feet of water main and adding new lining to an additional mile of existing pipe. Until Tuesday, drivers should expect a full closure at the intersection of Galley and Wooten Roads, with no turns allowed from Wooten onto Galley. Despite the temporary inconvenience, officials assure that these improvements will significantly benefit the community for years to come.
The utility work on Galley Road is part of a larger initiative by Colorado Springs Utilities to upgrade critical infrastructure. Initiated last summer, this multi-phase project focuses on enhancing water service reliability in the southern part of the city. Phase two, which commenced in January 2025, brings significant changes as crews replace 4000 feet of water main and add a new lining to a mile of existing pipeline. Alexy Trefry, a spokesperson for Colorado Springs Utilities, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that while it may cause some disruption now, it will greatly improve water services in the long term. The extreme freeze in mid-January exacerbated conditions, leading to additional water main breaks, but the project remains on schedule to be completed by March 2025.
During this phase, Galley Road at Wooten Road will remain closed until Tuesday, prohibiting any turns from Wooten onto Galley. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the public as they undertake the complex task of replacing and upgrading the water mains. Residents and commuters are advised to seek alternative routes during this period. The project's completion will not only enhance water service reliability but also mitigate future issues caused by aging infrastructure. The team at Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the project progresses smoothly.
Despite the temporary inconveniences, the benefits of this utility project will be felt for many years. By improving water service reliability and addressing potential future issues, the upgrades will provide long-term advantages to the community. The efforts made by Colorado Springs Utilities highlight their dedication to maintaining and enhancing essential infrastructure. As the project moves forward, residents can look forward to improved water services and a more resilient system. The anticipated completion in March 2025 marks a significant milestone for the city's ongoing commitment to infrastructure development.
In a noteworthy development, residents of Montgomery Hills are set to challenge the construction permits for a new Royal Farms store during an upcoming public hearing. The case has been filed with the county’s Board of Appeals by eleven local residents who claim they would be adversely affected by the proposed development. These individuals argue that the changes violate several aspects of the Montgomery County Code and could negatively impact their daily lives.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Changes
In the heart of Montgomery Hills, a group of concerned citizens is taking a stand against the transformation of a Beltway Car Care/Sunoco station into a Royal Farms convenience store. Located at 9475 Georgia Avenue, this site has been the subject of debate since last April when the construction permit applications were first submitted. The Board of Permitting Services issued permits worth over $200,000 in the fall, but now, the community is raising objections.
The appellants have detailed their concerns in a comprehensive 147-page filing. They argue that the proposed modifications go beyond the current use of the property and could lead to significant disruptions. Among the issues raised are potential traffic congestion, increased parking challenges, and a rise in motor fuel sales. Additionally, residents fear that the new establishment might bring unwanted side effects such as excessive lighting, noise, unpleasant odors, and even vermin.
The public hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, January 29th, at 9:30 a.m., will take place at the Montgomery County Board of Appeals in Rockville. This meeting promises to be a critical moment where both sides will present their arguments, and the future of the project may be decided.
From a journalist's perspective, this case highlights the ongoing tension between commercial development and community well-being. It serves as a reminder that while progress and expansion can bring economic benefits, they must also be carefully balanced with the needs and concerns of those who call the area home. The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for how similar projects are evaluated in the future, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning and community engagement.
In the first half of January, the city of Longview witnessed a flurry of construction-related activities as several companies and individuals filed for various building permits. The issued permits covered a wide range of projects, from commercial roofing to residential electrical installations and single-family home constructions. Notable among these were multiple applications for development permits, indicating significant interest in expanding infrastructure within the city limits.
Construction Boom in Longview: A Closer Look at Recent Permit Activities
During the mid-January period, Longview experienced an uptick in construction permit applications. In a picturesque setting, Clean Cut General Contractors secured a commercial roofing permit for a project on Fourth Street, with an estimated value exceeding $22,000. Similarly, Project One Roofing obtained a permit for work on Gilmer Road, valued at nearly $12,000.
The week also saw a surge in electrical and mechanical permits. Jade Mechanical Service and Hunters Electric both acquired permits for commercial electric projects, while Alliance Electrical and Circle S Electric followed suit. Charlson Electrical Services and JMH Electric received approvals for new residential electric installations. Bowen Construction and Anup Patel were granted permits for constructing single-family residences. Conaway’s Home Group made headlines by securing multiple permits for five separate residential properties on Everwood Court.
Development permit applications also highlighted the growing interest in expanding the city's infrastructure. SW57 Construction and ETRH Development each filed for development permits on Lost Creek Circle and Toler Road respectively. T&Y Custom Homes joined the list with a permit application for Suren Way. Gill Electric and Royal Plumbing added to the mix with permits for commercial electric and water/sewer projects.
From a reader's perspective, this surge in construction activity reflects a positive outlook on Longview's economic growth. The diversity of projects suggests that both commercial and residential sectors are thriving, which could lead to increased employment opportunities and improved living conditions for residents. This wave of development may also indicate a broader trend of urban revitalization and investment in the region.