Olde Town Arvada is one of Colorado’s most cherished, nationally recognized historic districts — a place generations have loved for its charm, walkability, family-friendly character, and the small independent retailers and craftsmen that made it special.

About five years ago, the City of Arvada chose to “temporarily” close streets in Olde Town. What was meant to be short-term has now become long-term — and the result has been devastating.

Retail businesses are closing. Parking has become nearly impossible. Long time patrons and families are choosing not to come anymore. And now — City Council has voted to expand and invest further in a designated open street drinking zone, which threatens to push Olde Town even further away from what made it nationally recognizable in the first place.

Instead of restoring vitality, the current approach has harmed it.

We are not anti-fun. We are not anti-business. We are pro Olde Town.

Olde Town can absolutely thrive — but it must be balanced. It must maintain safety for our children and patrons in general.  It must be family-friendly. And it must remain accessible, with enough parking for locals, seniors, disabled residents, and visitors who have supported these small businesses for decades.

Closing public streets indefinitely, prioritizing bar concepts and expanded public drinking, and reducing visitor access is pushing this historic district toward an identity and outcome that was never intended.

This petition is asking the City of Arvada to reevaluate their decisions, re-open streets, restore balance, and protect the long-term integrity and economic stability of Olde Town Arvada.

We are calling for:

A formal review and economic impact report of the street closures over the last 5 years
Reconsideration of the recent decision to expand the designated public drinking area
A plan to restore parking accessibility for patrons, families, seniors, and disabled residents
A commitment to protect and prioritize Olde Town’s unique retail and historic character

Olde Town Arvada belongs to ALL of Arvada — not just those who prefer a bar district.

This is a moment of decision.

If we don’t act now — we risk losing the Olde Town that generations before us built and countless people across the country have traveled to experience.

Please sign and share this petition to preserve the heart, history, safety, and future of Olde Town Arvada before it’s too late.