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Lincoln Park Today
By the People, for the People
City Council Votes to Give CMU Football Exclusive Use of Lincoln Park Barn
The 100-year-old public building will no longer be accessible to the community.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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In a 5-1 vote, the Grand Junction City Council approved a 25-year lease that gives the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) football team exclusive use of the historic Lincoln Park Barn, banning the public from accessing the building that has served as a community hub for over a century.
Why it matters
The decision to hand over the publicly-owned Lincoln Park Barn to CMU's football program is the latest in a series of moves by the city to restrict public access to community spaces. This follows the 2023 closure of Whitman Park, which remains off-limits to residents two and a half years later, raising concerns that the city is prioritizing the interests of the university over those of its own citizens.
The details
The Lincoln Park Barn, built in 1923, has long been used by the community for events like dances, concerts, classes, and celebrations. However, the City Council voted to grant CMU's football team exclusive use of the building, despite passionate objections from neighborhood residents, the local historical society, and others who value the barn's public accessibility and history.
- On March 4, 2026, the Grand Junction City Council voted 5-1 to approve the 25-year lease with CMU.
- The lone dissenting vote was from Council member Scott Bielfuss, while Council member Robert Ballard was absent.
The players
Scott Bielfuss
An At-Large Council member who voted against the lease to give CMU exclusive use of the Lincoln Park Barn.
Robert Ballard
A District E Council member who was absent for the vote on the Lincoln Park Barn lease.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
The university whose football team will now have exclusive use of the publicly-owned Lincoln Park Barn under the new 25-year lease.
Lincoln Park neighborhood residents
Community members who regularly use the Lincoln Park Barn and spoke out against the City Council's decision to grant CMU exclusive access.
Robert Traylor
A city resident with a career in public finance who warned the City Council about the drawbacks of the lease for residents.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
