City Council Minutes 2015 08 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 4, 2015 Page 6 of 11 COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Lipton expressed his appreciation to the BCHA for what they do for Louisville and other communities. He asked if Louisville housing issues are not a result of housing policies or land use policies of other communities, whereby people are coming to Louisville, but actually work in other communities. He stated Louisville is affected as Boulder expands their business population. Ms. Williford stated her belief, as well as her peers in affordable housing, that a better regional approach is necessary. She stated it would be helpful if municipalities, such as Boulder could require developments to support new affordable housing. She noted as a result of the flood recovery, different players came together regionally and worked together. Broomfield and Larimer County were invited to the table to discuss affordable housing. She stated there is not a simple answer. Mayor Muckle voiced his excitement over the Kestrel project in Louisville. He asked if BCHA has other properties in mind. Ms. Williford explained they have a new broker, who will actively market the equity parcels part of Kestrel and who will search for land parcels. In 2013 they were charged with purchasing three parcels. One parcel is in Louisville, one in Gunbarrel and the third has not been determined. They would like to have a presence in Superior and continue to work in Lafayette, Lyons, Gunbarrel and Nederland. Mayor Muckle inquired about the Town of Erie. Ms. Williford stated they were the manager of a single property in Erie, but were asked to relinquish those duties therefore they do not have a presence in Erie. Council member Stolzmann explained the City is currently working on the small area plan in the South Boulder Road area, which includes Regal Square. She asked Ms. Williford if she foresaw any significant changes to the property in the next 20 years. Ms. Williford stated the County is committed by the IGA to provide affordable housing for 50 years. There are financial tools to do substantial rehab, but the BCHA spent $1.3 Million in the past two years, so Regal Square is current with its capital needs at this time. She stated they would like to be part of the small area process for the area. Council member Lipton inquired what input the BCHA would have in the County's Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. He noted the City of Boulder is looking at the comp plan because of their economic development plans. He hoped the Boulder County Housing Authority would be included in the discussion. Ms. Williford stated the Boulder County Commissioners are looking at the comp plan, which includes the Gunbarrel property. She felt it would be appropriate for BCHA to be involved in the discussion as they plan to ask for a comp plan change as a result of their property ownership and to seek annexation for the parcel over the next few years. She stressed in this comp plan, affordable housing is a key item with the elected officials. She noted BCHA is the collaborating housing authority partner with the City of Boulder and the Gunbarrel project will be a collaborative effort.