At a public meeting in Ellensburg, a commenter (name not provided) urged homeowners considering adding rental or resale housing to weigh strong local rental rates, financing needs and resale trade-offs.

The commenter said an “average studio [is] around $856,” and added that one- and two-bedroom rents were higher though the transcript did not clearly specify those figures. “I think about my daughter … spending $800 a month on that rent, and that's tough,” the commenter said.

The speaker framed two perspectives — a real-estate view that high rents can make a rental project attractive, and an affordable-housing perspective that the same rents are burdensome for many local residents. The commenter advised prospective builders who plan to borrow to “make sure … that you can cover … your payment,” noting many people do not build with cash.

On resale, the commenter cautioned homeowners to consider location and likely occupants. She said proximity to the college might mean renters tolerate stairs, while units intended for families should prioritize accessibility and privacy. She also warned that converting yard or green space to additional buildings can limit a future buyer pool: “sometimes, when you're showing a property and someone walks out into the backyard and it's only a building, right, that's dwarfing the house, maybe that's not as attractive …”

The commenter listed other practical considerations for sellers and builders: design, unit separation, privacy, and whether the project will meet local market demand or instead limit resale options for families who want yards for pools, pets or play. The presentation closed when the speaker said she would “hand it over to Chuck for building considerations.”

There were no motions or votes on housing policy during this portion of the meeting; the remarks were a presentation and public discussion, not a formal decision.

Less-critical details discussed included individual examples and design trade-offs rather than proposed ordinances, budgets or specific funding sources.