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Council approves small Site B urban renewal plan to support infill housing despite P&Z objections
Summary
After debate about scale and precedent, the Caldwell City Council on Aug. 18 approved the Site B urban renewal plan (a small, site‑specific district proposed to support infill housing north of the Union Pacific tracks) by a 4–2 vote. Planning and zoning had recommended denial, citing size and administrative cost concerns.
The City Council voted 4–2 on Aug. 18 to adopt an urban renewal plan for a small “Site B” project area intended to support a developer’s infill housing proposal north of the Union Pacific tracks.
Attorney and urban‑renewal adviser Waterman described the plan as a site‑specific renewal area whose project list is narrowly focused on public infrastructure upgrades — alleys, sidewalks, power facilities and related improvements — required to make a modest residential development feasible. He said the district uses tax‑increment financing (the increment between old and new property value) to reimburse developer‑funded infrastructure work rather than the agency advance those dollars.
Planning and zoning reviewed the proposed plan and recommended denial, concluding the plan did not sufficiently conform to the comprehensive plan and expressing concerns about the size of the proposed renewal area and administrative costs. Waterman and agency staff said the plan advances several comp‑plan objectives — infill housing, a mix of housing types near services and improved infrastructure — and that the small area’s administrative costs over a 20‑year plan would be modest.
Several councilors and members of the Urban Renewal Agency argued the proposal grew out of a private developer’s effort that predated a broader north‑of‑tracks renewal conversation and that the city should not artificially delay an otherwise feasible project; others urged caution about using urban renewal for a small, single‑owner parcel. After discussion the council approved Ordinance 3703 (Site B plan) on a 4–2 roll call vote.
Vote: the ordinance passed 4–2; Councilors Denver, Williams, Dodi and Allgood voted in favor; Councilors Register and Stoddick opposed.
What’s next: the urban‑renewal plan establishes the legal framework for tax‑increment reimbursement and project funding; any developer reimbursement or public‑works contracts will return to council for review and approval when proposed.
