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WEDA board approves sale of downtown parcel for 50‑unit senior affordable housing project
Summary
The Westminster Economic Development Authority approved Resolution 238 to sell part of Block C6 in downtown Westminster to Volker Development for a 50‑unit senior affordable housing project called Blossom Commons. The board voted 6‑1; Board member Ireland voted no.
The Westminster Economic Development Authority adopted Resolution 238 on Dec. 16 to approve a purchase and sale agreement with Volker Development Inc. for a portion of Block C6 in Downtown Westminster, intended for an affordable senior housing project named Blossom Commons.
Board members approved the sale 6‑1, with board member Ireland voting no.
Why it matters: City officials and the developer said the project responds to a housing needs assessment that found senior renter households in Westminster face high rates of cost burden. Supporters said the project will add long‑term affordable homes and help seniors remain in the city.
Project details provided to the board Lauren Chevitz, representing Volker Development, described Blossom Commons as a 50‑unit community for residents aged 55 and older with long‑term affordability restricted to households earning between 30% and 80% of area median income (AMI). Chevitz said the developer plans to apply for low‑income housing tax credits (LIHTC) from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) in February, with construction starting in early 2026 and an anticipated opening in 2027.
Board discussion and vote Board member DeMott moved to adopt Resolution 238; Vice Chair Nermella seconded. Supporters cited the city’s housing needs assessment and the project’s walkable downtown location. Board member DeMott said the project will “start to make a dent” in the city’s senior housing needs and noted statewide demographic trends that increase demand for senior housing.
Board member Ireland said she supports additional senior housing in principle but opposed the resolution because she called some financial elements “too open ended,” referencing the land cost and other potential city commitments.
The vote: Carmelia — yes; DeMott — yes; Azadi — yes; Haatt — yes; McNally — yes; Nermella — yes; Ireland — no. The motion passed 6‑1.
Financial and next steps During discussion Board member Ireland referenced a $350,000 land contribution for the parcel; the board did not provide additional line‑item funding totals at the Dec. 16 vote. Chevitz said Volker will apply to CHFA for tax credits in February; if awarded, the developer plans to begin construction in early 2026 and to open in 2027.
What remains to be resolved The board authorized the purchase and sale agreement but additional approvals and financing steps remain, including the outcome of LIHTC applications and any further site or financing commitments the board or city may need to approve. Staff asked for letters of support to aid the tax‑credit application.
