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Committee backs resolution to pursue possession of 245 West Street; adds amendment allowing affordable housing or green space
Summary
The Housing and Human Welfare Committee voted to send Resolution R38-24 to the full council as amended, authorizing the city to pursue combination in possession of the abandoned gas station at 245 West Street and expressing support for affordable housing and/or public green space on the site.
The Housing and Human Welfare Committee on Feb. 12 voted to send Resolution R38-24, authorizing the city to pursue combination in possession of the property at 245 West Street, to the full City Council as amended.
Alderman Huntley, who represents the ward that includes the site, told the committee the property is “disgusting” and that residents repeatedly press him to act. He said the city originally recommended condemnation to show urgency to a property owner the committee considers unresponsive. "The hope with this is to convey a sense of urgency to the current owners who have apparently no urgency," Huntley said.
Committee members debated an amendment filed by Alderman Savage (identified in committee materials as Amendment No. 1) that would express council support for including public green space if redevelopment occurs. Some committee members worried adding a green-space requirement might complicate future affordable housing projects on the small parcel. After discussion the committee amended Amendment No. 1 to read "and/or public green space," allowing the council to express support for affordable housing and/or green space on the lot. The amended language was accepted on a voice vote.
With that change in place, the committee voted to approve R38-24 as amended and forward it to the full council. Committee members said if an agreement is reached with the owner before the council meeting in March, the resolution will be removed from the agenda; otherwise the city will move forward with condemnation and potentially purchase.
Committee discussion also referenced the city’s adequate public facilities rules, with Assistant City Manager Vicki Becklin noting those rules consider recreation and that the city is reviewing that section of code. Staff said additional details about the adequate public facilities requirements and how they would apply to future redevelopment could be provided when the item returns to the council in March.
Next steps: the resolution will appear on the City Council agenda in March unless the owner reaches an agreement with the city beforehand. The amendment and final resolution as approved by the committee will be forwarded with the committee recommendation.
