Board discusses selling 9.2‑acre Whistler parcel and 22‑unit staff housing proposal
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Staff recommended selling the 9.2‑acre Whistler parcel (possible sale to the city for park/open space), and staff reported an RFP response from Rural Homes proposing a 22‑unit development with the district purchasing 10 units; staff cautioned the project hinges on resolving water access and financing (~$10M total; district share ~$5M).
District staff opened a preliminary discussion about the 9.2‑acre Whistler parcel and a separate staff‑housing proposal brought forward after an RFP process.
Dr. Celine told the board staff and finance had met with the city and recommended the district consider selling the Whistler parcel. “We are recommending to the board that we do sell that parcel,” she said, and added that a sale to the city to preserve park/open space would be ideal though the process could take several years; staff plan a new appraisal in September and will return with a recommended price.
Public comments included Angela Cosby, the city’s Parks and Recreation Director, who thanked staff for productive conversations and said the city hopes to find a solution that benefits both the district and the city. Community member Kathy Kanell, a broker, urged adherence to fair‑market appraisals.
On staff housing, staff said an April RFP produced four proposals and one preferred developer—Rural Homes, led by Paul Major—offered a plan for 22 units. “Their proposal is 22 units,” staff said. Under the plan the district would aim to purchase 10 units for staff rental and the remaining 12 would be for sale; staff noted they would not use Prop 123 funding because its 100% AMI restriction would not serve their staff mix. Staff estimated the project at about $10,000,000 and said the district would need roughly $5,000,000 to purchase its portion. They emphasized that securing water is the first hurdle before entitlements and development can proceed.
Board members expressed broad support to pursue due diligence while protecting community interests: members said they prefer top market value for a Whistler sale if the district sells the parcel, that the district should preserve community open‑space preferences when feasible, and that water access and neighborhood fit must be resolved before any commitments. Staff said they will continue negotiations with the city, secure updated appraisal data and investigate water and entitlement feasibility before returning with formal recommendations.