Council hears first reading to expand easements for Crafts Avenue affordable housing and shared geothermal wells

At first reading the council considered an amended order to expand temporary and permanent easements on city-owned parking-area land to allow Valley Community Development Corporation to install a geothermal well field supporting the 27 Crafts Avenue affordable-housing development. Planning Director Mish said the enlarged easement polygon covers the back portion of the city property, including the parking lot and the rear face of city hall, to provide flexibility for boreholes, piping and later maintenance access.

Mish said installation will occur during construction staging and that the parking lot will be restored afterward; she estimated the permanent reduction in parking would be minor (about two spaces). She explained Valley CDC needs the expanded easement to apply for state funding and to proceed with design and permitting. Councilors asked whether drilling would precede or occur during construction and whether city facilities such as City Hall could tap the geothermal field in the future; staff said timing and phasing will be determined by Valley CDC and that future connections could be possible but depend on later decisions.

Councilor Rothenberg raised a charter objection and cited alleged procedural concerns and past assessment disputes tied to the Crafts Avenue development; the chair ruled the objection out of order and asked for formal process if Rothenberg wished to lodge it. Two readings were requested for the easement amendment; the council did not vote on the matter that night and agreed to schedule a special meeting the following Tuesday for further business.