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Residents urge council to prioritize housing affordability amid downtown projects
Summary
During public comment residents raised alarm about past incentives to large developments and urged closer scrutiny of projects such as the East Bank development, warning downtown projects risk leaving longtime residents behind.
Three members of the public used the council’s public-comment period on Sept. 24 to press the City Council on equity and community priorities.
Keith Larson, who identified himself as a 3rd Ward resident, said he recently began following local government and was surprised that Aurora granted a “huge handout to the casino” two years ago. He singled out the East Bank development (an item on the night’s agenda) and asked, “Are these apartments for [current residents] or for people coming in from more expensive communities?” Larson said he sees people experiencing homelessness downtown and urged the council to focus on affordability rather than projects that primarily attract higher-rent newcomers.
Dr. Alejandro Benavides thanked the mayor for engaging with the U.S. Census undercount work and praised recent civic outreach; Mercy Galicia (Rita’s Ministry) used her time to publicize a tamale fundraiser to support community services.
The speakers’ concerns echoed council debate later in the meeting about redevelopment deals and affordability. The city did not take action on the public comments themselves, but staff responses to redevelopment questions later referenced efforts to use TIF mechanics and other funds to support development without raising general city taxes.
