School district interest in Alta Vista housing development raised at county meeting

During other business, Speaker 5 reported that Superintendent McGrory had indicated the school district wanted to secure three lots in the Alta Vista housing-development project (with Indian Hills also seeking three lots) to build roughly six housing units. Speaker 5 asked whether the school district or college had discussed the project with the county or city.

Board members said they had not been contacted recently about the development. Speaker 2 said prior conversations had occurred with developer Bill Pipp and that the county had been asked to consider relinquishing its one-third interest in the property to attract a company that would construct housing; the city would be expected to construct a roadway and handle septic/sewer work. Speaker 2 noted the county might volunteer machinery or time to assist with site preparation if the county gave up its third in order to secure private investment.

Speaker 5 said they had assumed the district was a partner in the development but was surprised to learn it may not be. Board members said the district and the college had spoken previously with developers about small projects but that those efforts had not produced fully sold units in all cases. No formal action was taken; Speaker 4 said they would seek more information from city staff (Cole) and place the item on a future agenda if needed.

The discussion documented local interest by a school district in participating in housing development and shows county officials aware of prior, informal developer contacts but not of a current formal partnership with the district or college.