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Council approves ENA with Homewise for Midtown tract adjacent to Fogelson Library
Summary
Council approved an exclusive negotiation agreement to negotiate sale of Midtown Tract R21B to Homewise. Staff said the proposal targets mixed‑use development with roughly 74 units and a substantial affordable housing component; councilors pressed staff to explore leasing options and to retain long‑term city oversight where feasible.
The Santa Fe City Council on April 29 approved an exclusive negotiation agreement (ENA) authorizing staff to negotiate the potential sale of Midtown Tract R21B to Homewise Inc. for a mixed‑use development adjacent to the Fogelson Library.
Asset Development Manager Carlie Venditti said the ENA would allow up to 18 months of negotiated terms, refundable deposit, preliminary development points and insurance requirements while the city and developer refine a deal. Venditti reviewed mandatory master‑plan criteria: residential development consistent with the master plan, green‑code compliance, LEED certification, inclusionary housing requirements, restrictions on short‑term rentals and commitments to jobs and public engagement.
In its initial presentation, staff said Homewise’s concept proposed about 74 residential units with a meaningful affordable component and 3,500 square feet of commercial space; Venditti emphasized those figures remain negotiable and would be refined in the ENA and a subsequent development agreement. Councilors sought assurances and expressed concerns: some asked the city to prefer leasing the land to preserve long‑term municipal control and debt‑service options, while others requested clearer exhibit language and confirmation that the submitted sketches were illustrative and subject to negotiation. Homewise representatives online clarified the proposal as attached townhomes for sale in a phased model.
Council outcome: the governing body voted to approve the ENA; staff will return with negotiated terms and community benefit points before any final sale or development agreement is executed.
Speakers quoted (first reference): Asset Development Manager Carlie Venditti; Weston Glass (Homewise, online).
