Ridgway committee denies request to add non‑permitted improvements to affordable‑home sale price

The Town of Ridgway Workforce and Affordable Housing Committee unanimously denied an exception request on Sept. 11 to include non‑permitted capital improvements in the maximum sale price of a Ridgway Wetterhorn affordable home.

Jim Kolnik of Impact Development Services presented an August 21 memorandum explaining that the Ridgway Wetterhorn Homes Affordable Housing Regulations require prior Housing Authority approval for permanent improvements (Section 1.9) and exclude upgrades made for aesthetic or personal preference. Kolnik said homeowner Carmen Messina made improvements totaling $995.42 but did not notify the Housing Authority before the work was completed.

Kolnik told the committee staff recommended denying the exception because the items identified — an electric vehicle charger and a shed — are not attached to the residence and "may be listed for individual sale outside of the home sale," and there were no receipts to validate the painting costs. Beth Lakin moved to deny the exception on the grounds that granting it would not meet the general policy goal of providing high‑quality homes for working residents employed in the Ridgway School District and would not meet the Permitted Capital Improvement requirements cited (Sections 6.11 and 8.23). Russ Meyer seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The committee did not approve an adjustment to the home's maximum sales price; the exception request was denied and no modification to the deed‑restriction program was made at the meeting. The committee then moved to the next agenda item and asked staff to draft additional materials for future consideration.

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.