Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City and partners present two plans for USFS site that could add 38–57 affordable units; cost estimates $40M–$56M
Summary
City staff and the U.S. Forest Service outlined two conceptual alternatives for redeveloping a 2.13‑acre administrative site at West Hallam (S Curves) to create workforce/affordable housing alongside Forest Service facilities; staff estimated $40M for lower density (38 units) and $56M for higher density (57 units) and asked council to authorize negotiating an MOU.
City staff presented two schematic alternatives for redeveloping a 2.13‑acre U.S. Forest Service administrative site on West Hallam (the S Curves) into mixed affordable housing and Forest Service facilities. The concept is a multi‑partner project being advanced by the Forest Service, Colorado Mountain College (CMC), Aspen Valley Hospital, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Pitkin County and the Aspen School District.
"This shows the existing buildings that are on the site," said Jen Newton, senior project manager, as she walked council through site constraints including tall trees, a Vista switch gear and a 12‑inch water main that likely must remain in place. Newton described two conceptual alternatives: Alternative A with 38 housing units, 74 parking stalls and a 36‑bed bunkhouse; Alternative B with 57 units, approximately 100 parking stalls (some subsurface) and a slightly taller building profile.
Concept 1 provided rough order‑of‑magnitude costs: about $40,000,000 for the lower‑density option and about $56,000,000 for the higher‑density option (estimates include contingency and design fees but would need refinement). Newton noted the project relies on Farm Bill authority that allows leasing underutilized Forest Service administrative sites for local needs; that authorization is under extension and staff are monitoring potential changes to lease term lengths (historically 30–50 years, with discussion about extending terms to 100 years).
Council and partner representatives discussed options for off‑site parking, whether the Forest Service maintenance facility and visitor center could be relocated, and how partner agencies would share costs and responsibilities. Staff said the city (or county) would have a right of first refusal under the Farm Bill leasing process and that the project would proceed through NEPA, appraisal and leasing steps before design and permitting. Council gave direction to continue negotiations and staff said they would return with details and resource requests for subsequent steps.
