Council splits over demolition‑allotment program; staff asked to draft targeted code changes

Ben Anderson, community development director, said the demolition‑allotment program was created in 2022 as part of the moratorium response to manage redevelopment impacts, construction intensity and demolition waste. Anderson said 35 demolition allotments have been issued since 2022 (eight to long‑time locals) and that initial first‑come/first‑serve problems prompted a move to a lottery system; however most projects remain under construction with few certificates of occupancy, so comprehensive outcome data are not yet available.

Council members were divided. Council member Bill urged elimination, calling the program costly and ineffective, while other members including Christine and John argued it would be premature to remove the program without more data and suggested tweaks: streamline applications, make most allotments administrative (or move review to Planning & Zoning), increase long‑time local allotments, review occupancy requirements and explore construction‑site management and incentives for renovation rather than demolition. Staff will draft code language, run stakeholder engagement and return with an ordinance for council review.