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Aspen council endorses ballot measure 2B to finance Lumberyard rental housing
Summary
Council unanimously voted to support Aspen ballot measure 2B, a financing plan for the Lumberyard housing project that does not raise taxes; members discussed land costs, project phases and traffic but emphasized the need for more rental housing.
Mayor Richards introduced Resolution 148 and told council that the proposed ballot measure does not require a tax increase and is intended to advance long-term rental housing at the Lumberyard site.
"It is most important to note that it is not a measure that requires new taxes," Mayor Richards said during the action-item discussion, and described the project as primarily rental housing with possible sale of one building after 10 years. He said the community has invested significant sums in the site and that forward movement is important to address rental shortages.
Councilor Bill asked whether a failed measure would halt construction; he said a no vote would likely mean phased development instead of a single-phase build but would not preclude eventual construction. Councilors also discussed traffic concerns at the site and cited consultant analysis suggesting CO2 savings if workforce housing reduces long-distance commuting.
Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 148 in support of the measure. Council asked staff and project partners to continue work on traffic mitigation and community outreach ahead of the ballot decision.
