Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes Coles Valley land-use agreement aimed at adding permanently affordable units
Summary
Council authorized the Coles Valley land-use agreement after staff said legal counsel reviewed the negotiation; council members said the change increases allowable density and requires permanently affordable housing, while some neighbors raised concerns about developer concessions and unit management.
Council considered formal authorization of the Coles Valley land-use agreement, a topic previously discussed at three prior meetings. Council member Chris Carlson said the agreement "reflects the city's desire to encourage the development of more housing" and emphasized the agreement does not waive environmental or transportation review.
During public comment, nearby property owner David Stenberg said the agreement appeared to give benefits to the developer and questioned where authority would come from to manage the permanently affordable units: "I see you as the city giving things to the developer. I don't really see you guys getting anything more from it." Another public commenter, Gary Ray, urged the council to move forward with housing solutions and noted Habitat for Humanity's involvement could bring property-taxed homeownership into the city.
Council members discussed the scale of the need for middle-income and lower-salaried housing, and one member noted earlier local developments had long waiting lists, underlining demand. After discussion and public comment, the council moved, seconded, and voted to authorize the Coles Valley land-use agreement.
Provenance: topic begins at SEG 1335 (item introduced for action) and closes with the recorded passage at SEG 1595.
