You can learn ore about the public outreach and schematic designs for the proposed housing development on the City of Aspen's dedicated webpage here.
To: Mayor Torre and Aspen City Council, on behalf of the ACRA Public Affairs Committee, and the 750 businesses and thousands of employees that make up the ACRA membership.
We commend this council for identifying affordable housing as a primary goal, “recognizing the urgent need to create a high-quality, sustainable, lived-in community.” The Lumberyard affordable housing development embodies the Council's vision, is a concrete step towards implementing the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, and a testament of your commitment to the future of Aspen.
As we all know, businesses are increasingly finding it challenging to hire and retain staff due to the lack of affordable housing options. Research conducted by Destination Analysts included checking in with the business community each month over the course of the last year. In all instances, the number one business concern was housing costs for employees. We also know from polling business owners, that the top cited reason that employees give for leaving their job is a loss of housing. More than 90 percent of ACRA’s membership says that new affordable housing should be built.
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As you know from the 200 pages of community input included in your packet tonight – the community has been shaping a vision of the Lumberyard through extensive outreach over the last three years. They have made the time to attend open houses, participate in surveys, and write thoughtful responses about the best use of this property. Today you are being asked to honor that process and make the land use changes needed to turn the Lumberyard into a neighborhood.
By providing stable affordable housing closer to work, the council has the opportunity to address your other top goals ofMobility and Community Building and Health. We know those with longer commutes are more likely to experience depression, financial concern, and stress. By creating accessible housing adjacent to our “multi-modal and integrated transportation system” you are “Designing and promoting opportunities for creating human connections among locals” - these are your words and we support them.
We also support your efforts to seek partnerships in building the Lumberyard. Aspen’s businesses and nonprofits are eager to provide access to affordable housing as an employee benefit. However, the majority of Aspen’s businesses can not compete in the real estate free market, and instead are looking for ways to collectively buy in on new units. As you seek financial opportunities, we ask that you seek partnership models that include small, local businesses.
In conclusion, the Lumberyard affordable housing development isn't just a project. It's a testament to your commitment towards the future of Aspen, where businesses thrive because their employees have a stable, affordable place to call home.
We are asking you to vote yes on Ordinance 10 today and follow through on the work the community has put in to bring affordable housing on line, enabling the workforce to remain in this community.
We believe the ordinance allows enough flexibility to continue improving the final development after this phase. At the very least, please show your commitment to our businesses and workforce tonight by passing through Sections 1 and 2 which rezoning the property and update the subdivision designation – measures which are necessary regardless of other ongoing conversations.
After decades, you have the unique opportunity today to secure our economic future and affirm your commitment to equity, inclusivity and belonging. Thank you.
