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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for June 26

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In This Issue

  • Affordable Housing Solicitation Project
    • F3’s Official Statement
    • Overview of the Project
    • Details about Tomorrow’s Meeting
  • Tonight: 2nd Meeting on Vintage Development
  • Red Door Auction Happens on July 1
Affordable Housing Solicitation Project
F3’s Official Statement

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) supports Flagstaff’s Proposed Affordable Housing Solicitation for the three proposed properties (3100 N. West St., 700 E. Sixth Ave., and 3500 N. Fort Valley Rd.) to create more affordable housing equitably distributed across the Flagstaff Community.  F3 understands that all three properties are necessary to attract development proposals. Despite opposition to the development of 3500 N. Fort Valley Rd., we believe that, with the existing utilities and public transit infrastructure in the area, as well as existing open space and recreational opportunities, the impact of adding 18 to 28 families to this neighborhood will be minimal. We appreciate Council’s efforts to reduce the height of the buildings at 3500 N. Fort Valley Rd. to protect view-sheds in the area. This project is a cost-effective opportunity to create desperately-needed affordable housing rental units to make Flagstaff more livable for low-income residents.
Overview of the Project
Our City Council is considering an affordable rental unit project at tomorrow’s meeting that will address three of their goals.
  1. Increase affordable housing for renters and homeowners in Flagstaff.
  2. Pursue public-private partnerships that increase the inventory of affordable housing stock.
  3. Encourage distribution of affordable housing throughout the community.
FAST FACTS
  • This project combines three parcels to create a project for which a developer can apply for tax credits to make it profitable for them.
  • The 2-person income limit for this property is $30,180/yr
  • The units will remain affordable for at least 30 years
  • Council unanimously approved moving forward with the plan in May

Residents of the Cheshire neighborhood near one of the three parcels along with others have expressed concerns about that property. Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is supporting this project as means to increase livability.  We are taking a broad view interested in the well-being of all residents and we’d like you to join us.

There is still time to Email all City Council Members to express your support for affordable housing development on the Schultz Pass property. You can email Council at the following email address: council@flagstaffaz.gov. Copy City Manager Josh Copley at jcopley@flagstaffaz.govand Sarah Darr, Housing Manager, at sdarr@flagstaffaz.gov.
Details on the Meeting
Location:   Cogdill Recreation Center (Boys & Girls Club) at 301 S. Paseo Del Flag

Time:  Meeting starts at 5:00 pm. As a large crowd is expected, plan to arrive early.

Shuttle Service:  Due to limited parking at Cogdill a free shuttle service will be provided starting at 4:00 p.m. from the parking lot at 911 E. Sawmill of the Law Enforcement Agency Facility (LEAF) to Cogdill Recreation Center (Boys & Girls Club).
How to express your views:  Being present in your red shirt is the easiest way. You also have the option to sharing a written or spoken comment.  To do so, fill out a comment card or speaking card.  The Mayor will call your name when your speaking card comes up. Here’s a few ideas about how you might structure your words:
  1. Introduce yourself,
  2. Explain who your or where you live,
  3. Tell the Council that you support development of affordable housing on the proposed sites,
  4. Provide a few clear reasons for your support, and
  5. Thank the Council for their support of efforts to increase affordable housing

Every person gets up to 3 minutes, but we recommend that you don’t take that much time. Less is often more in this context.  Board Secretary Mike Caulkins will be heading the F3 contingent.

Thank you so much for considering attending!
Tonight: 2nd Meeting on Vintage Development
Monday June 26th: Second Meeting about DMV Development

Discussions on the proposed Mill Town student housing complex became public last Thursday. Mill Town, a 1,221-bed student housing development project, plans to be mixed use, with retail on the bottom floor and five floors of student residence above. It also
includes a pedestrian underpass, crossing Milton at the University intersection, as well as designated bus and bike lanes on the road extension/realignment projects.  Because the property’s current zoning code allows for a max height of 60ft, Vintage issued a conditional use permit to allow a height of 95ft. Vintage reported the tallest building would most likely come to 89ft to accommodate a proposed rooftop bar and decorative features. Parking for this development would include over 900 spaces for residents, with another 200 for retail.

Though the City is involved in this project, none of these plans have been finalized, and approval of the project has not been guaranteed.

The meeting happens TONIGHT, June 26 from 6:00-8:00pm at the ADOT Training Facility (1901 S Milton Rd).

You can also email questions directly to City Planning Director Dan Folke atdfolke@flagstaffaz.gov and City Engineer Rick Barrett at rbarrett@flagstaffaz.gov.
Red Door Auction Happens on July 1
Seeking Auction ItemsIf you have items that seem “auctionable” please contact F3 Intern, Emma McVeigh atem784@nau.edu. She will make arrangements to pick up your items,
Possible items include:
  • Artwork
  • Antiques
  • Furnishings
  • Collectibles
  • Rugs