Eagle County Commissioners Can Increase the Number of Work Force Housing Units by 70 in Edwards Colorado

Our Eagle County Commissioners, long espousing the need for more work force housing, have the opportunity to add 70 or more units to the pot.  The big question here is will they capitalize on the opportunity or will an organized minority keep them from making the right decision?  I am referring to the proposed West End project in Edwards, Colorado.

According to the Urban Land Institute Eagle County needs to build 500 to 600 work force units every year for the next 20 years.  Seventy or so work force units is a start.  

The local paper reports comments from area residents such as:  ‘It just seems a little too dense and the set backs seem too close to the county’s Eagle River Preserve", and "it’s too bulky and would create wear and tear in the neighborhood". 

I give up, what does "it seems a little too dense" mean?  Does it mean the density does not fit the Eagle County guidelines? Or does it mean it’s a little too dense because I don’t want work force units?

When someone states (this is my favorite) "the set backs seem too close to the county’s Eagle River Preserve" what does that mean?  The County’s set back requirements are all wrong and need to be changed or does it mean this is the best excuse I can come up with for not wanting the project to move forward?  In my opinion, the Eagle River Preserve is the biggest boondoggle yet in the Vail Valley.   

Define "wear and tear in the neighborhood", I can’t.  Define affordable housing here in the Valley, I can’t.  What I think I know is, the County plans on selling the work force units at below market with a cap on how much appreciation can occur in any given year determined by a formula.  That means to me, the work force units will always be below current market value which translates into the cheapest real estate in the Valley.

If the proposed work force units are sold below current market values they will in all likelihood cost more than units in Miller Ranch as those units were built some 2 to 4 years ago.  It is also my belief the finish level in West End will be of a higher quality which will equate to a higher price. 

Does it mean West End units are not affordable?  I don’t think so.  Who is going to buy West End work force units?  How about long time locals who would like to downsize, put some of thier gains in a retirement fund and be able to continue living and working in the Vail Valley. 

Someone once told me several years back that in the future Vail Valley would be faced with two options, spread ‘em out or stack ‘em up.  Can’t spread ‘em out because of the land constraints so we are now stacking ‘em up.  What better place to stack ‘em up than in the heart of a commercial district such as Edwards.  You can live, work, shop and dine without having to drive.

The beautiful thing about America is you have choices.  If you don’t like density in core commercial areas, move somewhere else.  Let’s hope the County Commissioners show some leadership and approve West End sooner than later.

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