Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for Dec. 5

Similarly, streets like Fontaine Street allow for high occupancy stacked triplexes, not because the neighborhood grew up as a student housing neighborhood, but because the underlying zoning created in the 70s allows for it in that neighborhood (and the current transect zoning allows for it because it was informed by the underlying zoning).

Developers aren’t building high occupancy housing on a 22′ wide street like Fontain because it is ideal to support the traffic.  They build it there because they can. 

If the Transect Zoning of these streets were T3 and the underlying zoning removed, we would solve the problem of over-development and protect the residents as well as our historic resources.

If we approach future changes to the Transect Code with the mindset that this will ultimately be our only code, we can stop thinking “but, by right they can build…” and fearlessly make the changes that will benefit our city now and for generations to come. If residents are unhappy with the “down zoning” they’re protected by Prop 207 and can apply for a waver to keep their current zoning. If we’re careful, this won’t be a big problem. If we go into neighborhoods and find out what the people living there want, we can make changes that the majority will buy into. If developers who want to opt out, well, four stacked triplexes on Fontaine street is still better than twelve.

Now, I understand Prop 2017 was meant to protect property owner’s rights and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, Prop 207 also means that if you live in a single family neighborhood that allows for a five story building, one neighbor can ruin it for everyone else. So while it protects that one person’s rights, it takes away the rights of everyone else in the neighborhood to have a say in the way their neighborhood grows.

In any case, to fix the issues that led to the building of the HUB, the underlying zoning needs to be addressed. It could be amended in the same way the Transect Code is being amended, but that seems like twice the work and staff time.

*these are not official definitions, but generalizations for understanding. Another brief overview can be found on Stand Up! for Flagstaff’s website  HERE.

Your opinion matters!

This survey should take 10 to 15 minutes.Did you know that Frances Short Pond (the “duck” pond) is part of the Rio de Flag stream? Did you know that Picture Canyon is, too?This survey is intended to collect information from Flagstaff Area residents about the Rio de Flag, which is a stream that begins on the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks and weaves its way through Flagstaff south, eventually turning north and flowing out of town near Doney Park (see map below). This survey includes questions about the Rio de Flag and the “tributaries” or small streams that contribute some water flow to the Rio de Flag (see map below).This information will assist the Friends of the Rio de Flag, the City of Flagstaff, and Coconino County in understanding how you use and interact with the Rio de Flag, and the types of improvement and enhancement projects you think are needed for our local stream. We will use your feedback to guide and inform our planning efforts for improving and maintaining the Rio de Flag watershed.

Just click HERE to participate:

Trash bags and other supplies will be provided.

Lunch to be provided for volunteers.

Come help and make a difference!

Find our more here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/164918484107382/

The High Occupancy Housing Plan process is entering the public hearing and adoption phase. The Citizen’s Review Session is the first and a very important step for the plan. This is a critical opportunity for your input.

The Citizen’s Review Session draft of the High Occupancy Housing Plan is available here.
You can also review all the public comments received during the 60 day public review.
More information is available on the project website at www.flagstaff.az.gov/hohplan.

Schedule of upcoming public meetings

As always the Comprehensive Planning program is glad to pay for child care at the Flagstaff Aquaplex for anyone attending the public meeting on December 13^th. You can also stream all of these meetings at www.flagstaff.az.gov/streaming.