Local

Public turns out in mass — in red — for talk on resident displacement ordinance

by  •  • Comments Off on Public turns out in mass — in red — for talk on resident displacement ordinance

Hover over each image above to see a description.

AmigosNAZ staff report

FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, more than 100 community members — residents, NAU students and sustainable growth advocates, wore red and took part in the first public discussion of a proposed Resident Displacement Ordinance held April 29 at the Flagstaff City Council.

The proposed ordinance would place a standardized set of procedures anytime someone is removed or displaced from their homes by a new development, reported Leah Mundell of Northern Arizona Interfaith Council.

The ordinance could include standardized notification, communications, options and potential compensation recommendations for displaced residents.

Some council members called for generalized language in the city’s development plan asking developers what they plan to do to help displaced residents. Others on the council called for more specific direction to developers.

Council members generally agreed not to set specific reimbursement payment levels for displacements as done in cities in other states since many of those levels are already covered under Arizona state law.

Council agreed to send the proposal back to city staff for further review.

The protection for residents is a result of the proposed multi-story, 650-student housing project proposed by Landmark Properties of Georgia — The Standard. The project would create a mixed use student housing and retail development along Blackbird Roost Street and Route 66, but displace more than 100 residents in the 56-unit Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park.

Residents have been urged by the developer to obtain their title by May 20 so they can be eligible for a package of compensation options if the project is approved by the City Council.

Community leaders said while the proposed ordinance would most likely not affect the current Arrowhead project because it is already in the city planning pipeline, it would be beneficial for other future developments in the city.

However, the Arrowhead development, and proposals in the works for more than a half-dozen other student housing projects in Flagstaff, have caused residents and community leaders to act in favor of stricter standards for multi-story developments.

“A displacement ordinance would offer protection to displaced families and residents as a result of infill and redevelopment projects,” Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reported Monday, April 28 in an e-newsletter. “The Arrowhead Village case is a perfect example of why we need this kind of ordinance and even though this ordinance will not apply to Arrowhead Village it will protect future residents from facing the same hardships.”

The public discussion, which included simultaneous bilingual translation, included residents, NAU students and sustainable growth advocates speaking out against the Arrowhead development and in favor of the proposed resident displacement ordinance.

Long-time English and Spanish-speaking residents of Arrowhead Village said they didn’t understand the fast-track nature of the proposed development and just want the security of remaining in their homes.

Other residents questioned Northern Arizona University for not taking responsibility for more student housing on campus as the current 17,000 student population institution is targeting growth to exceed 25,000 students.

Meanwhile, a contingent of NAU students spoke out against the Arrowhead development saying they live and respect the wishes of their neighbors in the Plaza Vieja neighborhood.

Concerned was also expressed about the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030, which is up for a vote by mail in a special election, with ballots due by May 20. Some in the audience said the regional plan does not address this new issue of multi-story student housing development in the city with others saying it’s time to reactivate the old bumper stickers “Don’t Phoenix-ize Flagstaff”

No date has been set when the recommendation from city staff will be presented to the City Council.