The Flagstaff City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 to discuss a Resident Displacement Ordinance that would establish a process for just compensation for residents who are facing relocation due to redevelopment. AmigosNAZ file photo.
FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future potential housing issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, the Flagstaff City Council is schedule to hold its first public discussion of a Resident Displacement Ordinance that 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 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., in the City Council chambers. It is scheduled to be the second item on the agenda.
“Many of us have been involved in supporting Arrowhead Village residents in the face of displacement for student housing,” Mundell said. “We now have an opportunity to ensure that other Flagstaff residents faced with displacement have the opportunity for public input and a process for establishing just compensation.”
The ordinance could include standardized notification, communications, options and potential compensation recommendations for displaced residents, she said.
Community leaders said while the 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.
“We must pack Council Chambers!,” Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reported Monday, April 28 in an e-newsletter. “A displacement ordinance would offer protection to displaced families and residents as a result of infill and redevelopment projects.
“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. Please attend council … in support of moving forward with a Displacement Ordinance. The presentation can be read HERE.
“Wear something RED to show support of this issue! (We will also have RED ribbons to give out and cards with speaking points). Please stand up in solidarity on this issue,” the organization reported. Visit http://friendsofflagstaff.org for more information.