This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
A new affordable apartment unit at 2021 Kimbark Street is still in the process of undergoing development review.
In coordination with the new affordable housing code established by Longmont City Council, this 44-unit complex would be required to include three affordable units. Gary Kinzie, developer, has committed to 10 units to be deed restricted as affordable housing.
Those 10 units will be broken into six units affordable at or below 60% AMI, two units at 40% AMI and two units at 30% AMI (Area Median Income).
Longmont City Council approved a resolution approving a voluntary alternate agreement with the developer that satisfies the city's Inclusionary Housing requirements. The resolution passed 5-1, with Mayor Brian Bagley opposing and Council member Finley absent.
The units in the apartment complex will be 300 sq. ft. studio apartments. Bagley felt that the units would feel like a "shoebox" and thought that it did not meet the Inclusionary Housing requirements.
Other members of council disagreed stating that the size of these apartments were great for single people or couples just starting out.
Council member Joan Peck stated, "I think our community has to get out of the mindset that poor people are bad people or dirty people. They're just people who are trying to get a foothold and work their way up."
According to Kathy Fedler, Housing and Community Investment Division Manager, the developer is also hoping to meet the at or below 60% AMI benchmark for all the other units in the development.
"We have the ability and want to take some responsibility to improve Longmont. We are undertaking this project as a means to provide a portion of what we believe the community needs to meet its housing goals," states Kinzie.
