Valley Voices: West End is the right housing in the right location
Valley Voices
Here we go again. A classic case of those with homes opposing more homes in our valley. Sadly, we’ve seen this story before, and it’s largely responsible for the housing crisis we’re in today.
The opposition to the West End development runs counter to those working hard in our community to provide more housing options for those who need it the most. East West Partners — a respected and well-renowned local company in our valley — should be lauded for partnering with the community on local housing solutions.
Let’s be perfectly clear: the West End team collaborated closely with surrounding neighborhood groups for more than two years to develop a proposal that fully respects the vision of the Edwards Area Community Plan. East West Partners has gone above and beyond to be a good neighbor — presenting dozens of times to local HOAs, metro districts, business associations, neighborhood groups, and more.
The West End project is supported by our local school district, major employers, local employees, small businesses, Edwards residents, the Vail Valley Partnership, and more — all because they know more housing options for workers in Eagle County is a top priority.
Let’s get to some facts about the proposal.
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First, the Edwards Area Community Plan states: “Creating workforce housing should be a priority within the Commercial Core and on properties within walking distance of public transportation stops.” Further, it notes: “Density should be emphasized within the Edwards Commercial Core, with taller mixed-use buildings preferred.”
The vision behind this plan is to create sustainable, mixed-use neighborhoods where our workforce can easily live near everyday places like grocery stores, pharmacies, offices and schools. The most effective way to bring this vision to life is to support infill housing on the valley floor, rather than choosing unsustainable rural sprawl.
Second, West End’s housing proposal exceeds Eagle County’s affordable housing requirements. 75% of units will be restricted to Eagle County workers, and now 10% of units (28) will be price-capped to households between 80-100% of the area median income.
In total, more than 200 units are intended to serve a mix of Eagle County first responders, educators, restaurant and hospitality workers, nurses, ski patrollers, bus drivers, and more.
Third, the Eagle County Climate Action Plan targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
The West End — with Core Transit stops at its front doorstep — seamlessly connects to the overwhelming success of free and frequent Core Transit service along U.S. Highway 6. It takes a huge step toward meeting our critical climate goals by giving residents opportunities to live right on top of convenient and efficient transit options.
As Edwards residents for more than 20 years, we simply ask our county leaders not to repeat the failed policies of the past that got us into our housing crisis in the first place.
Instead, let’s work together to accomplish the vision of the Edwards Area Community Plan and build the right housing, in the right location, at the right time. Let’s finally turn the page on this story and choose a better future for Edwards and Eagle County.
Mike Trueblood and Todd Williams are longtime Edwards residents who serve on the board of the Edwards Metro District. The views and opinions expressed in this column are theirs and do not reflect the views of the board.
