Mayor's Minute: September 2021

Hello neighbors,

Since May of 2021, the Mountain Village Town Council has discussed a variety of amendments to the Community Development Code (CDC) to create and incentivize a range of housing options. In an effort to specifically create realistic homeownership opportunities for mid-level and executive employees, Town Council has discussed re-introducing duplex development.

At last month’s meeting, Council considered an ordinance containing several amendments to the CDC, including the proposal to provide duplex development in certain portions of Town. Council passed the ordinance on first reading with direction to staff to work with individual members of Council with respect to specific concerns raised at the meeting.

Since then, staff has made significant modifications to the duplex proposals with modifications addressing the concerns brought up by Council as well as the public. However, at this week’s Town Council meeting, I will be asking Council and staff to table the duplex development portion of the ordinance until the topic is readdressed in the first quarter of 2022. At this time, I believe more research, outreach, and discussion need to be done and I believe it is in the best interest of the Town and Council to not proceed.

There remains tremendous public and council support for duplex development currently; however, I believe there is consensus that the duplex matter needs further research and discussion prior to its addition back into the CDC.

As a matter of process, Council will still be asked to consider the original ordinance this Thursday. However, I will propose that Council consider adopting the ordinance on second reading except for those provisions related to duplex development.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of your other Council members with any questions or concerns you may have.

Warm regards,

Laila Benitez
Mountain Village Mayor