| Is there a real, widespread problem in Old Town that needs to be addressed? The Problem | NO 1. Just a few houses built in the last 50 years have generated 20 or so complaints. (from City’s staff) 2. Some of the houses that have generated complaints could be used as an example of how to tastefully develop in Old Town. (from City’s staff) 3. In last ~4 years, ~40 new homes, ~160 remodels, out of total of ~5000 homes a. Of those new homes and remodels: 1-3 instances generated complaints |
| Have the City Council and City Staff focused on the long term good and prosperity of the city while examining all inputs? The Process | NO 1. YEAR long extensive study to examine impact of new homes and additions was commissioned by the City Council. (January 2010 – January 2011) a. Study was inconclusive and loosely suggested a few ideas b. NONE of these were used to craft the ordinance. 2. Details of the ordinance were known only the day prior to the 1st reading and were extensively altered again on the day of the 2nd reading. The Ordinance was not properly vetted. 3. Public input from public meetings, on-line surveys and citizen advisory committee was completely ignored. Majority of public input was against the ordinance. 4. Professional and expert opinions were ignored (City’s P&Z board, Board of Appeals, local architects). All professional input was against the ordinance. 5. Economic Impact Analysis provided by an independent consultant was ignored. |
| Have the City Council and City Staff carefully explored and weighted the intended and unintended consequences? The Consequences | NO 1. Hundreds of existing houses, some dating back to 1880’s, that are deemed highly desirable houses in Old Town would NOT meet the new requirements. Why are we stopping the development that we claim we want to preserve and protect? (see photos on page 2) 2. 85% of the lots in the neighborhood would NOT be allowed as the AVERAGE house built in America (2400 SF per 2006 US Census) 3. Obvious infractions of private ownership rights. 4. BACK door coercion to use Landmark Preservation Commission as an Architectural Neighborhood Committee. No Property can be designated as a landmark WITHOUT written consent from the property owner, per National Park Service guideline. Further and profound violation of individual property rights. 5. Undoubtedly lowering desirability and demand of Old Town – lower house prices, home values, and lower taxes – will impact the entire Fort Collins in the future. 6. This ordinance WILL STOP or HINDER more high quality projects than it the few problem projects it may prevent. 7. All of the ordinance design parameters are set so low that traditional design and construction practices will not work for many future projects, not to mention extra costs to the homeowners. 8. Many of old town houses are in dire NEEDS of modernization, updates. Most are small (<1000SFT) and are NOT historical gems and treasures. They SHOULD be ALLOWED to be replaced, if so desired. |
| Is there anything a city can do to protect the historical fabric of a neighborhood? The Alternative | YES 1. The correct way to protect a historical neighborhood is through Historical Districting via the State Historical Preservation office (SHPO) and National Park Services standard procedures. |
