Housing News Digest, July 12

The rent's too darn high!
According to a recent report from the Colorado Division of Housing, among households with the lowest incomes, there are almost twice as many households as there are affordable rental units in Colorado. But the study only collected data in or around metro areas like Boulder, Denver and Grand Junction, and left rural areas like Summit County unexamined. Jennifer Kermode, the executive director of the Summit Combined Housing Authority, said while the study may be indicative of what's happening in the High Country, the problem may actually be exacerbated here.

Colorado elders need annual income of at least $17,664
DENVER - A Colorado resident aged 65 or older, in good health without a home mortgage to pay, needs income of at least $17,664 per year to meet housing, food, transportation, health care and other living expenses, according to the statewide Elder Index released last week.

Consortium working to forward Glenwood confluence area goals
The city's 2003 study looked at several redevelopment scenarios, including public parkways along the rivers, new civic facilities, such as a public parking structure and a performing arts center. It also envisioned a mix of new private commercial and residential development.

Among the consortium's objectives are to improve the economic viability of downtown Glenwood Springs by:

• Attracting more people downtown, by offering more retail opportunities, convenient parking and a mix of housing types.

Longmont looking for volunteers for housing task force
The task force will meet from mid-August through July 2012 to consider the next steps now that the city has ended its "inclusionary zoning" program. The program was meant to encourage affordable housing by requiring developers to set aside at least 10 percent of their new housing as affordable.

Those wanting to serve on the task force must live or work in Longmont and fit one or more of the following categories:

Green Uses for Disaster Housing: Katrina Cottages Find New Life
As I result, I was intrigued and pleased to read recently that a developer is planning to recycle 12 of the cottages that are no longer needed as temporary housing, using them as permanent housing on an infill site in the town of Buena Vista, Colorado. Dustin Urban writes on the developer's blog:

This unique infill project will feature 12 beautifully designed and built one and two-bedroom "Katrina Cottages" originally used as emergency housing after hurricane Katrina. With the majority offered for long-term lease, the cottages will offer downtown living within walking distance of schools, restaurants and shops. Located a block from East Main Street, the cottages will support a more prosperous Main Street business environment and will create a beautiful streetscape complete with sidewalks and street trees.