Several proposed student housing developments came to the City in the first half of 2014.  Based on strong community participation and concerns that were voiced, a Student Housing Symposium was held in the fall to educate, inform and facilitate constructive public dialog.  As a result, a Flagstaff Student Housing Work Plan was drafted, circulated among the City Council, staff and stakeholders, presented and then adopted by Resolution on January 6, 2015 (Attach. #1).

Tonight's presentation is to report the progress of the Work Plan action items (Attach. #2) as summarized below:

• Internal Work Groups #1 & #2 formation in January 2015
• Recommendation for External Work Group (EWG) formation in March 2015 to steer the work of the Student Housing Action Plan which will include review of possible amendments to the Regional Plan, development of neighborhood components and development of property owner outreach
• Draft amendment in March 2015 to Council on the City's Party Ordinance that includes a Security component or establishes a stand-alone ordinance
• In late March into April 2015, Council will re-visit the concept of a residential parking permit system in Southside
• Establish standard Security Conditions for Development Agreements and Zoning Ordinances by May 2015
• Review and assess current definition of "Family" in Ch. 10 of the City Code by end of June 2015
• Review Zoning Code to strengthen communication and notification of neighbors on student housing developments by  end of July 2015
• Examine "Use by Right" process for student housing proposals by end of July 2015
• Staff to undertake Traffic Impact Analysis possibilities and explore Milton Avenue mobility and alternatives to Milton and bring back for discussion in June 2015
• Report on all elements to Council with recommendations in late August 2015

 

The financial impact identified from the outset of this project currently consists of staff time from NAU, NAIPTA and the City and in-kind support from these entities.  Potential future costs could include facilitators, traffic consultants, outreach costs, possibly a parking permit system and a new position for a university-community liaison, although currently NAU's President has committed existing University staff.

Identified Council Goals are:
6) Relieve traffic congestion throughout Flagstaff
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
9) Foster relationships and maintain economic development commitment to partners

Identified Regional Plan Goals are:
Growth Areas & Land Use
Policy LU12.8  Provide strong connections from the Flagstaff Medical Campus to the Northern Arizona University campus via pedestrian paths, bicycle connections, streets and transit service
Goal LU.13:  Increase the variety of housing options and expand opportunities for employment and neighborhood shopping within all suburban neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods, Housing & Urban Conservation
Goal NH.3   Make available a variety of housing types at different price points, to provide housing opportunity for all economic sectors.
Policy NH.1.7. Develop appropriate programs and tools to ensure the appropriate placement, design, and operation of new student housing    developments consistent with neighborhood character and scale.
Economic Development
Goal ED.2:  Support and encourage an excellent education system that promotes critical thinking and job training programs at all levels.

On December 8 and 9, 2014, direction was given at the City Council retreat to staff to bring forward a Student Housing action plan.

On December 16, 2014, the City Council reviewed a potential list of action items, provided some edits and directed staff to bring back a resolution with the Work Plan developed for measurable accomplishment toward .

On January 6, 2015, the City Council adopted the 2015 Student Housing Work Plan as an attachment to a resolution, communicating to the public the City's intentions, providing guidance for the work of City staff and offering a list of possible action items for NAU and community stakeholders.

This report is intended for information and communication to the City Council and community on the progress of the adopted 2015 Student Housing Work Plan.
 

 

A  day-long Student Housing Symposium was co-sponsored by the City, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Coconino County, Friends of Flagstaff's Future and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce on October 27, 2014.  This was in response to intensive community interest, questions on neighborhood rights and how the resident voice and desires could be part of the public process relating to the impact of development applications submitted for student housing.  Panelists from the City, the University, neighborhood representatives and guests from the cities of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Davis, California provided information and addressed questions. 

A follow-up meeting was held with NAU President Dr. Rita Cheng and staff to review possible work plan items that were drafted from the comments and tentative commitments at the Symposium.  Additionally, a list of potential work plan items was circulated to the Alliance for the 21st Century partners (County, Flagstaff Unified School District, Coconino Community College, NAU and the City) and NAIPTA (Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transit Authority) for review and comment.

Inform
Consult
Involve