Flagstaff Aspen Sawmill Project Not Fair To NAU Students (Phoenix: apartments, rental)

[CCCVDUR]

Does anyone know anything about this 200+ acre project going on next to the New Frontiers Natural Market at Butler and Lone Tree? (Links below.) Many of the buildings are going up, but there is little information on the businesses that will be there.

I do not understand why these projects are going up in places close to the university, since there's a terrible shortage of housing for students. We need more low cost apartments, so that students won't have to commute 9 miles in the ice from Mountainnaire and Doney Park.

There isn't enough affordable housing within a 2 mile radius around the University. One report said there are 600 homeless NAU students. The City has also recently authorized a very ugly multi-story Marriott Hotel across from the Wallmart, along with the Drury Inn and Suites, which is also an eyesore. Both hotels are on and very close to the University. The property could have been used for apartments or NAU-owned student housing.

I feel sorry for the NAU students who are not being treated fairly by the Socialist City Planners, who prefer to give permits to corporations instead to apartment companies on land close to the university, such as Marriott International, New Frontiers, The Sunflower Group, and Drury Hotels. Overall, the City seems to have strong ties with many other large corporations such as Bain Capital - there are two Home Depots yet no Lowes to compete. And, of course, there will be three Marriott hotels when the new one is finished this fall.

Most people moving here think this is supposed to be a town of independent entrepreneurs, but not any longer, especially with the high impact fees. They could at least allow some "green corporations" that liberals and students like, such as Costco, REI (recreatonal equip. corp.). Whole Foods and Trader Joes should be here, but it appears that the City might have some sort of non-compete agreement with New Frontiers to not allow any competitors in. After all, it is their flagship store (other locations in Salt Lake, Sedona, and Solvang, CA). I buy my vitamins at the GNC in the mall for half the price.

The Definition of Socialism is strong centralized planning of the distribution of property, goods, and services. From the perspective of anyone running a business, this is for all practical purposes a socialist town, especially with the high impact fees. Kevin Burke, the City Manager, is from the People's Republic of Boulder. Unfortunately, this is now the People's Republic of Flagstaff.

That said, it's a beautiful place to live, the people are very intelligent, and many people don't leave because they don't want to deal with big city life ever again. I think things will change as the more educated, younger generation moving here for athletic reasons (ages 18-34) who understand Capitalism run for office (i.e. Morgan Hagaman, 33, who ran for City Council and was voted down in April 2008). The current Council members are getting older, are out of touch with poor people and students, and the middle class is shrinking, as Bain Capital and Marriott International are awarded large areas of land.

Links:
Aerial Site Plan
Aspen Place at The Sawmill

[bobbilly79]

One of the main reasons I am leaving is as a non-traditional student (over 25, with kids, and graduate level) I could not afford to live here and continue my education. I make jack squat at the job I currently do and to continue my Masters with a fellowship would cut my earnings by over $600. That would be okay if NAU actually had decent family housing. I'm sorry, but two bedrooms and 600 sq feet doesn't cut it for me. I ended up choosing other schools to aply to with affordable and decent sized (3br, at least 1000 sq ft) family housing. It's not just the traditional students taht are losing out, it's those of us who want to raise a family here in Flag. Two weeks from today is my moving date. I have family ties here reaching back to the early 20th Century. Now I do not know if I ever want to come back because I fear for the future of this town.

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by bobbilly79

One of the main reasons I am leaving is as a non-traditional student (over 25, with kids, and graduate level) That would be okay if NAU actually had decent family housing. I'm sorry, but two bedrooms and 600 sq feet doesn't cut it for me. I ended up choosing other schools to aply to with affordable and decent sized (3br, at least 1000 sq ft) family housing. It's not just the traditional students taht are losing out, it's those of us who want to raise a family here in Flag. Two weeks from today is my moving date. I have family ties here reaching back to the early 20th Century. Now I do not know if I ever want to come back because I fear for the future of this town.

Good point, I hadn't thought of non-traditional students.....the only way it could be affordable would be to live 10 miles away in Kachina or Doney Park and then have to commute in the ice and snow for 4 months/year.....

[shiphead]

That's very sad, i would hope flagstaff would grow up and not out. The useless, what looks like a strip mall, helps no one. The lure of taxes and growth overclouds what really needs to happen. When they disregarded the Hopi's request on not using the San Francisco peaks, it was only a start. This is another prime example of Flagstaff's government disregarding anyone. Another prime example of everyone in this country standing around with thumbs up their ass. Let the government do what it wants and let everyone else around them fall.

[KarmaPhx]

What's the big deal? These places are offering jobs to the students, whats so wrong with that? '

[Greatday]

If someone owns property, they have the right to do with it as they see fit.

In the case of a city with Zoning, if the proposed project fits within the defined zoning area, the owners cannot be denied a permit to build that permited useage.

Low Cost student housing frankly is a pain in the butt - it offers very small rate of return on investments.

But, from the way the original poster described it - the City of Flagstaff did nothing wrong whatsoever

[AzDreamer]

You don't understand, we voted for change. Investors should have no right to develop their property as they see fit if there are students that want subsidized housing.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by w1ngzer0

That's very sad, i would hope flagstaff would grow up and not out.

this is not growing out....that location is near the center of town on a site of one of the old sawmillls that operated for decades until the 60s....nice in-fill, it seems.....

yes, low-income housing is needed for all types of Flag residents....but, to a city council, that means little city revenue...currently, low-income housing requires a contribution (tax abatement, direct funding, subsidies) from one or more government agencies to make it appealing to a private developer...city councils need to look for revenue to run city services....

[KarmaPhx]

I don't understand why Flagstaff can get away with charging around $800 for a 2bd when the median price in Phoenix is around $600.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

I don't understand why Flagstaff can get away with charging around $800 for a 2bd when the median price in Phoenix is around $600.

First off - "Flagstaff" does not charge anyone rent. Owners of rental properties do.

Second - supply and demand sets the prices

Third - Flagstaff is not a "college town" per se. It is a tourist / recreational town (which influences supply and demand).