Registered city voters will soon have their say on whether 191 acres should be annexed into the city of Steamboat Springs for the creation of West Steamboat Neighborhoods. The issue has been one of extreme contention after city council approved the annexation ordinance earlier this year. After a local opposition group, Let’s Vote Steamboat, secured over 1,000 petition signatures, the decision now moves to a public vote. 

The proposed neighborhood is located west of the Overlook Park subdivision, 2.5 miles from downtown. Those who support bringing this issue to a city-wide vote have questioned other issues: water rights, traffic impacts, increased city spending, deed restrictions and whether the new properties will adequately address the shortage of affordable housing. Proponents of the project believe that the developer has offered significant funds to help with infrastructure improvements around water, transportation and public open space. 

Behind the project is Boulder-based developer, Brynn Grey Partners, the developer of Peak One Neighborhood in Frisco. The plan is to build 450 homes over the next 16-20 years, of which 158 will be deed restricted and 292 will have no restrictions. The area will include 82 acres of open space and three acres of parks; the latter will be maintained by the local homeowners association but will be open for public use. Plans also include mixed-use commercial property, which may house a daycare facility, restaurants, workspaces and a grocery store. 

Two acres of land is to be donated to Yampa Valley Housing Authority, where they will build 50 of the deed restricted homes and 10 acres to the Steamboat Springs School District for a new public school. 

Over the last three years, Brynn Grey has gone through intense negotiations with city council and they believe the majority of locals are behind their project. 

When the votes are counted, there will be many invested parties holding their breath as the public has their say. Voters can only cast their vote by mail-in ballot which must be received by June 25th. 

For more information: www.yestolocalhousing.com | www.letsvotesteamboat.org