Chamber opposes citizen initiative ballot issues

Backed by 95% of its members who responded to a July survey, the Estes Chamber board of directors is opposing the potential passage of two citizen initiative ordinances that are slated for a November vote.

“We respectfully and confidently oppose both measures,” the chamber announced in a press release issued late Thursday afternoon.

“The Chamber of Commerce is committed to a vibrant Estes Park—one where businesses can thrive, residents can find homes, and development decisions are made transparently and fairly. Both of these proposed ordinances threaten that vision,” the Chamber said.

The vote to oppose the proposed ordinances came following a survey of Chamber members and further discussions of its Member Advocacy Committee and the Board of Directors.

“In late July, the Chamber surveyed its membership, providing detailed information on the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of each initiative. The response was clear and overwhelming — 95% of respondents opposed both ballot items. In light of this, the Chamber Board has voted to stand with other businesses and community organizations in opposition to these proposals,” the press release said.

Town of Estes Park voters will determine the fate of two land use ballot issues affecting property proposed for rezoning or for a planned unit development, and the elimination of density bonuses for attainable and workforce housing.

Should the land use measure – Ordinance 70-25 – pass, two-thirds of property owners within 500 feet, or less, from the outermost boundaries of property proposed for rezoning or for a PUD, will be required to provide written approval of the plan.

“While this may appear to give neighbors greater influence, in the opinion of the Chamber Board, it could, in practice, lead to confusion, inconsistent application, and serious barriers to reasonable development,” the Chamber’s press release said.

“Additionally, critical questions remain unanswered, including who is responsible for notifying property owners and securing written approval, what qualifies as “written approval,” how long property owners would have to respond, and how absentee owners or rental properties would be handled, the Chamber said.

According to the press release, those reasons “made it clear that this measure was not something the Chamber could support.”

“By creating vague, burdensome requirements, this ordinance risks undermining the transparent and professional processes already overseen by the Town’s Planning and Zoning Division. Instead of empowering the community, it could sow division, delay needed projects, and invite legal disputes,” the Chamber said.

The second ballot issue – Ordinance 71-25 –would eliminate density bonuses for attainable and workforce housing in RM multi-family residential zoning districts and repeal building height limits.

“If passed, this measure would strip away a critical tool designed to address one of our community’s greatest challenges: the shortage of housing for local workers and families,” said the Chamber.

“The consequences could lead to reduced incentives for developers to create workforce housing, potential conflicts with federal Fair Housing Act standards, slower progress toward the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan’s housing goals, and fewer housing opportunities for those who serve our businesses, schools, and essential services.

“At a time when the need for attainable housing has never been greater, eliminating incentives sends the wrong message and risks worsening an already difficult situation for residents and employers alike,” the Chamber said.

Preserve Estes Park, a grassroots issue advocacy organization whose primary activity concerns land use in the Estes Valley, proposed the two ordinances. Petitions for the ordinances were declared sufficient on June 13. In July, the Town Board referred the initiatives to the electorate for voting on Nov. 4.