On Tuesday February 17, 2009 City Council denied the redevelopment plans for the old Thunderhead Lodge which sat slope side at the Steamboat Ski Area in Ski Time Square. The old and outdated Thunderhead lodge was demolished in the summer and fall of 2008 leaving a beautiful but vacant building site. The Atira Group (Mark Mathews, Vice President and Jane Blackstone, Development Manager) approached the Steamboat Springs, City Council with the favor of the Steamboat Springs Planning Commission and city staffers, but the council voted 3 – 3 not to move forward without more information (one council member could not vote due to having performed work for The Atira Group). The Atira Group was hoping to receive a variance on the height restriction of about 30 feet and to incorporate some private improvements to the public right of way. The two buildings will total 390,000 square feet and proposed to be 100 feet tall.
Council feels there needs to be more public benefit within the project to allow for the height variance. Council cited that two public benefits need to be addressed: environmentally friendly design and “Hot Beds”(tourist lodging with very low vacancy rates). Last year council changed the base area redevelopment requirements. The economic sustainability (“Hot Beds”) was replaced with the requirement of a Silver Certification from LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Tuesday night, No one really argued the LEEDS aspect of the project. The Bronze Tree attorney also argued against the height variance. The Bronze Tree condominiums sit across the street and behind the area so they may be impacted by the height.
The questions remains if council would have been measuring the project based on LEEDS and not “Hot Beds” would it have passed? We will find out in April when The Atira Group represents to council.
If you want to learn more about the developments in Steamboat Springs, Colorado... Contact me: Michelle Diehl, GRI Broker Associate at Prudential Steamboat Realty.
I work as a Buyer's Agent for my clients. I also represent Sellers. If you are buying or selling in the Steamboat Springs or surrounding areas, I can provide what you need. I am paid my success fee only after you experience success!
Contact me today and let’s get started...
web: SteamboatDream.com
e-mail: MichelleDiehl@comcast.net
cell: 970.846.1086
office: 970.879.8100 EXT 434
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stagecoach Water & Sewer Fees - 375% Increase
Stagecoach water, sewer fees skyrocket
Tap charges increase from $8,000 to $30,000
By Melinda Dudley (Contact)
Steamboat Springs — Water and sewer tap fees in the Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District, which serves Stagecoach, took a leap from $8,000 to $30,000 at the beginning of the year. The fees now are by far the largest flat-rate tap fees in Routt County.
The 375-percent increase in tap fees was determined necessary by the water district’s board in December, after a comprehensive rate study, board chairman Donald Alperti said. The decision was driven by Stagecoach’s aging water plant, he said.
“We eventually need to think about either replacing our plant or remodeling it,” Alperti said, noting that the district’s plant is 30 years old.
Stagecoach’s tap fees now are 10 times those for a new single-family home in Yampa. In the Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District, which calculates tap fees on a point system, only fees for the largest homes and duplexes exceed $20,000, General Manager Jay Gallagher said.
The increase came as a bit of a surprise to the real estate development community, and it certainly has raised concerns, said Jim Walters, broker associate with Prudential Steamboat Realty. Walters owns land in Stagecoach, and he has been involved with marketing for the Neighborhoods at Youngs Peak and Coyote Run subdivisions.
“Especially in a down market where people are looking for reduced building costs … I think that’ll have a big impact on whether they decide to build,” Walters said. “It may not be a concern as much right now, just because I think development has slowed down to almost zero. … But it could prevent people from going that route in the future.”
Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District’s tap fees go into its capital fund, 20 percent of which is reserved for replacing or renovating the plant, Alperti said.
The recent economic downturn and accompanying drop-off in construction, however, has hampered the district’s ability to begin putting the desired funds aside.
“All of this started before the big slowdown,” Alperti said. “It would be nice if there was some (new) development.”
Alperti said he was unaware of any new tap fees being paid since they increased Jan. 1. District Manager Steve Colby was out of the office Thursday and unavailable for comment.
The water district’s board conducted a rate hearing for the tap fees on Dec. 11 and accepted the increases at its regular meeting later that month, said district office manager Donna Wylie.
Changes to the district’s water rates and billing structure also went into effect Jan. 1, she said. The water district used to bill quarterly, with a $30 base rate, and has gone to bimonthly billing with a $21.60 base rate.
By the numbers
Water and sewer tap fees across Routt County
■ Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District:
$18,000 water, $12,000 sewer $30,000 total
■ Town of Oak Creek:
$6,000 water, $5,000 sewer $11,000 total
■ Town of Yampa:
$1,500 water, $1,500 sewer $3,000 total
The city of Steamboat Springs, Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District and Steamboat II Water and Sanitation District all assign tap fees based on each individual construction project, assigning points for characteristics such as square footage and fixtures including sinks, toilets and dishwashers.
Using the point scheme, a typical 2,500 square-foot home would be charged just more than $7,200 in tap fees, according to one estimate from Mount Werner Water. That estimate presumes the home includes a kitchen, two-and-a-half bathrooms, dishwasher, washing machine and two water spigots. Tap fees for the district’s largest homes and duplexes can exceed $20,000, according to Mount Werner Water General Manager Jay Gallagher.
END OF STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY ARTICLE...............
If you are looking for a home site, completed home, condo or townhome, in or near Steamboat Springs, Colorado... Contact me: Michelle Diehl, GRI Broker Associate at Prudential Steamboat Realty.
I work as a Buyer's Agent for my clients. I also represent Sellers. If you are buying or selling in the Steamboat Springs or surrounding areas, I can provide what you need. I am paid my success fee only after you experience success!
Contact me today and let’s get started...
web: SteamboatDream.com
e-mail: MichelleDiehl@comcast.net
cell: 970.846.1086
office: 970.879.8100 EXT 434
Tap charges increase from $8,000 to $30,000
By Melinda Dudley (Contact)
Steamboat Springs — Water and sewer tap fees in the Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District, which serves Stagecoach, took a leap from $8,000 to $30,000 at the beginning of the year. The fees now are by far the largest flat-rate tap fees in Routt County.
The 375-percent increase in tap fees was determined necessary by the water district’s board in December, after a comprehensive rate study, board chairman Donald Alperti said. The decision was driven by Stagecoach’s aging water plant, he said.
“We eventually need to think about either replacing our plant or remodeling it,” Alperti said, noting that the district’s plant is 30 years old.
Stagecoach’s tap fees now are 10 times those for a new single-family home in Yampa. In the Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District, which calculates tap fees on a point system, only fees for the largest homes and duplexes exceed $20,000, General Manager Jay Gallagher said.
The increase came as a bit of a surprise to the real estate development community, and it certainly has raised concerns, said Jim Walters, broker associate with Prudential Steamboat Realty. Walters owns land in Stagecoach, and he has been involved with marketing for the Neighborhoods at Youngs Peak and Coyote Run subdivisions.
“Especially in a down market where people are looking for reduced building costs … I think that’ll have a big impact on whether they decide to build,” Walters said. “It may not be a concern as much right now, just because I think development has slowed down to almost zero. … But it could prevent people from going that route in the future.”
Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District’s tap fees go into its capital fund, 20 percent of which is reserved for replacing or renovating the plant, Alperti said.
The recent economic downturn and accompanying drop-off in construction, however, has hampered the district’s ability to begin putting the desired funds aside.
“All of this started before the big slowdown,” Alperti said. “It would be nice if there was some (new) development.”
Alperti said he was unaware of any new tap fees being paid since they increased Jan. 1. District Manager Steve Colby was out of the office Thursday and unavailable for comment.
The water district’s board conducted a rate hearing for the tap fees on Dec. 11 and accepted the increases at its regular meeting later that month, said district office manager Donna Wylie.
Changes to the district’s water rates and billing structure also went into effect Jan. 1, she said. The water district used to bill quarterly, with a $30 base rate, and has gone to bimonthly billing with a $21.60 base rate.
By the numbers
Water and sewer tap fees across Routt County
■ Morrison Creek Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District:
$18,000 water, $12,000 sewer $30,000 total
■ Town of Oak Creek:
$6,000 water, $5,000 sewer $11,000 total
■ Town of Yampa:
$1,500 water, $1,500 sewer $3,000 total
The city of Steamboat Springs, Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District and Steamboat II Water and Sanitation District all assign tap fees based on each individual construction project, assigning points for characteristics such as square footage and fixtures including sinks, toilets and dishwashers.
Using the point scheme, a typical 2,500 square-foot home would be charged just more than $7,200 in tap fees, according to one estimate from Mount Werner Water. That estimate presumes the home includes a kitchen, two-and-a-half bathrooms, dishwasher, washing machine and two water spigots. Tap fees for the district’s largest homes and duplexes can exceed $20,000, according to Mount Werner Water General Manager Jay Gallagher.
END OF STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY ARTICLE...............
If you are looking for a home site, completed home, condo or townhome, in or near Steamboat Springs, Colorado... Contact me: Michelle Diehl, GRI Broker Associate at Prudential Steamboat Realty.
I work as a Buyer's Agent for my clients. I also represent Sellers. If you are buying or selling in the Steamboat Springs or surrounding areas, I can provide what you need. I am paid my success fee only after you experience success!
Contact me today and let’s get started...
web: SteamboatDream.com
e-mail: MichelleDiehl@comcast.net
cell: 970.846.1086
office: 970.879.8100 EXT 434
Thursday, February 12, 2009
NAR's Recommendations to Congress to Aid the Housing Recovery
The following article was sent by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to our office. REALTOR's have a voice in congress. Here is the latest:
The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1.) has been reconciled by the House and Senate. The details of the legislation have not been finalized but we expect the legislation to include a number of important housing provisions, including the remedies for the housing crisis that NAR prescribed at the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $7500 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Individuals who purchase in 2009 using financing assistance from state and local mortgage bonds will be permitted to use the credit, as well.
FHA, Fannie and Freddie Loan Limits – Revised loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae. Specifics have not been released but reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary.
Foreclosure Mitigation & Neighborhood Stabilization – Funding for states and local communities to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes are authorized.
These elements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are the pillars of the NAR Housing Stimulus Plan presented to the 111th Congress. Additionally we continue to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Secretary Timothy Geithner to implement a mortgage buy-down program.
NAR also recommended that the Treasury Department expand the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility (TALF) to include commercial mortgage-backed securities as eligible collateral. The Treasury has approved this recommendation and this will encourage investment in the commercial real estate market.
The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1)Additional Housing and Other Provisions of Interest to NAR
Rural Housing Service - Increased funding for the Rural Housing Service direct and guaranteed loan programs.
Low Income Housing Grants - Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.
Tax Exempt Housing Bonds - Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.
Energy Efficient Housing - Grants for energy retrofits for federally assisted housing (section 8), funding for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants to states, and Increases in the residential tax credit through 2010 for certain energy efficient upgrades.
Transportation - Spending for upgrades and repairs of road, bridges and transit facilities.
Broadband Deployment – Grants to make broadband available in unserved communities
Make no mistake—our work with Congress and the Treasury Department is not yet completed. As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry, the National Association of REALTORS® will continue to address the issues facing Americans who are trying to purchase a new home, protect their current home or preserve investment opportunities in residential and commercial properties.
NAR recognizes the efforts of the members of Congress and the Senate who understand that without a housing recovery, an overall economic recovery is impossible.
I am very proud to be a REALTOR and a part of this valuable organization - NAR.
Michelle
If you are looking for a home site, completed home, condo or townhome, in or near Steamboat Springs, Colorado... Contact me: Michelle Diehl, GRI Broker Associate at Prudential Steamboat Realty.
I work as a Buyer's Agent for my clients. I also represent Sellers. If you are buying or selling in the Steamboat Springs or surrounding areas, I can provide what you need. I am paid my success fee only after you experience success!
Contact me today and let’s get started...
web: SteamboatDream.com
e-mail: MichelleDiehl@comcast.net
cell: 970.846.1086
office: 970.879.8100 EXT 434
The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1.) has been reconciled by the House and Senate. The details of the legislation have not been finalized but we expect the legislation to include a number of important housing provisions, including the remedies for the housing crisis that NAR prescribed at the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $7500 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Individuals who purchase in 2009 using financing assistance from state and local mortgage bonds will be permitted to use the credit, as well.
FHA, Fannie and Freddie Loan Limits – Revised loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae. Specifics have not been released but reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary.
Foreclosure Mitigation & Neighborhood Stabilization – Funding for states and local communities to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes are authorized.
These elements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are the pillars of the NAR Housing Stimulus Plan presented to the 111th Congress. Additionally we continue to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Secretary Timothy Geithner to implement a mortgage buy-down program.
NAR also recommended that the Treasury Department expand the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility (TALF) to include commercial mortgage-backed securities as eligible collateral. The Treasury has approved this recommendation and this will encourage investment in the commercial real estate market.
The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1)Additional Housing and Other Provisions of Interest to NAR
Rural Housing Service - Increased funding for the Rural Housing Service direct and guaranteed loan programs.
Low Income Housing Grants - Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.
Tax Exempt Housing Bonds - Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.
Energy Efficient Housing - Grants for energy retrofits for federally assisted housing (section 8), funding for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants to states, and Increases in the residential tax credit through 2010 for certain energy efficient upgrades.
Transportation - Spending for upgrades and repairs of road, bridges and transit facilities.
Broadband Deployment – Grants to make broadband available in unserved communities
Make no mistake—our work with Congress and the Treasury Department is not yet completed. As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry, the National Association of REALTORS® will continue to address the issues facing Americans who are trying to purchase a new home, protect their current home or preserve investment opportunities in residential and commercial properties.
NAR recognizes the efforts of the members of Congress and the Senate who understand that without a housing recovery, an overall economic recovery is impossible.
I am very proud to be a REALTOR and a part of this valuable organization - NAR.
Michelle
If you are looking for a home site, completed home, condo or townhome, in or near Steamboat Springs, Colorado... Contact me: Michelle Diehl, GRI Broker Associate at Prudential Steamboat Realty.
I work as a Buyer's Agent for my clients. I also represent Sellers. If you are buying or selling in the Steamboat Springs or surrounding areas, I can provide what you need. I am paid my success fee only after you experience success!
Contact me today and let’s get started...
web: SteamboatDream.com
e-mail: MichelleDiehl@comcast.net
cell: 970.846.1086
office: 970.879.8100 EXT 434
Monday, February 9, 2009
$827 Billion Stimulus Bill May Pass This Week
An $827 billion stimulus bill is expected to pass the House and Senate and be delivered to the president by the end of the week. A 60 vote majority is needed Tuesday for the bill to continue to progress. The House and Senate have similar bills but vary in cost and allocation. The Senate proposes an $827 billion in legislation while the House proposes $819 billion in legislation. Both bills include tax breaks for home buyers (senate version of the bill is more favorable to stimulate the real estate turnaround), tax breaks for new car purchases (Senate bill only), Medicaid benefits, cuts for low-income wage earners, food stamps, more unemployment benefits, health care, ways to decrease foreign oil needs, IT for the health industry and more. Lets see what this week will bring.
Michelle
Michelle
