This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Growth is the driving factor in two issues that continue to dominate
conversations among Longmont’s residents. There is no one simple or easy
solution to address traffic and housing challenges caused by growth.
Traffic
Traffic congestion is impacting Longmont’s quality of life. The truth is,
traffic congestion in and through Longmont will continue to get worse while
we wait 20 years for the promised Peak Rail service. We can shorten that
time by raising taxes but even with increased spending Peak Rail will not
solve Longmont’s traffic congestion.
Boulder county traffic is projected to increase 53% by 2040. But an even
greater impact on Longmont will come from vehicles into Longmont from the
East (119), North and South (287). Peak Rail won’t solve the traffic
congestion within the city or from outside the county and RTD is offering
no transit options for those areas.
I propose that we form regional partnerships between Longmont and other
cities in Weld, Larimer, Broomfield and Boulder Counties to deal with
traffic generated outside RTD.
For example, Boulder County’s Transportation Master Plan recommends
extending bus service along 119 to I-25, greatly reducing east to west
vehicle person-trips through Longmont. This can be accomplished soon and at
a small fraction of the cost of rail (est. $500K).
We also need to prepare for self-driving vehicles; a technology that is
coming sooner than 2040. In the early 1900’s, New York City transitioned
from horses to autos in just 13 years. We are at a similar tipping point
with autonomous vehicles.
A recent Denver Post article said: “Over the next two decades,
self-driving vehicles should become widespread. Cars in the future will be
able to drive within six inches of each other at highway speeds, making
more efficient use of the lanes available…”
I have prior Council experience with RTD, CDOT and Boulder County. None of
my opponents have a plan to address congestion. I will communicate facts,
not promises that offer only partial answers.
Affordable Housing
I was confounded and a bit surprised to see Joan Peck, in her latest letter
to the editor, claim that she “led the effort to direct $1M from our
general fund into the affordable housing fund…” Actually, I was serving on
that same council at the time and my recollection is that it was council’s
consensus direction to staff, not led by any one individual. My search of
council minutes and agendas substantiates this, as there is no mention of
any leadership on her part.
In addition, Joan claims that there were no affordable housing units built
in the last decade, supposedly to justify the inclusionary zoning ordinance
recently passed. In fact, over 550 units were built in the last 5 years and
60 more coming by the end of this year. Advocating for affordable housing
is an admirable policy position, but that doesn’t mean you can exaggerate
facts for your political benefit.
I do not, and will not, misrepresent facts to the public for political
gain. If this is important to you, I respectfully hope you will consider
this when deciding for whom you will vote.
Longmont needs creative ways to allow more residents access to the housing
market. One such financing option recently approved by council is going to
reduce the cost of entry into a new home by $30,000, approximately 10%.
This financial approach is more complicated than the usual model of having
the developer assume the costs for all the infrastructure up front and then
add it to the sale price of the home. This is a proven method to amortize
infrastructure costs through bonds, much the same way Longmont finances
large projects like NextLight. Joan voted against this measure, even
though it significantly reduced the cost of obtaining a home. As housing
costs increase, you need council representation that is open to innovation
and new ideas. I am eager to work for real solutions Longmont deserves.
Humility is the true measure of leadership. Taking credit for what the
team accomplishes is not leadership. I have the ability to understand
complex issues. I am inclusive and considerate, balancing facts and
numbers with compassion and fairness. That is why it is critical that you
elect a council person who thinks broadly and innovatively and can work as
part of a team to accomplish goals for the good of the entire city. If
this is important to you, I respectfully ask for your vote.
Jeff Moore
Longmont
