0:00Central to the meeting was the presentation by city planner John Sabo, who outlined Englewood’s fourth round affordable housing obligations. Englewood is required to address both present needs, quantified at 166 housing units for low- and moderate-income families, and a prospective need initially calculated at 381 units for future demands. However, discrepancies identified in the land use capacity led to an adjusted prospective need of 331 units.

Sabo’s presentation highlighted that the city must adopt a resolution by January 31 to secure program participation, with a subsequent court filing required within 48 hours. Failure to comply could leave Englewood vulnerable to legal challenges from developers. He emphasized that certification under the program offers protections.

17:33Concerns were raised by council members and participants over potential overdevelopment, particularly in areas like the Third Ward, where a resident’s plan to build two high-value homes prompted questions about maintaining the ward’s character and legality of such developments. The council expressed a need for more time and transparency in these discussions to protect community interests.

Further complicating the housing discussion was the issue of “realistic development potential” versus “unmet need.” The council went over how these numbers are derived, with some members expressing skepticism about the calculations provided by the state. They criticized what they described as artificial numbers that may not accurately represent Englewood’s housing capacity and noted a misprint in the resolution that needed correction.

The council’s dialogue underscored the necessity of involving the planning board and ensuring public understanding of these complex obligations. The need for transparency and community involvement was repeatedly emphasized, as was the imperative of communicating effectively with residents about new regulations and their implications.

53:46The meeting also addressed Ordinance 2505, which seeks to include cannabis in the prohibition of smoking in public places—a move supported unanimously by council members. Additionally, the council debated Ordinances 2502, 2503, and 2504, which focused on parking regulations and deer fencing. These ordinances, aimed at addressing safety and community welfare, also received unanimous support, though they sparked discussions about enforcement and potential impacts on residents.

Public engagement featured prominently, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with the council’s communication on issues like the hiring of consultants for city projects and the implications of ongoing developments. The council acknowledged these concerns, inviting the city manager to clarify decisions around consultant hires and reappointments. In particular, the hiring of Ken Albert as a consultant to identify a location for a community center was defended as part of a broader effort to bring fresh perspectives to longstanding projects.

1:31:19Discussions on infrastructure included upcoming work on East Palisades Avenue and the challenges of maintaining city equipment, with significant repair costs cited for police and fire department apparatus. The council also touched on the Public Works department’s recycling efforts post-storm and the importance of clear communication regarding waste disposal schedules.

53:46The council addressed deer population control strategies, emphasizing the need for measures that reduce food sources to manage fertility rates. This was linked to public health concerns such as Lyme disease and the safety of children and pets.

1:31:19The meeting concluded with a focus on enhancing community engagement, particularly for Englewood’s diverse population. Calls were made for bilingual messaging and increased transparency in addressing public concerns, with the council committing to post updates and resolutions promptly on the city website.