Story by: Juliana Bomark, Food and Beverage
In the hustle and bustle of Grand Junction Colorado, it can be difficult for individuals to know everything occurring in the surrounding area. One thing that could be important for individuals to know is what is happening in the local housing industry.
One way to stay in the know is through the Grand Junction Housing Authority(GJHA). Located on 8 N Foresight St. The GJHA, according to the organization’s website,“ Provides safe and sanitary homes for persons of low and moderate-income,”
On Tuesday, April 7, 2024, the GJHA met to discuss a new apartment pitch from John Gargasz pitching for, “ Aspire Residental,” a sustainable net zero, energy housing operation.
This was John’s second time meeting with the board and during this meeting, John pitched his new proposal “So the project that we have put forward is a net zero operating carbon sustainable project, which means we produce as much electricity or save as much energy as we need on an annual basis to be a self-sustainable building.” Gargasz later goes on to say “because we build the buildings that way its a very healthy air quality, we are filtering the air through energy recovery ventilation units (ERVS) that filter things out like allergens and smoke”
Since the complex has a mid-range cost basis and plans to sustain multiple units in the Grand Junction area. The housing will be in the 80 and 120 percent Area Median income and the utilities will be included in that monthly payment.
The location of the plot of land Aspire Residental is looking to turn into their construction site is on Stacey Drive sitting on a seven-acre plot of land. The apartment is a three-story walk-up apartment complex design, which can hold six two-bedroom and 18 one-bedroom units.
The complex is located in a transportation hub that will soon host a planned and paved bike path making commuting and outdoor recreation easier for individuals living in this complex.
It is also set to be placed immediately in front of Dos Rios Elementary also surrounded by local businesses and supermarkets such as City Market. The location of the proposal sits perfectly in one of the high-traffic business areas making access to food and transportation easier for residents.
Aspire Residental currently has the yellow light from the city of Grand Junction to progress with this project.
In his closing statement Gargasz was asking for ” A letter of support from the housing authority to the city in support of the sense that we articulated.” so what was concluded from this meeting was that Aspire Residental isn’t looking for anything from the GJHA other than a letter of support for the proposal. This means that the GJHA would not have to participate in any way in the development of this apartment complex.
The reason that Gargasz is asking for this proposal is that the housing authority carries a good amount of weight while making decisions in the coming of new projects to the area. This letter of support could be the next step in the process of getting these sustainable apartment units built.
The next board meetings are going to be on May 16,2024 and June 18, 2024. Individuals can attend to see any updates that may be made on the decision and proposal to construct this apartment complex
The Grand Junction Housing Association is also celebrating its 50th year of serving the local community. Started in 1974, the GJGHaA was originally proposed for the sake of the people. Pitching the idea of taking affordable housing from a new angle.
The GJHA meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 5 pm to discuss recent occurrences in the Grand Valley and also take advantage of their time speaking to individuals who are pitching housing proposals for land in the local area. An agenda is handed out to everyone in the meeting allowing them to see a layout of everything that will be discussed.
These meetings are all open meetings due to the Colorado Sunshine Law, which states that “all meetings of two or more members of any state public body where any public business is discussed must be open to the public,” according to the National Freedom of Information Coalition. Allowing community members to sit in on their meetings observing the council and the housing that is being pitched.
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