Lafayette

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Lafayette - January 19, 2007

VISIT-A-BILITY STANDARD PROPOSED FOR NEW HOMES

Lafayette Council Member, Jay Rugerri has proposed that the City of Lafayette require that all new homes constructed in the city provide certain accessibility features to accommodate aging and disabled citizens, not just the folks who will live in the homes. As proposed, the guidelines would require a zero step entry, wider doorways and at least one accessible bathroom. Several Council Members expressed some concern that the requirements would make homes less affordable and could affect some projects already in process. At its January 16 meeting the council voted to further explore the idea and conduct meetings with stakeholders over several months. BARA’s Housing Opportunity Committee recently considered the proposal and decided not to comment until Lafayette officials and area homebuilders have a chance to address their concerns.

ANNEXATION ELECTION BATTLE UNDERWAY

Thirty two acres on Lafayette’s eastern edge has become the focus of a pitched battle over land use in the area. The parcel, owned by long time resident and local farmer, Chuck Waneka and his wife Lois, has been proposed for annexation and development as a Lowe’s Home Center. Opponents formed a committee named Preserve Lafayette’s Eastern Edge (PLEE) and threatened to petition the annexation onto a city-wide ballot. City Council countered by scheduling a special mail in ballot for February 2. Right now, pro and con political signs line Colo. 7 (Baseline Rd.) as it approaches 1119th near the proposed annexation. Squaring off in support is another group, Vote Yes For Lafayette, headed by former council Member, Dave Trumbo. Look for a close election with only a few hundred votes making the difference.