Littleton is latest flashpoint in Colorado affordable housing struggle

It took Spencer Hanks almost ten years to finally purchase a home in Littleton.

During his search, he came close to buying a place near downtown, only to be outbid by an out-of-state buyer who offered $50,000 more than him. Disheartened, he went back to renting in the city.

After years of struggle, Hanks, 32, and his wife managed to buy a modest 1,700-square-foot home near Sterne Park in Littleton, even though the $600,000 price tag stretched their budget. However, many young families like them feel discouraged about entering the competitive metro Denver housing market.

Littleton, a city of 45,000, is facing a housing crisis that mirrors the larger challenges in the Denver metro area, where a shortage of 70,000 housing units has kept prices high.

In response, state lawmakers have passed legislation to promote denser housing in cities across Colorado. However, some municipalities, including Littleton, have resisted these efforts, viewing them as a threat to local control over land-use decisions.

The debate over housing density came to a head in Littleton in January when a proposed zoning ordinance, the Neighborhood Housing Opportunities initiative, was tabled after facing significant opposition. The measure would have allowed for denser housing types like duplexes and townhomes throughout the city.

While advocates of greater density argue that building more detached homes won’t solve the housing crisis, many homeowners in Littleton see it as a threat to the suburban character of their neighborhoods.

City officials in Littleton are also grappling with state directives on housing policy, with resolutions passed both in support and opposition to various housing bills in the state legislature.

At the heart of the debate is a tension between state mandates and local control, with cities like Littleton facing pressure to comply with housing laws they see as overreaching.

A recent survey commissioned by a citizen advocacy group in Littleton found strong opposition to increased housing density in the city, particularly among older residents and homeowners.

While some residents are open to certain efforts to increase density, such as building affordable housing near busy streets, there is a general resistance to drastic changes that could impact property values and neighborhood character.

Despite challenges, initiatives like the Overlook at Powers Park and Montview Flats project are providing more affordable housing options in Littleton.

As the city navigates the complex issue of housing affordability, residents like Spencer Hanks are hopeful that efforts to improve access to affordable housing will continue, even if it means passing the torch to future generations.

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