Eastside & Westside Neighborhoods Character Study - Tenants 1. What are some important aspects of your neighborhood that influence why you live there? 15 answered question 15 skipped question 0 1 of 19
2. As a follow up to the previous question, what are the five most important qualities that define the positive character of your neighborhood? (Select five using the examples provided or write in others below.) Percent Trees 71.4% 10 Porches 14.3% 2 Alleys 28.6% 4 Close to Downtown 71.4% 10 Close to schools 0.0% 0 Close to parks 7.1% 1 Close to CSU 28.6% 4 Real estate values 7.1% 1 Yards and landscaping 21.4% 3 Walkable streets and blocks 71.4% 10 Neighbors and friends 28.6% 4 Historic character 57.1% 8 Social diversity 7.1% 1 Variety of house sizes 7.1% 1 Strength of rental market 21.4% 3 Architecture 14.3% 2 Flexibility to expand houses 7.1% 1 Other (please specify) 2 answered question 14 skipped question 1 2 of 19
3. What are some key changes that have occurred or are occurring in your neighborhood? 13 answered question 13 skipped question 2 4. Please list or describe any positive aspects of the neighborhood changes. 13 answered question 13 skipped question 2 5. Please list or describe any negative aspects of the neighborhood changes 14 answered question 14 skipped question 1 3 of 19
6. Please mark any of the following statements with which you agree regarding demolitions, new houses, and large additions to existing houses in the neighborhoods. Percent I have no issue or concern 0.0% 0 I believe there is an issue or concern but it is limited to a small number of construction projects 28.6% 4 I believe there is an issue or concern in certain areas or situations within the neighborhoods 21.4% 3 I believe there is an issue or concern and it is widespread 0.0% 0 No opinion 21.4% 3 Other (please specify) 28.6% 4 answered question 14 skipped question 1 4 of 19
7. The following reasons have been given why some new construction and demolitions can create negative impacts in the neighborhoods. Please mark any with which you agree. Percent Some new construction diminishes the unique character and context of the neighborhoods 42.9% 6 Some new construction is too large relative to existing neighboring houses 57.1% 8 Some new construction is too tall relative to existing neighboring houses 42.9% 6 Some new construction creates excessive shading of existing neighboring houses 14.3% 2 New construction is allowed to use incompatible design features/material relative to existing neighboring houses 42.9% 6 Some new construction results in the loss of heritage buildings and historic charm that help create the unique character and context of the neighborhoods 50.0% 7 Some new construction results in decline of affordability as modest homes are demolished or dramatically expanded 50.0% 7 Not sure/no opinion 14.3% 2 I don't think new construction or demolitions create any compatibility problems 7.1% 1 Other (please specify) 1 answered question 14 skipped question 1 5 of 19
8. The following reasons have been given why there is no problem with new construction and demolitions in the neighborhoods. Please mark any with which you agree.. Percent New construction does not diminish the unique character and context of the neighborhoods 28.6% 4 Residential rebuilding has been positive and a good fit for the neighborhoods 7.1% 1 The size and height of new construction has typically not been overwhelming 21.4% 3 The impacts of new houses upon existing houses are acceptable 14.3% 2 New construction mixed with older homes adds to the eclectic evolution of the neighborhood 50.0% 7 New design and construction should not be limited by characteristics of surrounding houses 14.3% 2 Property values and market demand remain high, indicating the lack of a problem 7.1% 1 Larger new construction supports families and home ownership, as opposed to rentals, in the neighborhoods 21.4% 3 Not sure/no opinion 14.3% 2 I think some new construction does introduce problems into the neighborhoods 57.1% 8 answered question 14 skipped question 1 6 of 19
9. Do you own property in the Eastside or Westside Neighborhoods? Percent Yes - Eastside Neighborhood 7.7% 1 Yes - Westside Neighborhood 15.4% 2 Yes - Both 7.7% 1 No 69.2% 9 Other (please specify) 1 answered question 13 skipped question 2 10. How long have you owned property in the neighborhood? Percent 1-5 years 50.0% 2 6-10 years 25.0% 1 11-15 years 0.0% 0 16-20 years 0.0% 0 More than 20 years 25.0% 1 Other (please specify) 1 answered question 4 skipped question 11 7 of 19
11. How is your property in the Eastside or Westside currently used? (check all that apply) Percent Primary home for owner 60.0% 3 Rented or leased to tenant 60.0% 3 Second home for owner 0.0% 0 Vacant lot 0.0% 0 Other 0.0% 0 Other (please specify) 1 answered question 5 skipped question 10 12. Within the next five years, do you plan to: Percent Sell a house in the Eastside or Westside? 20.0% 1 Expand a house in the Eastside or Westside? 20.0% 1 Demolish and replace your only house in the Eastside or Westside? 0.0% 0 Not do any of these things 60.0% 3 Not sure/no opinion 0.0% 0 answered question 5 skipped question 10 8 of 19
13. Have you in the past 10 years: Percent Added onto a house in the Eastside or Westside? 20.0% 1 Demolished a house in the Eastside or Westside and replaced it with a new house? 0.0% 0 Built a new house on an empty lot in the Eastside or Westside? 0.0% 0 None of the above 80.0% 4 answered question 5 skipped question 10 14. Do you have any other comments about the new study of character and change in the neighborhoods? 6 answered question 6 skipped question 9 15. Do you have any other comments about this questionnaire? 5 answered question 5 skipped question 10 9 of 19
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Page 4, Q1. What are some important aspects of your neighborhood that influence why you live there? 1 Bike Lanes, Close to campus and downtown Jul 15, 2012 10:29 AM 2 very close to Old Town. Historical homes and buildings.diversity. More Liberal, more involved. Wide Streets!!!! 3 Quiet, fewer street lights than newly developed areas, walk/bike to Old Town, no HOA's, Beavers Grocery Store, friendly/ neighborly people Jul 15, 2012 9:57 AM Jul 13, 2012 7:50 AM 4 safety, community, character Jul 9, 2012 11:26 PM 5 The type of people, the character of the houses, the attitudes of the people around us, the history of the area 6 I live on the southwest corner of Olive and Peterson. I love living across from the library, well within walking distance of the entire Old Town area, hopefully far enough away from the CSU campus that there are few students in the neighborhood, and just far enough away from Old Town that I cannot hear music from bands and my street is not closed for festivities like parades and New West Fest. 7 Proximity - The proximity to downtown and other amenities. Aesthetics - The tree lined streets with detached sidewalks. Buildings that face the street without facades Dominated by garages. Mature vegetation that moderates urban heat island. 8 The houses are older and more unique; they have character. There are less students, so it's quieter. Many people own their houses rather than rent them to students, so the properties are better kept up. The streets feel familiar and safe to walk at night. Old town is an easy bike ride away. Jul 9, 2012 8:36 PM Jul 5, 2012 11:34 AM Jul 5, 2012 9:51 AM Jul 4, 2012 6:03 PM 9 Wide streets, mature trees, variety of homes, no HOA Jul 4, 2012 10:30 AM 10 Proximity to Old Town, older houses and trees Jul 2, 2012 11:12 PM 11 Most of the time it is nice and quite Jul 2, 2012 9:05 PM 12 Close to work. Close to campus. Like walking to downtown. Jul 2, 2012 8:41 PM 13 Proximity to Downtown/Old Town area, Quality of surrounding properties Jul 2, 2012 5:50 PM 14 It is quiet. There are some college/graduate students, but not too many and they don't have parties. It's got flavor of the old style of town. Jul 2, 2012 1:41 PM 15 Close to CSU Jul 2, 2012 1:12 PM Page 5, Q2. As a follow up to the previous question, what are the five most important qualities that define the positive character of your neighborhood? (Select five using the examples provided or write in others below.) 1 no HOA's; Beavers grocery; quiet Jul 13, 2012 7:52 AM 11 of 19
Page 5, Q2. As a follow up to the previous question, what are the five most important qualities that define the positive character of your neighborhood? (Select five using the examples provided or write in others below.) 2 - Bike-able streets and access to bike paths - Few students Jul 5, 2012 11:36 AM 12 of 19
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Page 6, Q3. What are some key changes that have occurred or are occurring in your neighborhood? 1 xeriscape yards Jul 15, 2012 10:30 AM 2 Some historic buildings and sites changed or eliminated, A lot of home renovations mostly good, A lot of high-end lofts built. Jul 15, 2012 10:17 AM 3 Four new houses across the street from me. Jul 13, 2012 7:53 AM 4 a lot of road construction Jul 9, 2012 11:27 PM 5 Younger people are moving in who have fresh ideas and attitudes, improvements to homes and yards to improve their appearance 6 Some houses in the neighborhood are fixing up their yards (landscaping and walkways). The library just finished a renovation and addition. A brewery may be opening in the future at the northwest corner of mathews and olive. 7 I am seeing smaller houses being scraped for the construction of new larger homes, there are two in progress on Montain Ave. I have also noted that street trees are nearing the end of their lifecycel and are being removed. I am happy to see that new trees are being planted. The urban forest is an important piece of infrastructure. 8 Restrictions being imposed by city council on homeowners rights to build or remodel their homes. Rather than encouraging redevelopment and offering incentives to make improvements, the city leadership is looking to impose their agenda on the citizens in these neighborhoods. The reality is that many of the homes in the area NEED to be fixed up and remodeled as they are in great disrepair. The city can encourage this if they choose too. 9 A house on our block has been turned into a business (corner of Whedbee and Mulberry) Jul 9, 2012 8:37 PM Jul 5, 2012 11:38 AM Jul 5, 2012 9:57 AM Jul 4, 2012 10:34 AM Jul 2, 2012 11:14 PM 10 Apartment building was built next door. Jul 2, 2012 8:43 PM 11 Home remodeling/building, street repair Jul 2, 2012 5:51 PM 12 The city trimmed a lot of the trees that were in danger after the big storm in late 2011. We've had a few deaths on the block lately, and the strength of the neighborhood was really nice. Jul 2, 2012 1:43 PM 13 Not sure, just moved into neighborhood Jul 2, 2012 1:12 PM 14 of 19
Page 7, Q4. Please list or describe any positive aspects of the neighborhood changes. 1 less water use, landscaping more catered to the climate Jul 15, 2012 10:30 AM 2 Some street improvements. Jul 15, 2012 10:19 AM 3 Friendly people are moving in Jul 13, 2012 7:54 AM 4 smoother streets for easier biking Jul 9, 2012 11:30 PM 5 Landscaping adds to the visual aesthetic of the neighborhood, new people add fresh attitudes, friendly neighbors 6 The new yards look great and add to property value. The library is beautiful and hopefully attracts even more people. The brewery will add culture and competition to other breweries, while hopefully keeping the crowds under control. I think it is very important that the breweries, especially those in neighborhoods, keep their closing times at 6pm or 7pm. This is important for not allowing them to create a late night bar culture. 7 I am happy to see that people are investing in the neighborhood, which is not surprising given its amenities. 8 People are putting more thought into their homes now that their options are limited. I think this is good as creates more ownership in the building process. Jul 9, 2012 8:39 PM Jul 5, 2012 11:41 AM Jul 5, 2012 9:58 AM Jul 4, 2012 10:35 AM 9 none now Jul 2, 2012 9:06 PM 10 It is a student rental area and continues to be a strong rental draw for tenants. We have a small duplex but would like to expand for more units on the lot. Jul 2, 2012 8:44 PM 11 Home remodeling/building & street repair increases value of neighborhood Jul 2, 2012 5:52 PM 12 The city pruned nicely. There were no major structural changes. Jul 2, 2012 1:43 PM 13 Me moving in Jul 2, 2012 1:12 PM 15 of 19
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Page 8, Q5. Please list or describe any negative aspects of the neighborhood changes 1 not as aesthetically pleasing as bluegrass Jul 15, 2012 10:31 AM 2 Some of the renovations are a bit extreme, I don't care for any historic building being removed or changed completely. Most of the new construction for housing is very high end and doesn't serve the traditional people of the area. Jul 15, 2012 10:23 AM 3 One of the houses is unduely large and changes the character of the area Jul 13, 2012 7:55 AM 4 eyesore and detours during construction Jul 9, 2012 11:30 PM 5 Some clutter accumulating detracts from the historic nature, recent work on the street left a non-uniform section of the street 6 The new brewery could choose to hold later hours, which will draw a more intoxicated crowd and disturb the neighbors. 7 When existing homes are removed for the construction of new homes, it is good that investments are being made where there is existing infrastructure. However, it can come at the cost of a decreasing diversity of housing stock, which is essential for maintaining a neighborhood that offers housing options for a variety of preferences and incomes. There is a danger that this will happen, over time, in this neighborhood. 8 It makes it more difficult for those who wish to make improvements. I believe that instead of imposing restrictions, the city should offer incentives. This is money well spent as you can achieve some of the same goals while supporting your constituents. 9 Construction was noisy, there are morecars and people I don't recognize on the street now. Jul 9, 2012 8:40 PM Jul 5, 2012 11:42 AM Jul 5, 2012 10:06 AM Jul 4, 2012 10:37 AM Jul 2, 2012 11:15 PM 10 none also Jul 2, 2012 9:07 PM 11 Yards are not watered. This street is right by campus. It will always attract student renters. The lots should allow a heavier density for rental expansion per lot. 12 Noise pollution from home remodeling/building & street repair, temporarily inaccessible streets during street repair, loss of historic character due to home remodeling/building Jul 2, 2012 8:46 PM Jul 2, 2012 5:53 PM 13 None. Jul 2, 2012 1:43 PM 14 None Jul 2, 2012 1:13 PM 17 of 19
Page 9, Q6. Please mark any of the following statements with which you agree regarding demolitions, new houses, and large additions to existing houses in the neighborhoods. 1 I believe there is an issue or concern that there is a frend that could be the beginning of "Gentrification" Jul 15, 2012 10:26 AM 2 Minimal construction is occuring in my neighborhood and it is not disruptive. Jul 5, 2012 11:43 AM 3 I have concerns on the effect on housing options, but I have no major concerns regarding issues of lot coverage / FAR or building height. So far, most of the ones that I have seen do a good job of using a design that fits with the neighborhood, when viewed from the street (similar massing, use of porches, etc). 4 I like seeing some of the new houses but not to the point that the surrounding houses lose their character. Jul 5, 2012 10:10 AM Jul 2, 2012 1:44 PM Page 10, Q7. The following reasons have been given why some new construction and demolitions can create negative impacts in the neighborhoods. Please mark any with which you agree. 1 I would limit these comments to the non-student rental areas of old town. For example south of mulberry to Laurel I consider a student area. Jul 2, 2012 8:49 PM Page 12, Q9. Do you own property in the Eastside or Westside Neighborhoods? 1 Have been a resident in both the west and the eastside area's since 1986. Jul 15, 2012 10:30 AM Page 13, Q10. How long have you owned property in the neighborhood? 1 have been a resident for 26 yrs. Jul 15, 2012 10:31 AM Page 14, Q11. How is your property in the Eastside or Westside currently used? (check all that apply) 1 longtime resident currently living in the above checked Jul 15, 2012 10:34 AM 18 of 19
Page 17, Q14. Do you have any other comments about the new study of character and change in the neighborhoods? 1 keeping affordable housing vuable in these areas is a must to keep automobile traffic under check 2 I'd like all this effort to result in actual tools (regulations, guidelines, etc) that the City will use to meet what you learn from all this citizen input -- tools with teeth that cannot be overridden or given variences. I'd also like to see a system thru which impacts of specific construction projects are addressed with neighbors and those affected by the change. Each case is unique - what doesn't work in one place might be fine in another. Advance notice and dialogue are the keys! 3 Let's not be afraid of increasing density in these neighborhoods. The infrastructure is avaible and the amenities will continue to sustain the market for more residential and commercial development. It is good for downtown, the community and its tax base to make sure that these neighborhhods remain diverse and well populated. Increasing density does not mean apartment buildings on every block (though on some blocks) but duplexes and accessory dwelling units are a good fit (parking is plentiful by urban standards). Increasing density, where appropriate, can also help the City to achieve some of its sustainibility goals. 4 I hope that this is an honest study. It would be a pity to solicit input into this process as a means to push an agenda (which I hope is not the case). These neighborhoods NEED re-development. The kind of work you want done should be encouraged not demanded. 5 Areas such as the student area from Mulberry to Laurel around the campus should allow for high density building to add more housing for the growth of CSU. Other areas should have some standards to keep the house design within the flavor of the surrounding homes. It should have a limit on the size of the footprint on the lot. This maintains the charm of the neighborhoods. 6 Nope. I love this city. I love that we don't mind raising taxes to take care of what needs to be done here. Imagine if all the road projects this summer were stopped to pay for the fire?? Jul 15, 2012 10:37 AM Jul 13, 2012 8:09 AM Jul 5, 2012 10:19 AM Jul 4, 2012 10:42 AM Jul 2, 2012 8:54 PM Jul 2, 2012 2:27 PM Page 18, Q15. Do you have any other comments about this questionnaire? 1 nope. thanks for asking! Jul 13, 2012 8:10 AM 2 Nope Jul 4, 2012 10:42 AM 3 You may wish to contact the property owner, Steve Mack, 420 E Laurel St, 80524, for his opinions. Jul 2, 2012 11:18 PM 4 No. Jul 2, 2012 2:27 PM 5 Nope Jul 2, 2012 1:13 PM 19 of 19