It’s not just about the views, the heat islands and the pollution. Skyscrapers gentrify historic, affordable housing
Recent proposals to build skyscraper luxury apartment buildings in the charming, historic areas pose a serious risk to the affordability and character of our community. Mill Street residents report constant texts messages from developer LLCs to buy their homes.
Key Facts:
Current Affordability: Mill Street currently offers affordable rental options with 1-bedroom apartments as affordable as $625/month and 2-bedroom apartments as affordable as $839/month. Homes in the neighborhood are selling for between $190,000 and $265,000, making it one of the last truly affordable areas in Colorado Springs.
Proposed Changes: Developers plan to construct luxury apartment buildings with rents starting at $2,530/month for a 1-bedroom, $4,019/month for a 2-bedroom, and $9,810/month for a penthouse. This drastic increase will displace long-time residents and alter the fabric of our community.
The Impact of Gentrification:
Displacement of Residents: The proposed luxury apartments will price out current residents, many of whom have lived in Mill Street for generations. This will force families to leave their homes and communities, disrupting lives and severing community bonds.
Loss of Historical Character: Mill Street is a historic neighborhood with unique architecture and a rich cultural heritage. High-rise luxury apartments will overshadow the historic charm and significantly alter the neighborhood's character.
Economic Segregation: The introduction of high-cost housing will create economic segregation, pushing lower-income families out and fostering a community that only the wealthy can afford.
The only ones benefitting here are the developers.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can protect Mill Street from the forces of gentrification and ensure it remains a vibrant, inclusive community for all. Please share this with your friend and neighbors as yet another reason to sign the building height petition.
Post and email these updates to continue to educate and inform the public on the need for building height restrictions. In case you missed the other updates that cover a range of issues include the negative environmental and health effects, here they are below starting from most recent:
Westside Watch President Bill Wysong Believes in a Vote of the People on Building Height Limit
Pikes Peak: How Urban Density Traps Pollution Against Colorado Springs ‘Iconic’ Backdrop
A Shady Downtown. Skyscrapers will cast shadows over sunny Colorado Springs.
Troubled Skies for COS. More skyscrapers in the works. Please share the petition & updates, often!