The Sterling City Council vote on affordable housing project disappoints the Planning Commission

The Sterling City Council faced public criticism during its October 28 meeting over a failed vote on a workforce housing project.

The project, proposed by Volker Development, would replace the former Sykes building at 777 North Fourth Street with a 54-unit housing complex for families and individuals earning 30 to 70 percent of the area’s median income. The development, which would cost over $22 million, aims to provide high-quality, affordable housing and support neighborhood reinvestment goals.

The council vote on the conditional use permit did not pass, falling short of the required four votes. Council members Kellan Raffaeli and Megan Wolf were absent, while Albert Delgado and Dean Haynes voted against the motion, despite a Planning Commission recommendation for approval.

During public comments, Kristi Knowles, chair of the Planning Commission and a council candidate, criticized the no votes, citing a December 2024 council resolution committing to increase affordable housing under Proposition 123, a state law regarding housing subsidies.

Knowles shared a personal story about a local worker struggling with housing costs, emphasizing the need for affordable options in Sterling. She questioned the council’s commitment, saying the vote contradicted the city’s earlier resolution supporting workforce housing.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over housing affordability and the city’s role in supporting development for local workers and families.