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help solve the a ordability problem.

“I do not believe that this plan accomplishes the goal that it is stating to attempt to accomplish,” he said. “I don’t think it’s gonna make a dent in a ordability. And some of my peers assure me that they have math that disproves that… Based on what I’ve seen in the current market, under the current regulations, I don’t see us adding a ordability.”

ADUs

Community member Gary Wooley asked Ward if the new plan would allow both exterior and interior accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs.

An interior ADU is entirely inside a single-family unit, such as a nished basement, whereas an external ADU could be unattached. Ward said the plan is still in its early stages so nothing is concrete, but both types of ADUs have been mentioned in conversations.

He added that he is hoping for more clari cation throughout the process about the di erence between an internal ADU and a duplex.

Ward said he doesn’t know exactly what allowing ADUs would look like since the plan is still being developed, but he is interested in discussing the possibility further with council.

“ ere are some changes in R-1 districts that I am not as strongly opposed to as rezoning to multifamily,” he said. “ADUs is one of the things that I’m willing to talk about and I have a somewhat softer stance on.”

What about Polis’ bill?

Community member Rick Emmelhainz asked Ward to share his opinions on a new bill, announced by Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic state lawmakers on on March 22.

e bill, which aims to address the state’s housing crisis by allowing higher density housing, would take decisions like Englewood’s current zoning discussion out of city hands. Speci cally, it would prohibit many Colorado municipalities – including Englewood – from limiting construction of duplexes, triplexes and ADUs.

“I don’t favor that,” Ward responded. “I don’t believe that land use is a matter of statewide concern, rst of all, and I hope that cities will work to convince the legislature that this is not the correct option. Given the current makeup of the state legislature, I don’t hold that much hope.”

Grandfathered properties

One neighbor, who owns a grandfathered duplex in R-1-A, spoke about how current zoning impacts his property ownership.

“People that rent want the same things (as) people that own,” he said. “ ey would like a nice place, which mine is.”

If 60% of his duplex were to burn down, he’s been told he would have to build a single family home instead of repairing the house back to its duplex state. In addition, he has struggled to get some home improvements approved.

Ward said he understood these challenges, adding that there was recently a duplex re in his district.

“As part of this CodeNext process, can we make some accommodation for current grandfathered nonconforming properties to update them to the same use?” Ward said. “ at’s something that I’d be willing to consider... at’s not been part of the discussion to date, but I think it is something that we could discuss going forward.”

Other concerns

Other residents asked Ward how he makes decisions when voting and if his top priority is representing the citizens.

He responded that he follows the law rst and foremost, and after that, he aims to represent the will of the people in his district.

“Ultimately, I know that this may be a di cult pill for some people to swallow, but when we elect representatives, we elect them to exercise their decision-making capacity,” he said.

“I do what I think is best for the city. And I do what I think my constituents would appreciate. And to the extent that I do something that my constituents don’t agree with, that feedback is welcome.”

Other commenters expressed frustration regarding how they feel treated during public comment, adding that some councilmembers are not present or do not pay attention. ey asked Ward for advice on how to better appeal to the council.

He said to focus on constructive feedback and positive suggestions rather than personal insults.

“Remember, when you’re addressing council, that it’s easy to see us like seven objects on the dais, but we are all human beings,” he said.

“Sometimes you may agree with what we do. Sometimes you may not. But please don’t ever forget that we’re human.”