The supermajority of Democrats in the legislature has an opportunity to prove they have a modicum of human decency and ethics by not double taxing victims of natural disaster
One would think Colorado officials would be eager to take heed of the self-imposed debacle in Louisville and embrace a little humility about building mandates.
Fire didn’t ruin anyone’s life in Superior. Only government did.
Rather than piling additional costs onto those looking to buy a home in Colorado, the legislature and Gov. Polis (D-Affordable) ought to be trying to lower costs. That starts with not making things worse.
The Homebuilders Association of Metro Denver, as reported by the Associated Press, has said it will cost at least $77,000 more to build a 2,200 square foot home under the new code, which if accurate makes the as of yet unapproved Xcel rebate woefully inadequate.
“Let’s not forget that Xcel Energy is a publicly traded company. They made $1.6 billion in net income last year. They can offer these incentives out of their back pocket without having the entire community adopt these codes.” Neil Shah, Superior Town Trustee.
Many of these Louisville homeowners will be forced to sell their burnt-out properties at a massive loss just to cut their losses and get out of Dodge. Well done enviro warriors!
Environmental advocates brought in by the Superior town staff gave estimates of about $5,000 in incremental increases to the cost of building, but some say that number is far below reality.
Only $7.5 million of the $30 million raised specifically for the fire has gone to victims.
In other words, AG Weiser holds that Colorado adults cannot be reasonable in negotiating prices on their own, without his “help.”
I have seen a lot of fires in Colorado and in Boulder County over the years, but I have never seen anything like what we just experienced.
You can now view our aggregated content from Page One AND read our original reporting and commentary from Page Two in one place!
