January 4, 2023 |
Communities across Wyoming are dealing with a lack of affordable housing. Governor Mark Gordon assembled a task force to develop solutions, while some Saratoga residents are pushing forward with ideas of their own.
Bryan Drake, the owner of Triple D Construction has a plan to address the town’s lack of entry-level and lower-priced homes. Drake explained how he would like to build houses that working class people could afford.
Pictured above: Pictured above: Possible floor plans for affordable housing options from Triple D Construction. Photo by Matt Copeland.
New residents of the town can easily find themselves priced out of buying a home. Drake said the affordable houses he proposes building will be a better alternative than renting.
Planning commission member Theresa Manley is part of Governor Gordon’s task force. She is working to create legislation to address blighted properties in town.
Using federal and state funding, Drake said the town could purchase distressed land and demolish any derelict structures. Afterwards, he would build brand new homes on the properties.
Abandoned and distressed properties are a problem throughout the county. Medicine Bow is amending the town’s ordinances to make it less expensive for people to purchase tax delinquent properties, by limiting the amount of unpaid utility fees buyers must pay. Triple D Construction’s owner sees demolishing vacant structures and building new homes to increase Saratoga’s tax and utility payment base. Drake also said short term rentals are taking lower priced homes off the market.
Under the legislation Governor Gordon’s task force is proposing, towns or counties would identify properties as in distress, in violation of building codes, or tax delinquent.
Once the property is labeled, local government officials would need to contact the owner to find out if the town can buy the land. If the landowner is deceased and no inheritor can be found, the town could take ownership of the property by condemning it. Drake said he wants to have the town decide which lots they want to turn into affordable housing.
Drake said he has talked with people from across the county about the need for low-cost homes. He said everyone agrees it is a good idea. However, the construction company owner said he feels like people support the project until it comes to time take action.
The initiative is very new. As of the writing of this story, no legalization has been brought to the state government. The governor’s task force is reviewing similar laws from neighboring states to see how they could be modified to fit Wyoming’s needs.
The Triple D Construction owner said he gives permission for everyone to steal his idea. He said he just wants to see it happen.
