Fairfax Recall Election Heats Up Over Apartment Complex Proposal
Fairfax residents are locked in a heated debate over a recall election for Mayor Lisel Blash and Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman. The trigger? A proposed 249-unit apartment complex near downtown, with both market-rate and affordable units. Candace Neal-Ricker, a local bar manager, leads the recall effort, accusing town leaders of mismanagement and neglecting infrastructure fixes.
The recall supporters believe Mayor Blash is caving into developers' demands, while Blash and her supporters argue they are following state housing law requirements. The state mandates that Fairfax plans for at least 490 new units by 2031. The Fairfax Planning and Building director has sent a letter to developers requiring major changes to the housing proposal at the center of the recall effort. Meanwhile, longtime resident Michael Rosenthal rejects the recall attempt, calling it an abuse of the system. If the recall succeeds, the town council can appoint interim replacements until a special election takes place.
The proposed apartment complex has sparked a divide among Fairfax residents. While some support the recall, others stand by Mayor Blash, believing she is acting in accordance with state housing laws. The future of the development and the town's leadership hangs in the balance as the recall election approaches.
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