Ongoing conversations gather input from stakeholders such as such as rental property owners, local business owners, and employers. The results of these conversations are below.
Rental Property Owners:
Owners of rental properties in Buhler shared many of the concerns that were documented in the Community Forums. They emphasized the barriers to new construction; high construction cost, lack of land ready to be developed (let alone ready for construction), and lack of housing across all income levels. Conversations also highlighted concerns of the lack of entry level housing due to the limited opportunities for new families to move into town. Many agreed that they are seeing a rising demand for rental properties which follows the national trend of rising desire to rent vs. own.
The conversation followed similar themes as Community Forums when asked what successful support may look like. The group agreed that it would be advantageous to advocate for the resurgence of the Buhler High School homebuilding program. Also suggesting the City explore options such as purchasing land for development, offering incentives to attract developers, continuing to advertise Buhler's participation in the Reno County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP), and paying for dilapidated properties to be demolished.
The group also supported a partnership between residents and the City to advocate to owners of 'double lots' to split them for new construction. Also expressed was strong support that the City continue updating sewer and water infrastructure and finish expanding water rights. Another tool that was discussed with interest was using a land bank and negotiating with County and Sheriffs offices to acquire abandoned properties.
Addressing blight, the group discussed expanding City Wide cleanup day, traditionally in May, to include multiple days or more dumpsters. They also suggested strong code enforcement and using codes to steer development, one example given was updating codes to require trailer houses to not be placed in prominent locations. At the same time, they expressed the desire to institute common sense codes that do not place unnecessary burdens on rental owners or homeowners.
One theme that overarched the full conversation was the desire to see Buhler thrive leading to the conclusion of our community's need for a vision, suggesting that the City of Buhler create a vision for development and showcase it to the community to drive excitement and collaboration. Also mentioned was the desire that tenants be high quality neighbors, it was discussed that services such as background checks and website listings at a low cost could be a help in achieving this desire.
Resident Conversations
2 residents came forward outside of the Community Forums and shared feedback that echoed the feedback given during the community meetings. Specifically mentioning concerns over the effect that the shortage of housing has on Buhler Grade School enrollment, lack of opportunity for young families to buy in town, the deteriorating state of a some of the homes throughout Buhler. One specifically mentioned the negative perception caused by brown water issues due to aging water infrastructure, saying it is difficult to talk favorably about the community to friends looking to live or work in Buhler.
One resident shared the experience of friends who wished to move to Buhler but after 6 months of searching, there were no houses available in their budget. They ended up purchasing a home in another nearby city. This resident cited concerns that they will seek employment closer to their new home, adding to strain on recruiting efforts of Buhler employers.
In response, one suggested adding City Wide Cleanup day in the fall and bringing back services once offered through Interfaith Housing's program, Brush Up Reno.
