An affordable housing project planned near Wilson Street and Henderson Park took center stage at the Winslow City Council meeting last week. The city had put out a request for proposals for the two-acre site and received only one bid. That bid came from Daniel Dinwiddie of Quality Building and Development LLC, a Yuma-based firm.
Dinwiddie told the council, “We plan to have a long-term relationship with Winslow, we have already been working for about a year behind the scenes on this project.” He explained that he prioritizes using local labor and contractors, saying that doing so helps build more in the community than just the building.
Dinwiddie described a one-year apprenticeship program he has started in the past and plans to start in Winslow, the program begins with eight weeks of OSHA safety training followed by 10 months of on-the-job experience in a trade of the participant’s choice. After a year they will become a journeyman and with a letter of recommendation and the certificates from the program Dinwiddie told council he believes they wouldn’t have an issue finding a job.
The proposed development is expected to include 20 two-bedroom units featuring both a living room and family room, a closed-off patio and a fireplace. It might go down to 18 units as the final plans come together. It was noted that 20% of the units will be reserved for low-income housing. The two-bedroom two bath units will rent for $1,400 per month, with low-income units priced closer to $1,000. Some of the units are expected to be sold rather than rented. “This is exciting!” said Mayor Roberta Cano following the presentation. With everything going well Dinwiddie says he expects that he can break ground in as little of six months.
The council also approved the city’s budget during the meeting. City Manager David Coolidge noted that they are monitoring state-level developments, including a food tax prohibition and the state budget process. Updates were given on grant-funded and capital projects, including work underway at 911 Park where old pavement has been removed and new concrete is being poured. The park’s new gazebo is expected to be completed within days, and a shade structure will follow. Fifty percent of the plans are completed for the downtown restroom project. “We have two old railcars one will be a men’s room and one will be a woman’s room and will be coin operated,” noted Coolidge. The project is expected to go to bid in the fall and be completed by next spring.
Recreation Director Sandra Knight spoke to council about everything the department has in store for the summer and the schedule is packed. Summer swim lesson enrollment is now open, and lessons will begin in June. COED softball starts June 2 with 24 teams registered. The city will also host June and July Jams every Saturday at the Route 66 Plaza. June will feature live bands while July events will use DJs to better suit the unpredictable weather. Genres will include country, hip hop, Mexican and oldies, with a special event scheduled for September. A cardboard boat race will take place on the Fourth of July, requiring participants to float in their corrugated containers and paddle the length of the pool. Other events include monthly electric dance parties, water aerobics and more. Check the city calendar for all the events.
This year the pool will not host a free community movie night. Knight said it cost over $600 to show a movie for free. “It’s just much more efficient to hire a DJ and host fun nights like that.”
In preparation for the city’s annual Pow Wow, organizer Eric Dickson shared that organizers expect higher turnout than last year and have asked the city to block off the street in front of Emil Nasser Stadium. “Last year we had over 300 dancers show up, when a pow wow has 300 dancers it’s considered one of the biggest pow wows in North America.” Dickson added that organizers are planning a special contest for children and adults with special needs. “It’s more of a giveaway,” he said, explaining the goal is “to acknowledge them and honor them.” He asked the community to consider donating sensory toys and other items to support the effort.
In other business, the council:
* Approved appointment of Ross Black to the historical preservation commission.
* Authorized a donation to the city of a .73-acre parcel near North Park Drive and Desmond Street, from the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Gallup.
*Approved an appropriation of $3,000 to the 2025 Fourth of July fireworks show.
