Minutes 2006 0103 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 3 City or San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-January 3, 2006 Councilmember Nardine concurred with Councilmember Grant's comments. She stated that her daughter is in the process of applying for an affordable unit in another city, and she commented that the restrictions being proposed are not out of line with what other cities are doing. Councilmember Nardine stated that she appreciates the City's efforts to assist those who desire home ownership, and she would like to see the City do even more in the area of affordable housing. Councilmember Stephens commented that he feels the proposed action is different from those taken in the past, since the converted units would not apply toward the City's affordable housing goals yet would require additional staff time to manage. He noted that although staff is proposing consistency in the Inclusionary Housing policies, he did not see that consistency has been achieved with those units that have already been constructed. Councilmember Grant commented that since apartment rents tend to be lower than mortgage payments, apartments by definition are more affordable. She gave as an example the 25D-unit apartment complex proposed for conversion. She noted that without some inclusionary requirement, all the units would be converted to private ownership, none of which would be as affordable as were the apartments. Mayor Young stated that another option to prevent the loss of affordable housing would be to put a moratorium on conversions, which is being considered by the City of Hayward. She commented that the City should create home ownership opportunities for members of the community who would otherwise not be able to afford to purchase a home. Councilmember Grant commented that Inclusionary Zoning is a social engineering tool which has become more prevalent in California cities due to the high cost ofliving. She indicated that it provides an affordable option for single people, young families and the elderly. Councilmember Santos concurred with Councilmembers Grant and Nardine. He commented that the City's inclusionary housing policies assist those who would not otherwise be able to purchase a home. Mayor Young commented that it is a tradeoff between the City and owners of apartment buildings that want to convert them to condominiums for sale. In exchange for the right to convert apartments to condos, thereby reducing the nmnber of affordable units available in the City, developers make a percentage of the converted units inclusionary and keep them affordable. She further noted that the City's General Plan calls for inclusionary zoning. Councilmember Grant addressed the issue of staff time needed to monitor inclusionary units. She commented that she views it as quality of life issue, and she likened the staff time to monitor the units to providing lifeguards for community swimming pools.