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MINUTES Page 5 <br />City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-January 22, 2008 <br />Ms. Oesterreich responded to the issues raised by the speakers. Regarding the noise <br />issue, Ms. Oesterreich stated that, based on recommendations from a noise consultant, <br />an extra layer of sheetrock will be installed in the hallways, and all the windows will be <br />replaced with dual pane glass. Ms. Oesterreich pointed out that this project is <br />surrounded by multi-family developments, and due to parking shortages in these <br />developments, cars overflow onto this property. She stated that she had not heard tenant <br />comments regarding water quality. <br />Councilmember Starosciak asked whether lead testing had been done on the water and <br />whether mold inspection had been performed. Ms. Oesterreich indicated that lead <br />testing had not been done but mold inspection had, and no mold was found. <br />Councilmember Starosciak expressed concern about the laundry facilities, and that this <br />may not be the type of housing stock that the community wants to support. She noted <br />that The Willows has laundry facilities and upgrades in all of its units, and yet only half <br />of the units have sold. Councilmember Starosciak commented that she felt all the units <br />should be renovated to an excellent quality, and that she would like to see all the major <br />investments-roofing, painting, decking, and other structural elements-made before <br />the units are sold. She expressed concern that the estimated $300 per month <br />homeowners association fee is very high for the amenities being offered, and the <br />homeowners association would not be able to build up a reserve if major renovations <br />must be made in the short term. Councilmember Starosciak stated that she would rather <br />not see "compacting" of spaces in order to gain more parking spaces. She commented <br />that while she supports the opportunity for home ownership, she has grave concerns <br />about the project as it is currently presented. <br />In response to comments about the estimated HOA dues, Ms. Oesterreich indicated that <br />a firm was hired to provide this estimate. She stated that the buildings do not have <br />individual meters for hot water, and the fee includes the cost of the hot water. Ms. <br />Oesterreich stated that all the major renovations will be made before the building is <br />turned over to the HOA. <br />Councilmember Gregory commented that he is fairly satisfied with everything except <br />the phasing of the project, and stated that the City has a responsibility to ensure its <br />housing stock is at a minimum standard and that the conversion should have a <br />beginning and an end. <br />Councilmember Stephens stated that he is a strong advocate of condo conversions and <br />for increasing home ownership opportunities. He commented that he feels the City's <br />housing stock should reflect amiddle-class standard, and he stated that he has <br />reservations about whether this project meets this standard of quality housing and <br />whether it is suitable for ownership. <br />Mr. Jermanis noted that the City Council will hold a work session on housing in <br />February. He suggested that since there is no great urgency to take action tonight, the <br />Council could defer the decision on this matter until after the work session. The <br />