4A Public Hearing 2014 1006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 11, 2014 Page 7 of 11 Action 56.09-A – Condominium Conversion Ordinance Update. Commissioner Fitzsimons inquired about the rationale for one of the changes this action would consider, namely “removing the exemption for two- and three-unit rental buildings.” Mr. Miller responded that this Action carried over from the 2010 Housing Element, and perhaps even the 2002 Housing Element. Although he noted that its inclusion stemmed from discussions about what could be done to strengthen the condo conversion ordinance, he said he doesn’t know about the context. He said if this proposed change is no longer appropriate, it can be deleted.  Action 57.02-A – Build-It Green’s Green Point Rated Checklist and US Green Building Council LEED Requirements. Regarding new residential construction projects larger than 500 square feet, asked whether that includes home expansion or only new homes. Mr. Miller said it would apply to additions exceeding 500 square feet and new construction alike.  Goal 58 – Quantified Objective 1: Commissioner Fitzsimons questioned calling out the Cornerstone Apartments by name in this objective, which calls for producing 86 units of lower-income senior housing there by January 31, 2023. Mr. Miller said it was specifically mentioned because it’s not just an aspirational target, but an entitled project, and the City wants to demonstrate to the state that San Leandro has that commitment. Commissioner Leichner suggested that the City would benefit by mentioning some of the major new funding sources in the pipeline for affordable housing in Chapter 6, at le ast, to begin positioning itself in terms of HCD knowing that San Leandro is interested in these funds. He spoke specifically about:  Proposition 41, the California Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act (Assembly Bill 639)  A recurring annual fund from the Cap and Trade legislation that facilitates not only affordable housing but also transit-oriented design  Another transit-oriented design infill infrastructure grant program that’s in the works at HCD Policy 56.06: “At-Risk” Rental Units calls for developing programs or strategies to preserve affordable housing with affordability restrictions that will expire during the next 10 years….” Commissioner Leichner also recommended a longer look forward in terms of at-risk units. Noting that the Housing Element covers eight years, he said it might be difficult to achieve, but maybe at-risk BMR units for the next few years would help in terms of formulating action plans. Commissioner Leung, referring to Policy 53.11 – Attracting Investment, and Action 53.05-A – Marketing of Housing Development Opportunities, asked about including marketing strategies to compete more effectively with other Bay Area communities. When Mr. Miller responded that while the strategies themselves aren’t in this document, developing them over the next two years would be part of the action program, Commissioner Leung said that may be too late. He said San Leandro is already losing ground, even to much smaller communities such as San Bruno and Millbrae. Mr. Miller said he didn’t mean to suggest that it would be two years before any action is taken toward developing these strategies, because even now the [City’s] economic development program is very active and one of the primary functions in the Community Development Department is to seek such investment. In this section of the Housing Element, he explained, they’re acknowledging there may be more opportunities. Secretary Liao added that over the last