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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW DRAFT The City also implemented a "Neighborhood Improvement District Program" during the 1990s. This program was specifically targeted to areas with large concentrations of lower income or senior homeowners. It combined the previous sidewalk repair and street improvement programs and facilitated the replacement of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and driveway approaches, and the reconstruction of streets. The program also included street tree trimming and planting, handicapped curb cuts at street corners, new street signs, and in some cases sewer repair. The program has been supplanted by ongoing preventive maintenance by the City's Public Works Department, with funding through CDBG and General Fund revenues. Condominium Conversions The 1989 Housing Element included the following goal related to condominium conversions: Goal 7: Provide for the conversion of rented dwelling units to condominium or stock cooperative ownership consistent with the objectives stated below and with the City's codes and ordinances pertaining to conversions. There were no policies in the previous Housing Element related to this goal. Instead, the Element established four objectives and two actions. The objectives establish the conditions under which condominium or stock cooperative (e.g., co-op) conversions may be permitted, including cases where the conversion will: to0 preserve units that are in good condition; • avoid the dislocation of tenants, especially lower income or special needs tenants; • not preclude occupancy by a wide range of residents, including children; and • make the building safe from hazards, and bring it up to current standards. The first action program was to maintain provisions in the zoning and subdivision ordinances for condominium or co-op conversions that were consistent with the Housing Element. The second was to provide for tenant participation in City actions relating to condominium or co-op conversions. The City's Condominium Conversion Ordinance was already in place when the 1989 Housing Element was adopted. Requirements for conversions were carried forward in the Zoning Code when it was revised in 1994. In addition to the four bulleted points cited above, the Code requires payment of a $3,500 per unit fee at the close of escrow for any conversion, with the funds reserved for affordable rental housing assistance. The loss of rental housing due to condominium conversions was a greater concern in the 1980s than it was during the 1990s. Concerns over liability and litigation have hindered conversions, as well as the construction of new condominiums in San Leandro. Since 1989, there has been only one major condo conversion in the City, involving a project of approximately 40 units on Harlan Street. The conversion was consistent with the provisions of Goal 7 and its four policies. While it is still appropriate to include policies on condominium conversions in the Housing Element, a separate goal has not been included. The updated Housing Element repeats the conditions required for HOUSING ELEMENT 2-9 SAN LEANDRO GENERAL PLAN 403