Laserfiche WebLink
8.A. - Page 6 <br /> Program H -13 would consider evaluating development allowances permitted in <br /> the Downtown. <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> Much of the discussion following the public review draft centered on affordability <br /> concerns, particularly with rising rents displacing lower- income residents. Some housing <br /> advocacy organizations suggest rent stabilization ordinances, which are ordinances <br /> intended to control how much property owners can increase rents on a yearly basis. <br /> Other concerns included tenant protection, acceptance of Section 8 vouchers, and <br /> construction of affordable housing on City property. <br /> HCD Review Period — At the conclusion of this outreach and comment period, the City <br /> made changes to the Element and sent it to the California Department of Housing and <br /> Community Development (HCD) on June 30, 2014. During the 60 -day review period, <br /> HCD received four comment letters from local and regional organizations with further <br /> suggestions and comments on the Housing Element (Attachment 4). <br /> Staff reviewed these letters, and in conjunction with discussions with HCD, made further <br /> changes to the Element. These changes are described fully in the response letter <br /> (Attachment 5) that was sent to all commenters. Generally, these changes include <br /> clarifying timelines, ensuring public hearings and meetings on key issues, and <br /> continuing to study the issue of displacement and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) <br /> acceptance. <br /> HCD evaluated these responses, and issued a letter on August 28, 2014 confirming that <br /> the draft Housing Element along with the revisions meets the statutory requirements of <br /> State law (Attachment 6). <br /> Planning Commission Hearing - On September 16, 2014, Planning Commission held <br /> a public hearing on the item. Three members of the public spoke and another <br /> community member submitted a response letter (see Attachment 7). They supported <br /> the changes that have been made to the plan, but expressed concern with lack of <br /> policies addressing increasing rents. After hearing the testimony, Planning Commission <br /> recommended that the City Council adopt the Housing Element as presented (6 -0 -1, <br /> with Commissioner Schmidt absent). <br /> Future Steps - If the City Council adopts the Housing Element, the final copy will be <br /> forwarded to HCD for certification. The certified Housing Element will be valid through <br /> 2023, though additional amendments and changes may be made to the document in the <br /> interim, contingent on HCD approval. <br /> PUBLIC NOTIFICATION <br /> This meeting was advertised to neighborhood associations, the Downtown Business <br /> Association, the Chamber of Commerce, local residential developers, the 21 Elements <br /> list serve, and housing advocates and interested parties, and was posted on the City's <br /> website as well as announced through the City's E -News. <br />