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,?u7 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Discussion followed and Mr. O'Mahoney commented and replied to questions stating that the Associates are willing to install fire sprinklers and meet all other requirements, and acknowledged that none of the six tenants who were offered lifetime leases favor the conversion. Joseph Stevenson, Building Industries Council, 2100 South El Camino Real, said that he supports permitting property owners to convert apartments to condominiums, especially where it allows home ownership to people who would otherwise be unable to own their own home. Merle Snyder, 707 Leahy, Apartment 133C, a tenant, said that the conversion would permit him and his wife to buy their own home and he favors it. Tom Bezant, 875 Beech, Apartment 7, stated he is in support of the proposed conversion. Robert Getz, 707 Leahy, Apartment 240, tenant, said he believes the prices offered tenants are fair and that the proposed conversion presents a good opportunity for him to buy his own home at a price he can afford. Eugene Majeski, attorney, 1125 Marshall, representing some 85 tenants who oppose the proposed conversion, suggested tenants' rights may be involved. Mr. Majeski pointed out that the building was constructed under a federal grant program which provided favorable financing in exchange for moderately priced rental housing and that the proposed conversion would deprive the tenants of rental housing where no good cause has been shown for doing so. In response to questions from Council and City Attorney Schricker, Mr. O'Mahoney stated that the building was a project constructed under a HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Program.; that it was a market rate program with no subsidy in 1970 with a penalty period for ram prepayment which has now expired; that the benefit to the builder was the fact that the loan was for 90% instead of 75%; and that proposed rents were submitted to HUD and approved. Discussion followed and Mr. Schricker and Planning Director Schroeter commented and replied to questions regarding current requirements for similar developments. Ruth Susoff, 707 Leahy, tenant, stated that although she is eligible for , the lifetime lease, she opposes the conversion. Mrs. Susoff observed that Leahy Square tenants are probably better able to compete financially for the few rental units available in the area, making the situation even more difficult for those less able to afford them. • Paul Guantonio, 707 Leahy, Apartment 105, tenant, stated he prefers to rent and very few units are available in the City. Carol Wilkinson, 707 Leahy Street, Apartment 1138, tenant, said that she prefers to rent; that she does not believe apartments being offered to tenants for purchase will be improved and that the HUD loan program is responsible for the present low rental rates. It was explained that the conditions of any permit which is granted for the conversion will affect all apartments as far as structure is concerned, but that cosmetic improvements or new appliances are not included, except that the required structural changes might cause new painting or flooring to be required. Marilyn Krieger, 707 Leahy, tenant, reported she looked for more than a year for her apartment and has lived there only a year and does not want to move. Kathleen Mahaney, South San Mateo County League of Women Voters, reported statistics related to rental housing and condominium conversions in the area. Mrs. Mahaney said that the League has developed criteria for opposing conversions related to the apartment vacancy rate in the community and would oppose this one on that basis. Reg.Mtg. 11/23/81 Page 2. r