pages: CityCouncil/2013-02-19.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2013-02-19 | 8 | Stated ECHO Housing has received many rent increase calls over the past few months and the Council should consider rent control: Marjorie Rocha, ECHO Housing (submitted information). Expressed concern about the condition of the building; stated market rate could not be charged for the apartments; urged the letter be sent: Debra Arbuckle, Alameda. Stated more housing is needed in Alameda: William Smith, Renewed Hope. Urged a balanced approach, which focuses on affordable housing instead of landlords: Karen Bey, Alameda. Urged more affordable housing be built: Laura Thomas, Renewed Hope Housing Advocates. Expressed concern over the excessive rent increases and urged approval of the staff recommendation: Jon Spangler, Alameda. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Vice Chair of the RRAC said the rent increases are the highest increases he has ever seen; another RRAC member made the point that rent increases between 23% and 57% might as well be an eviction notice; that she is disappointed by the Association of Realtors Representative advocating for using the process that is available; there is nothing reasonable about the rent increase percentages; that she is not advocating for rent control at this point, but that if there are more similar cases, she would consider rent control more seriously. Councilmember Daysog stated the discussion about rent control should start with gathering information; a letter sent by the Mayor has some teeth; encouraged sending a letter to the property owner. Councilmember Tam moved approval of sending the letter. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Mayor Gilmore stated the situation is distressing; as abhorrent as the rent increases are, the landlord did not even show tenants respect by sitting face-to-face with the tenants to discuss anything; encouraged the Association of Realtors to collect data on rent control and to better oversee bad landlords. (13-073) Recommendation to Receive a Report on the Public Records Index. The City Clerk gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Chen inquired about the timeline, to which the Assistant City Manager responded the program should be launched by late Spring; stated there are two Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 February 19, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-02-19.pdf |