pages: CityCouncil/2018-04-03.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2018-04-03 | 8 | Alameda Renters Coalition. Expressed concern over the lack of affordable housing in Alameda: Bill Smith, Alameda. Councilmember Oddie inquired what the implications are if the City is only at 46% of the objective at the end of 2023. The Assistant Community Development Director responded under current State law, there are no implications; stated requiring a set amount would be such a heavy load it would stop projects. Councilmember Oddie inquired about the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) statistics. The Assistant Community Development Director provided an update on applications and being able to use ADUs for the next Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals. Councilmember Oddie outlined the size of the ADUs; stated the average is 527 square feet; the largest was an existing basement of 1,048 square feet; for backyards, the smallest was 230 square feet and the largest was 738 square feet; he agrees with the staff report about workforce housing; discussions should be held regarding increasing the density bonus to provide some workforce housing; he is intrigued by the City doing a housing bond; the City used half of the County allocation pretty fast; constraints should not be put on inclusionary housing. Councilmember Matarrese stated the issue is very complex; the Council decided not to refine the MX zoning; baseline data is needed; Site A and 1435 Webster Street both have above 15% inclusionary housing; he would like a budget adjustment of property related tax windfalls, such as the transfer tax, to be used for housing issues and ordinances; Planning should have a staff member not funded by permits to do the people's business; the North Housing project should be assigned top priority; broader policies should be considered; costs are being driven up by high pay; the City needs to address income equality and subsidize more units; the City should maintain control and not remove the Multi-Family (MF) overlay; discussed Measure A; stated Council should make a policy putting affordable housing projects above others and look at income inequality; discussed construction costs and developer profits; stated the City should review Cupertino's project. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is not interested in tweaking the percentage of inclusionary housing, but perhaps the categories could be modified to include above moderate income to encompass workers; expressed concern over expedited design review taking 150 days; stated the Council should consider allocating a portion of the property transfer tax to create a fund to help build more affordable housing and address affordability and homeless issues; suggested a public workshop be held on the topic; discussed the Rent Review Advisory Committee (RRAC) and using prefab units as ADUs. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 April 3, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-04-03.pdf |