pages: CityCouncil/2022-04-28.pdf, 4
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CityCouncil | 2022-04-28 | 4 | Urged Council further consider the catastrophe that would follow if floating homes are not included in rent stabilization; stated that she and her neighbors will be displaced and homes will be lost; residents are facing a mortgage default crisis that few can afford: Tara Flanagan, Alameda. Stated there is a question of how to address the ordinances; the owners of Barnhill Marina take the community concerns seriously; in order to fashion an appropriate solution addressing the concerns, Council must be adequately informed of many more issues and facts; there has not been an opportunity to gather facts; expressed concern about the ordinances not tailoring language and the long-term viability of Barnhill Marina: Galin Luk, Attorney, Barnhill Marina. Urged Council to protect the distinct neighborhood; stated floating homes are a naturally occurring form of affordable housing and need protection; the values of the Barnhill Marina community reflect the values of the City; expressed support for the creation of more affordable housing; expressed concern over rent increases: Laura Thomas, Alameda. Expressed concern over losing his home; urged Council to do what is right and protect residents by passing the ordinance: Dominick Drisdon, Alameda. Stated that he owns a sailboat that lies within one of the few live-aboard slips at Barnhill Marina; discussed his learning of possible threats of eviction and strong arm tactics tripling rents; urged Council to pass the ordinance: Brian Linke, Alameda. Stated that he has lived at Barnhill Marina for 40 years and is on a low, fixed income; he and other marina residents are at risk of losing life savings and being evicted; his rent increase is 178%; many only have the option of eviction or homelessness on May 1st; urged Council to pass the ordinance: Walter Knox, Alameda. Stated that he would like the ordinance to be effective April 1, 2022, not April 14, 2022: Rick Minnis, Alameda. Discussed things that make the Barnhill Marina community special; stated many neighbors have provided help when needed; urged Council to help keep the community: Robert Knop, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the public comments; stated speakers have been articulate and eloquent; she has heard both heartbreaking and heartwarming remarks; she is certain calling a special meeting was the right thing to do; expressed support for passing the emergency ordinance and introducing the other ordinance; stated that she has heard many alarming accounts from residents of Barnhill Marina; part of preventing homelessness is not allowing homelessness to happen; the Bay Area's largest growing segment of the homeless population includes seniors 55 years and older; for people living on the street, 55 is similar to 75 due to rapid aging; the owner's background does not excuse the kind of behavior experienced by the residents of Barnhill Marina; there has been communication between Council, the City, the District Attorney's office and tenants to work out resolutions; the communications have been one-sided and the opportunity for sharing information has been present all along; the information Council has is egregious; more than one resident has alluded to payment plans that amounted to the owner taking a lien out on the property or a reverse mortgage; expressed support for the District Attorney's office being made aware of the practice; stated the State of California is strict on who is able to offer said financial instruments; floating homes are naturally occurring affordable housing; Alameda's rent ordinance recognizes that landlords need to make Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 28, 2022 4 | CityCouncil/2022-04-28.pdf |