pages: CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf, 28
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CityCouncil | 2022-05-03 | 28 | Expressed support for the staff recommendation; stated creating a fair and expanded housing program is critical; many people are looking for affordable housing; the City has a chance to address and right structural racism which has been built into the housing plan; urged the plan move forward: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Councilmember Knox White stated that he has heard comments not supporting rezoning the R-1 through R-6 areas; inquired the process and response if the City submits a draft HE to HCD that does not include the residential areas. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded HCD would send the draft HE right back to the City; stated the City would essentially state that it is keeping Measure A/Article 26 in-tact for residential areas; HCD has already stated the approach is not acceptable; acceptance is not related to numbers or allocation, it is related to fair housing; HCD states the City cannot prohibit multi-family housing in residential densities which support affordable housing in all residential districts; the approach is unfair to those who need affordable housing by Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH); HCD has been consistent in its approach and attitude around what Alameda needs to do; discussed HCD's 2012 letter. Councilmember Knox White stated the AFFH language requires cities to overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers which restrict access to opportunity; inquired the location of the areas referenced in the statement. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded prohibiting multi-family housing and not allowing residential densities that support affordable housing are barriers to AFFH; stated west Alameda has a higher percentage of lower-income households; continuing the trend of placing all affordable housing on the West End does not affirmatively further fair housing. Councilmember Knox White stated most of the patterns of segregation related to housing show up in the residential districts; in order to overcome patterns, the City will be required to do something; expressed support for the number of public hearings being held and the effort to try to balance State requirements; stated information about educational opportunities recommends considering encouraging open enrollment in Alameda Unified School District (AUSD); inquired whether the City is not taking a stance that the schools on the West End are not as good as the East End; stated the staff recommendation is that the City will support AUSD and address educational outcomes as opposed to telling people to drive to different schools. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the clarification will be added as cleanup language to be made by staff before submitting it to HCD. Councilmember Knox White stated there is a lot of confusion related to AFFH; expressed support for clarification related to the approach not being based on numbers, Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 3, 2022 24 | CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf |