pages: PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf, 4
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PlanningBoard | 2014-04-28 | 4 | Mr. Jeffery Levin, East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO), stated that EBHO is an affordable housing organization and has worked with many cities on their HE's. He thanked staff and the Board for the work put in. He asked for policies on prevention of displacement, include policies to monitor and study a rent stabilization measure. Alameda Point welcomes the commitment of 25% affordable housing and asked for studying the incentives. He suggested an annual progress report should be a formal policy within the HE. Ms. Margorie Rocha, ECHO Housing, explained the agency's role with the City of Alameda, mainly tenant / landlord disputes and many go to the RRAC. She advocates for the tenants being displaced, as owners /landlords are not required to appear at the RRAC meetings and some of the tenants have been in Alameda many years. She asked the City to look at how to improve the policy for mediation. Ms. Kelly Harp, City of Alameda Disability Commission, thanked the speakers. She stated that the Commission has formed a working group to gather comments for the HE. She reported the need for more senior housing as well as disabled accessible housing as there is a continued need for barrier free housing. The accommodation ordinance has been implemented. She asked that the Universal Design regulations be implemented into the new HE, and asked for the PB to move this program through the process. Mr. Bill Smith, Renewed Hope, commended staff for the draft HE, and was glad to see that AP isn't part of the HE. Renewed Hope supports ECHO Housing, and the HE cannot be supported without a rent element into the HE. There needs to be an assessment for the current rental policy within the City, with a study of alternatives. He reported there is a need for something to protect renters. He provided a letter sent to the PB, opposing the HE. Ms. Debra Arbuckle, resident, reported there is a big need for rental rights being protected in the City. She stated if there isn't something in the HE, there is a good chance this issue will not be taken care of. Ms. Marilyn Schumaker, landlord, stated that her understanding is if there are comments for rent stabilization in the HE, then the issue rolls up to the state level. The RRAC is a City committee and perhaps the City can get behind the RRAC more. Rent stabilization is not the answer. Mr. Donald Hardiman, addressed the board and was heard by the RRAC. The rents in his building went up 67%, and noticing for the increases were not done properly. Some of the renters had a disabled child. This wasn't an isolated incident, and it appears new owners can charge anything they want and get away with it. There is a distinction with large developers and owners with a small number of units. This issue cannot be overlooked. Ms. Louis Pryor, Renewed Hope, she stated that it is vital to include a policy for addressing higher rents. Approved Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10 April 28, 2014 | PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf |