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Commissioner Fox referred to Mr. Roush's letter regarding the owners filing a lawsuit of <br /> $25 million if the City continues to delay the hearing or otherwise interfere with the <br /> conversion. She inquired if this was indicative of what is considered the appraised <br /> value of the park. <br /> Mr. Close replied that this number was derived from experts and used throughout the <br /> State. He added that some cities have not followed State law, and the owners had to <br /> exercise their rights to sue for damages resulting from delay. He noted that six months <br /> ago, the City of Palm Springs wrote a check on the eve of the trial to the owner of a park <br /> for $937,000 due to delay in a conversion. <br /> Commissioner Fox stated that in the letter, the City Attorney has asked on numerous <br /> occasions to provide a more concrete example of what the purchase price of the lots <br /> would be. <br /> Mr. Close replied that it would be the fair market value of the property at the time of the <br /> conversion, based upon an appraisal. <br /> Commissioner Fox inquired why an appraisal was not done prior to sending out the <br /> surveys to provide an average cost for the air space. <br /> Mr. Close replied that this is not the process prescribed by State law. He noted that <br /> they are also following the El Dorado case which specifically states that pricing is not <br /> within the jurisdiction of the City. He added that it is even more relevant in this situation <br /> because nothing will happen for at least ten years. <br /> Ms. Forbath noted that it would not be practical to advertise a price of a home today to <br /> be sold ten years later. <br /> Commissioner Fox stated that she felt some estimate would provide the residents with <br /> the option to consider something in the future. <br /> Ms. Forbath noted, as an example, that the selling price in Palm Springs is $140,000, <br /> and in Morro Bay with ocean views is $220,000. She reiterated that not all residents will <br /> want to buy and that those who want to continue to rent will be able to do so. <br /> Commissioner Olson referred to the $25 million lawsuit and inquired if the Planning <br /> Commission's denial of the map would be considered a delay and would result in a <br /> lawsuit against the City. <br /> Mr. Close replied that they would appeal the denial to the City Council. <br /> Commissioner Olson noted that Section 66427.5 contemplates that the legislative body <br /> or advisory agency can either approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the map, <br /> which is the law. He inquired what basis would be used to sue the City. <br /> EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 25, 2009 Page 13 of 19 <br />