PC 2002-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

Planning Commission Recommendations concerning the Proposed Goals Policies and Programs portion of the Draft Housing Element of the General Plan Excerpt from the minutes of the February 13, 2002 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Arkin recommended that: • a specific policy that highlights senior citizen issues be included. • a policy that discusses livability issues in high-density projects be added. • the Housing Element discuss having a sepazate allocation of units available for "super green homes." • a policy that addresses the impact of housing on regional transportation and making sure that the homes that are built pay their fair-shaze on the impact of the regional transportation system be included. Commissioner Arkin stated that he does not feel like the document is a housing element and that it seems more like a "high-density and affordable housing element." Commissioner Roberts stated that as a member of the Housing Element Task Force most of her suggestions have either been thrown out or discussed. She asked what the inclusionary housing ordinance requires for the percentage of low- and very-low housing in each development. Mr. Iserson advised that he believes that it is 15%. Commissioner Roberts stated that 15% does not bother her, but that 25% affordable to low- and very- low does bother her a bit. She noted that if moderate was included in the 25% she would not have such a problem. She noted that this is more than what is required in the ordinance. Commissioner Roberts stated that she is happy with the changes in the language. She stated that she has believed all along that this is a document that lets the City do things, and is written as a part of the General Plan and not written like the zoning ordinance. She stated that she feels there aze some excellent suggestions included in document, such as the suggestion to monitor second units to see if they are being used for rentals, so that the number of rental units can be determined. She advised that while she understands the azgument and the problem with dispersing affordable units and tax credits, she wants to maintain the provision for dispersing affordable units, as it is important for the people who live in these communities and it is worth doing. Commissioner Kameny stated that he agrees with Commissioner Arkin that the inclusion of a senior policy is very important and he supports that recommendation. Commissioner Sullivan thanked Mr. Paxson and the rest of the Task Force for their work. He stated that he believes that the Task Force tried to think creatively and came up with some good ideas. He noted that there is a balance that must be achieved between all of the general plan elements. Commissioner Sullivan commented that he feels this version of the document is much better than what they reviewed the last time and it is something that the community can accept. He noted that he felt the previous policy took away some of the discretionary approval.