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Commissioner Lopez indicated that she would like the project to include more affordable units <br /> for the median and low-income and did not believe the proposal met the needs. She felt that <br /> she could possibly support the project if all of the affordable units were 80% AMI or lower. <br /> Commissioner Welsh thought that having the City work with the developer and offer incentives <br /> would have provided a more acceptable proposal. She felt that the proposed development was <br /> a good use of the property, but it did not meet the need for studio and 1-bedroom units. She felt <br /> further discussion was needed so the developer could present a proposal that would come <br /> closer to the requirements of the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. <br /> Chairperson Casey indicated he agreed with the comments of his fellow Commissioners and <br /> was concerned about setting a precedent relative to the 15% requirement. He indicated that he <br /> would like: 1)additional review on the 15% issue and related IZO matters, including incentives; <br /> 2)a copy of the February 21, 2013, letter from Citizens for a Caring Community to be forwarded <br /> to the Planning Commission; 3)generally a greater level of affordability in the proposal; and 5) <br /> consideration to housing cap requirements if the number of affordable units derived from this <br /> project fall short. <br /> Chairperson Casey discussed with Mr. Bocian what the process should be if this Commission <br /> did not approve the Affordable Housing Agreement with Pleasanton Partners, LLC. Mr. Bocian <br /> advised that the Commission would need to direct staff to meet with the developer to try to <br /> renegotiate the agreement terms and bring back to the Commission. <br /> Mr. Bocian discussed with Commissioner Butler the concept of credits given to developers for <br /> over-building and how staff would look at this project to come up with a recommendation. He <br /> advised that staff reviews each project individually and tries to obtain the best possible project <br /> each time. <br /> Commissioner Probert indicated that he respected staffs recommendation but felt that the <br /> issues of precedent setting and meeting Housing Element needs were important. <br /> Chairperson Casey discussed the matter with the Commission. It was suggested that the item <br /> be tabled and added to the agenda for the March meeting to allow staff time to meet with the <br /> developers to discuss the concerns expressed by the Commission. <br /> 7. Information Regarding History and Current Status of Lower Income Housing Fund <br /> Mr. Erickson reviewed with the Commission information regarding the history and current status <br /> of the Lower Income Housing Fee (LIHF). He advised that the fee was first established by the <br /> City in 1978 at$400 per unit for new residential projects. The fee remained at $400 until 1990, <br /> when a major adjustment was made based on the results of a detailed nexus study. Fees were <br /> again reexamined in 1999 in conjunction with an updated nexus study. In May 2003, the nexus <br /> study was again updated, and both the residential and COI fees were increased. <br /> The Commission looked over a Lower Income Housing Fee balance table provided by staff. <br /> Commissioner Probed discussed the LIHF balance increases since 2004 and the fact the funds <br /> have not been used. Mr. Erickson noted that the current balance in the LIHF is approximately <br /> $16.4 million, of which, approximately$8 million has been earmarked by City Council for the <br /> future redevelopment of Kottinger Place and Pleasanton Gardens. He advised that based on <br /> projections, the LIHF could potentially grow by an additional $10 -$13 million over the next five <br /> years using current fee amounts, although that amount would be reduced by any projects that <br /> provide affordable units instead of paying fees. <br /> Page- 5 - <br />