PC 092221 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Gaidos supported Commissioner Allen's comment, and reminded the Commission of his suggestion on the 10x Genomics project to provide employee housing. He suggested large corporations contribute to affordable housing. Chair Brown moved to recommend forwarding the draft Preliminary Report, with feedback and comments provided by the Planning Commission, to City Council for consideration. Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Allen, Brown, Gaidos, Morgan, and Nibert NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pace ABSTAIN: None MATTERS FOR COMMISSION'S REVIEW/ACTION/INFORMATION 5. Reports from Meetings Attended (e.g., Committee, Task Force, etc.) Commissioner Allen mentioned the recent Heritage Tree Board of Appeals where the resident was appealing a fine for removing a heritage tree without staff approval, and the determination made related to the tree removal. 6. Actions of the City Council Ms. Clark provided a brief overview of the items listed in the report. Commissioner Allen inquired about the Planning Commission's discussion on Active Ground Floor Use Overlay (AFGUO) and recommendation regarding what to do after a six-month vacancy. Ms. Clark stated staff had used the Commission's proposal, which the City Council had supported. Based on the Commission's suggestion, staff suggested the Council consider whether to study changes to the six-month vacancy provisions, as part of the work plan process. Commissioner Nibert stated he was pleased by the outcome of the discussion; however, expressed concern that the Planning Commission's recommendation in regard to agent leases, signs and LoopNet listings were taken as a mandate. Chair Brown concurred that the intent was to provide evidence and those items were suggested points of evidence. Chair Brown inquired about the effective dates of the policy changes and whether a second reading was necessary. Assistant City Attorney Julie Harryman confirmed that the item would require a second reading and would be effective 30 days thereafter. Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 of 10 September 22, 2021 t rate, so inquired how to increase that rate or percentage and economics of affordable housing. Commissioner Nibert suggested innovation and consideration of all funding sources. Chair Brown asked if there was pooling of resources to determine various sources of funding and types of housing products. Ms. Clark responded that there were various resources and funding at the State level and an opportunity to learn from colleagues. Chair Brown asked if there was a clearing house of information. Ms. Clark discussed the Alameda County Collaborative and ABAG who were actively working to create this type of resource. Commissioner Allen suggested consideration of ways to encourage large-scale corporations to provide land and housing. Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 10 September 22, 2021 ould consider all public comments and information. He followed up to a previous comment made by Commissioner Morgan and mentioned below market rate occupants are still cost burdened; he further discussed a recent article he read where another city had entered into an affordable housing contract that had reduced rent of a standard below market rate apartment about $200. He mentioned that although it was a reduction, it was still priced rather high, and expressed his concern that even after completing this process, if the root of the problem is not addressed, the City might face a similar situation where the housing needs would not be fulfilled. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 10 September 22, 2021