CORRESPONDENCE- 75B_Received by Planning Commission

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From: Wendy Beltran To: eComment Subject: Planning Commission Public Comment for Agenda Item No. 1, OPPOSE H00 Amendments Date: Tuesday, August 04, 2020 10:06:15 PM E-Comments System, Chair McLoughlin and Planning Commissioners, I write this message regarding the proposed amendments to the Santa Ana Housing Opportunity Ordinance to express my full opposition to the proposed amendments, and urge you to vote against them. Creating new affordable housing needs to continue to be a top housing priority in Santa Ana. The current pandemic has increased the economic and housing pressures on low-income families in Santa Ana. Housing costs in Santa Ana have been out of reach and will continue to be out of reach in this current economic climate. As incomes are decreasing and jobs are being lost, many low income families are struggling to remain housed. Now would be the absolute worst time possible to weaken the Housing Opportunity Ordinance and deplete the city's affordable housing monies. The proposed amendments to reduce the fee that developers must pay when they choose not to build affordable housing and to use money for affordable housing for "safety activities" go against the purpose and intent of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. Money for necessities like affordable housing should not be diverted to fund public safety programs as residents have demanded decreases in public safety spending and increased investment in affordable housing. And although we don't know how much longer current shelter in place order will remain in effect, I know for certain that the economic impact our families experienced will be felt for months and years to come. Santa Ana residents, not Developers, need economic relief. I urge you to vote against the proposed amendments to the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. Wendy Beltran starlagalaxe@gmail.com 2070 S van ness Santa Ana, California 92707