2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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PUBLIC OUTREACH MAJOR THEMES This section synthesizes major comments received at outreach meetings. Highlights and presentation materials can be viewed at http://wwwci.santa- ana.ca.us//housingelement /default. asp. OUR HOUSING Participants acknowledged that long -term population growth in Santa Ana is inevitable and recognized the dilemma the City faces with regard to providing housing for people of all economic, age, and family categories. They agreed that Santa Ana needs to provide more housing choices for seniors, large families, veterans, artists, and those with special needs, but ensure that housing is affordable, well designed, and maintained. Common themes were: Housing Choices. Workshop participants seemed to feel that the future of housing in Santa Ana is apartments and townhouses. Though some residents strongly oppose this type of development, others expressed support, provided that such projects are well planned and designed. Residents favored new mixed -use developments as a positive change. ■ Special Needs. Residents mentioned the need for special -needs housing for the most vulnerable residents. Seniors need affordable housing, as do those with disabilities. Participants also cited the diversity ofthe homeless population and the need for a permanent emergency shelter for homeless people. The City could make it easier to establish or construct an emergency shelter. Housing Rehabilitation. In many areas, older housing or homes built without quality designs now require significant repair. Participants felt that housing rehabilitation programs help improve the existing housing stock. The City should continue to acquire, rehabilitate, and reconfigure multiple - family housing and place deep affordable requirements on such projects. Participants suggested programs to encourage the redesign and rehabilitation of the worn facades of the City's aging housing stock. ■ Homeownership. Participants strongly favored increasing opportunities for home ownership. They feel it is important to "create a balance of renters and owners." However, they recognized the very high cost of homes in Santa Ana, particularly in recent years. ■ Affordable Housing. Given the high cost of housing compared to the normal incomes of working families, "people must work too hard to afford housing." A recently passed citywide inclusionary ordinance will help provide affordable housing. Participants also suggested that rent control should be used to keep places affordable, especially since rents have increased faster than inflation. ■ Historic Resources. A citywide survey helps to update and identify additional residential structures eligible for local, state, and/or national historic designation. The City's historic preservation program could be expanded to encourage and CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT E -3 "...Affordable mixed -use housing with open space component, well integrated with pedesuian / bicycling infrastructure and public transit. " `For the younger population (younger adults), have affordable housing; studios to 1-2 bedrooms. Also, be diverse about the housing structures — have an equal amount because maybe in the future, the population may not be the youngadults. So various housing options would be great." `People work too hard for housing. Whateverhappened to the 40 -hour week? ...people are working 50 and 60hours a week. Aren't we going backwards? I wouldratherspend time with my family...