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to a very important community benefit, the payment of nearly $10 million in inclusionary <br />housing in -lieu fees. <br />It is no secret that there is a great need for affordable housing in the City and the lack of an <br />adequate supply is a barrier to livability. The City has made efforts to meet the affordable <br />housing need with the Housing Opportunities Ordinance as a policy to help promote and ensure <br />the development of affordable housing for low and very low income residents. It is necessary <br />that the City continue to move forward in its efforts. Heritage's commitment of nearly $10 <br />million in in -lieu fees is needed now to leverage additional resources to address the affordable <br />housing needs in our city. We cannot afford to wait for phased payments. . <br />The ]Housing Opportunities Ordinance is the primary tool that we have to help address the <br />affordable housing crisis that Santa Ana residents are facing. It is necessary that we <br />continue to provide diverse housing opportunities for our community. The Planning <br />Commission recognized this on Monday, November 14, 2016 when they voted against <br />recommending the approval of the amendment to the City Council. <br />We strongly urge the City Council not to approve the amendment to Development <br />Agreement No. 2015 -03, unless the Heritage Village developer provides an additional <br />community benefit to help increase affordable housing options and to improve the quality <br />of life today. The amendment should include a community benefits agreement and specific <br />time frames for the payment of in -lieu fees. <br />Sincerely, <br />i <br />i <br />If <br />ShakeelSyed <br />Executive Director <br />OCCORD <br />