HomeMy WebLinkAbout1 - PUBLIC COMMENT_FortinFrom:Kristopher Fortin
To:eComment
Subject:Planning Commission Public Comment for Agenda Item No. 1, OPPOSE HOO Amendments
Date:Monday, August 03, 2020 12:14:25 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.
Kristopher Fortin
kris@saascoalition.org
4041 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 510
Newport Beach, California 92660