February 10, 2005

Mayor Dan Albert
Members of the City Council
City Hall, 235 Casa Verde Way
Planned Unit Development
Monterey, CA 93940

Dear Mayor Albert and Councilmembers,

We support the recommendations of the Planning Commission in approving this project on January 11, 2005, that one of the seven (7) new homes proposed shall be dedicated to the City's affordable housing program.

While the project is desirable in that it would replace a seriously rundown rental complex with new single-family homes, the displacement of low-income tenants in thirteen (13) units is a major concern. To their credit, the City Housing staff is prepared to help qualify those who are eligible for rental assistance or relocation to City-owned units. At market prices, the new homes probably will not be available for low or moderate-income families.

In approving the project for 7 homes on the site, as noted by Planning Commissioners and staff members, the City would be granting a number of incentives in order to include one below-market rate unit. Even with the layout on the site improved, as compared with the original plan, the individual lots are very small, with little usable outdoor space and minimal setbacks. Parking and storage is barely sufficient for the homeowners. Typically R-3 zoning encourages garden apartments, townhomes, or cluster housing. Design issues will need to be addressed by the Architectural Review Committee. If concessions are to be allowed for the project, we urge you not to approve it unless there is at least one new home that will be offered for sale to qualified low- or moderate-income families, and restricted on resale to maintain its affordability.

We commend the City of Monterey for its successful housing programs, and the policies you have adopted to encourage developers to build more affordable units. This project should be consistent with those policies.

Thank you for considering our comments.

Sincerely,
         Nancy Green, Copresident