On behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Housing Advocacy Team we commend both the owner and the city for converting commercial space for housing. In light of the current homeless crisis that is heavily burdening seniors, we want to encourage the City to work with the property owner to see if in return for the requested density bonuses that a specific number of affordable units could be made available in this project. From 2017 to 2021, California’s overall senior population grew by 7% but the number of people 55 and over who sought homelessness services increased 84% — more than any other age group — according to the state’s Homeless Data Integration System. Senior homelessness is projected to triple by 2030. We encourage the City Planning Commission to work with and incentivize property owners, such as this one who seek to develop only market rate housing to include affordable housing in their projects. Thank you.
On behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Housing Advocacy Team we commend both the owner and the city for converting commercial space for housing. In light of the current homeless crisis that is heavily burdening seniors, we want to encourage the City to work with the property owner to see if in return for the requested density bonuses that a specific number of affordable units could be made available in this project. From 2017 to 2021, California’s overall senior population grew by 7% but the number of people 55 and over who sought homelessness services increased 84% — more than any other age group — according to the state’s Homeless Data Integration System. Senior homelessness is projected to triple by 2030. We encourage the City Planning Commission to work with and incentivize property owners, such as this one who seek to develop only market rate housing to include affordable housing in their projects. Thank you.