I do not support the plan to demolish the apartment building for more parking. The city is already experiencing a housing shortage and to me, it seems shortsighted to demolish housing for parking, when it is not necessary. From my experience, the parking structure at 130 N. Lemon Street is underused with plenty of consistent vacancies. I would honestly prefer if the firestation is demolished and affordable housing is built there instead. Thank you.
It is disappointing to see the old Fire Station site across from City Hall on the City Council agenda for 9/12, with a recommendation for a parking lot, which would include demolishing affordable housing units. The parking lot plan includes minimal landscaping and trees, and would also include the loss of a community gathering space, since the old Fire Station is used during multiple City events, including Street Fair and Tree Lighting.
The staff report for the item includes zero discussion of the impacts of demolishing affordable housing units in the City, including whether it would conflict with State law, or cause issues with the Housing Element, which has not yet been certified by HCD.
City staff recently completed an Old Towne parking study which showed the neighborhood doesn't actually need additional parking, just better wayfinding to the available parking. It's really disappointing that there's been no community outreach, and that the project, instead of supporting a community space, would not only become an unnecessary parking lot, but take away needed affordable units in our City. This feels like a missed opportunity to create a Civic Center that is a place for community. There should be public outreach to get community input on what to do with the City-owned property.
I do not support the plan to demolish the apartment building for more parking. The city is already experiencing a housing shortage and to me, it seems shortsighted to demolish housing for parking, when it is not necessary. From my experience, the parking structure at 130 N. Lemon Street is underused with plenty of consistent vacancies. I would honestly prefer if the firestation is demolished and affordable housing is built there instead. Thank you.
It is disappointing to see the old Fire Station site across from City Hall on the City Council agenda for 9/12, with a recommendation for a parking lot, which would include demolishing affordable housing units. The parking lot plan includes minimal landscaping and trees, and would also include the loss of a community gathering space, since the old Fire Station is used during multiple City events, including Street Fair and Tree Lighting.
The staff report for the item includes zero discussion of the impacts of demolishing affordable housing units in the City, including whether it would conflict with State law, or cause issues with the Housing Element, which has not yet been certified by HCD.
City staff recently completed an Old Towne parking study which showed the neighborhood doesn't actually need additional parking, just better wayfinding to the available parking. It's really disappointing that there's been no community outreach, and that the project, instead of supporting a community space, would not only become an unnecessary parking lot, but take away needed affordable units in our City. This feels like a missed opportunity to create a Civic Center that is a place for community. There should be public outreach to get community input on what to do with the City-owned property.