Ballot proposal would require L.A. developers to provide affordable housing

[KamaAina]

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-ballot-initiative-20160218-story.html

A coalition of labor unions and housing advocates unveiled a ballot proposal Wednesday that would force real estate developers in Los Angeles to provide affordable housing when seeking city approval for residential projects that are larger than planning rules allow.

The proposal, submitted to the city clerk by the L.A. County Federation of Labor and an array of activists, would place new and potentially costly requirements on development projects that would require waivers from existing planning and zoning rules, such as those that limit building height or density.

The measure, which is being targeted for the Nov. 8 ballot, would also seek to ensure that a percentage of construction jobs at key projects go to local or disadvantaged residents, backers say.

Rusty Hicks, the labor federation’s executive secretary-treasurer, called the ballot proposal “a bold alternative to address the affordable housing and good-jobs crisis in our neighborhoods.”

[scscholar]

1. Why not just outlaw building of new housing...

until everyone is housed?

[KamaAina]

3. The building of new housing that is going on now

only houses those who can afford the obscene market rates.

[NV Whino]

2. This is good

But I have to say, the "affordable" housing in my neck of the woods, isn't.

[KamaAina]

4. Not just in your neck of the woods

Much "affordable" housing in CA is actually below market rate (BMR), targeted to people who make 80% of our off-the-charts median income, like teachers, firefighters, etc. People who make less than that, like people with disabilities who derive their income from government benefits like SSI, are left fighting over crumbs.

[marble falls]

5. Works for me. I hope it does a better job of implimenting it than Austin's done.

[NBachers]

6. What happens to all that money they donate so that affordable housing can be built "elsewhere?"

[KamaAina]

7. Ah, therein lies the rub.

In Honolulu, it always seemed to find its way into the general fund.

[JDPriestly]

8. I would like to see a requirement that multi-family housing building permits be issued only

when the builder can show that the housing is within three blocks of a playground for children. It is utterly unacceptable that we house small children in apartments and other housing that is far from play spaces for them. Children need to be able to play outdoors and play freely.