March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Of Santa Monica Slugs Developers With Affordable Housing Fee:

The creation of an affordable housing linkage fee on new development projects moved one step closer to fruition following the Santa Monica City Council’s recent vote on the issue.

Under the guidance of city staff, a nexus study was undertaken by consultants to assess how new commercial development increases the need for affordable housing and to determine the maximum fees that could be charged to mitigate those impacts.

The nexus study was designed to analyze the relationship between commercial development, job creation, and the demand for affordable housing.

Originally combined with a parks and recreation study and associated development-offset fees, council decided to vote on each issue separately.

Staff recommendations suggested an affordable housing commercial linkage fee of 4.5 percent, ranging from $3.07 to $11.21 per square foot, depending on the type of commercial use. Hotel development fell at the lower end of the scale of $3.07, while office and institutional land-use came up on top at $11.21 and $10.23 respectively.

Applauding the city staff study, Councilman Kevin McKeown disagreed with the fee structure at the City Council meeting on Sept. 23, suggesting a higher-yield approach on fewer projects.

Debate oscillated between council members: some concerned that high fees could see an end to development altogether, while others argued less development with higher fees could be the best solution.

Originally moving the motion to pass the first reading of the ordinance with city staff recommendations and rounding up the linkage fee to five percent, after some discussion.

Councilman Tony Vazquez then withdrew his support for the motion and moved a new motion to change the fee structure to 10 percent of the project with the ability to revisit the ordinance in the future. Seconded by Councilman McKeown, the motion failed 5-2.

Reinstating his original motion, to accept city staff recommendations and rounding up the linkage fee to five percent, Councilman Vazquez was then seconded by Councilwoman Gleam Davis and the motion passed 6-1.

“I would like the record to show that my ‘no’ vote reflects the belief that that this was the time to have achieved some real revenue for affordable housing,” said Councilman McKeown, who voted against the motion. “Waiting to negotiate on development agreements has historically shown to not be productive and I think that we have given too much away.”

“This vote tonight show we my continue to give too much away.”

The proposed impact fees are not projected to generate the level of revenues to become primary funding sources for affordable housing, according to city staff, but would supplement other funding sources.

Any development subject to these new fees would not be subject to the existing Parks and Recreation Facilities Tax or the Housing and Parks in-lieu fee currently in the Municipal Code.

The proposed ordinance would provide a credit for existing commercial land uses that are retained or rebuilt as commercial.

Places of worship, city projects, day care centers, private K-12 schools, square footage used for outdoor dining in the public right-of-way, and any commercial component of multi-family rental housing developed by nonprofit housing providers that meet certain criteria, would be exempt from the fees.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...