Readers respond to housing issue
My column two weeks ago about identifying potential sites for rezoning to multi-family residential to meet state-mandated low- and moderate-income housing requirements has drawn several thoughtful responses from readers.
The City Council will again consider a Draft Housing Element to submit to the state Department of Housing and Community Development showing how the city plans to meet housing needs for all income levels at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Thirteen sites for potential rezoning to 10, 20 and 30 units per acre were discussed last month. Eleven are on the westside and two on the eastside at Savi Ranch.
The sites, listed in my April 2 column, total 50.8 acres and could be developed with 1,142 units. A voter-approved ordinance requiring an election for needed zoning changes could be overturned in court.
Two personal comments from readers who indicate they are at different ends of the income spectrum serve to highlight sincere feelings individuals have when low-cost housing is mentioned.
“I find it sadly fascinating that some apparently equate lower income with higher crime,” a $41,000-per-year retired resident at the Emerald Isle apartments on Rose Drive noted.
“Although I live in Placentia … I regularly patronize several Yorba Linda businesses—Henry’s, Tall Mouse, Bobby D’s, Mimi’s, Polly’s, Main Street Restaurant, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, Trader Joe’s, Michael’s Crafts, Kohl’s, Costco (to name a few).”
The retiree asked, “What would be the economic impact if we ‘lower-income’ people ceased patronizing Yorba Linda businesses?”
In contrast, a reader who moved to Yorba Linda from a higher density area, commented, “People are correct when they cite higher crime and lower property values for reasons to oppose higher-density housing for low-income individuals.”
The reader noted, “Most of the people in Yorba Linda chose this city primarily because of the low density and low crime. Many…worked for years to move from areas of high density and high crime. When low-income units are built, the majority of the occupants have not sacrificed to live in the area and therefore have no stake in the community.”
This person suggested halting all development: “I know the politicians don't even want to consider a move like this; however, if they really want to serve the citizens instead of the developers and the state social engineers, they should pursue this course.”
Whatever council decides will shape future development on the city’s remaining acreage. Anyone can participate in the discussion at City Hall Tuesday night or watch the meeting live on Time-Warner cable channel 3 or the city Web site, beginning at 6:30.
The City Council will again consider a Draft Housing Element to submit to the state Department of Housing and Community Development showing how the city plans to meet housing needs for all income levels at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Thirteen sites for potential rezoning to 10, 20 and 30 units per acre were discussed last month. Eleven are on the westside and two on the eastside at Savi Ranch.
The sites, listed in my April 2 column, total 50.8 acres and could be developed with 1,142 units. A voter-approved ordinance requiring an election for needed zoning changes could be overturned in court.
Two personal comments from readers who indicate they are at different ends of the income spectrum serve to highlight sincere feelings individuals have when low-cost housing is mentioned.
“I find it sadly fascinating that some apparently equate lower income with higher crime,” a $41,000-per-year retired resident at the Emerald Isle apartments on Rose Drive noted.
“Although I live in Placentia … I regularly patronize several Yorba Linda businesses—Henry’s, Tall Mouse, Bobby D’s, Mimi’s, Polly’s, Main Street Restaurant, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, Trader Joe’s, Michael’s Crafts, Kohl’s, Costco (to name a few).”
The retiree asked, “What would be the economic impact if we ‘lower-income’ people ceased patronizing Yorba Linda businesses?”
In contrast, a reader who moved to Yorba Linda from a higher density area, commented, “People are correct when they cite higher crime and lower property values for reasons to oppose higher-density housing for low-income individuals.”
The reader noted, “Most of the people in Yorba Linda chose this city primarily because of the low density and low crime. Many…worked for years to move from areas of high density and high crime. When low-income units are built, the majority of the occupants have not sacrificed to live in the area and therefore have no stake in the community.”
This person suggested halting all development: “I know the politicians don't even want to consider a move like this; however, if they really want to serve the citizens instead of the developers and the state social engineers, they should pursue this course.”
Whatever council decides will shape future development on the city’s remaining acreage. Anyone can participate in the discussion at City Hall Tuesday night or watch the meeting live on Time-Warner cable channel 3 or the city Web site, beginning at 6:30.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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