January 10, 2023
The City Council reviewed and continued to the January 24, 2023 council meeting the adoption of the 2023-2031 Sixth Cycle Housing Element of the City’s General Plan. The plan includes strategies to increase housing, especially affordable lodging not concentrated in one area. Since the city must acquire 1,958 new units, 1,115 of which are judged affordable, rezoning, ADUs, and subdivisions of lots are ways to accommodate more housing. There is still question that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. Public comment questioned site inventory for development that would affect wildlife. These questions must be resolved before February 1, 2023, so the Development Services Director can submit the Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for consideration and certification.
The City Council adopted a resolution so the city manager can complete an amendment to the EOC Conceptual Design Agreement between the City and Noll & Tam Architects and Planners through fiscal year 2024-25. For an amount not to exceed $250,690, Noll & Tam will provide design, construction documents, and administration for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to be constructed in the Community Center.
January 24, 2023
The City Council approved the 2023-2031 Sixth Cycle Housing Element of the City’s general plan. The Housing Element was found to be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A legal document, called a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), explains why the Housing Element plan would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. As for continuing public concern about development on Woods Lane that may affect wildlife habitats, the Development Services Director reminded the public that the area is zoned correctly, is needed to reach the designated number of new dwellings in the city, and has the interest of a developer. For those concerned about density, building height, and walkability in Loyola Corners, the plan includes development restraints for all sites. The City Council authorized the Development Services Director to submit the Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on time for consideration and certification. HCD will deliver a required review within 60 days.
Claire Noonan, Observer