HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/22/2023 Item 4a, Nguyen
From:Kimmie Nguyen <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:2/22 Planning Commission Item 4A - Downtown Flexible Density Overlay
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Hello Planning Commission,
Thank you for considering this important item on your agenda. I am in generally in support of this effort by the City and
think it is just one baby step that could improve the state of housing and the economy in our community.
YES to more homes in our commercial business areas. Everyone knows and is impacted by the vacancies and
turnovers of commercial businesses in Downtown. More neighbors who live in our Downtown mean more
natural and recurring patrons for every storefront. More people living Downtown also opens an opportunity for
different types of businesses to be sustained in that area - businesses catered more to everyday goods, services,
and daily errands/living - not just businesses catered to tourists.
YES to reduced parking. Our options for getting around by walking, transit, or biking are limited in the City of
SLO (getting better in some ways), but Downtown is one of the best areas served in this aspect. Please allow
property owners to address the 1 space/unit requirement through in-lieu fees so less of our beautiful Downtown
is relegated to pavement.
YES to exemptions from the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance fees. The IHO adopted by the City last year was a
step backwards for tackling the housing crisis, making it even more expensive for builders to create the homes
we desperately need in this community.
I ask that the Commissioners would consider the following changes to the ordinance to make it more effective and
impactful for our community:
Expand the program for the entire Downtown Area, not just the Downtown Core. Most of the lots in the
Downtown Core are already occupied and developed, so there are very few properties that could benefit and
redevelop in the near-term future. Allow the benefits to spread throughout Downtown.
Allow projects to use State Density Bonus in addition to the Downtown Flexible Density Program. State
Density Bonus is one of the chief ways that affordable housing developers can get these projects to pencil,
especially in a place like Downtown where land values are exorbitant. Making developers choose one over the
other would be tying their hands, limiting choices and flexibility.
Expand relaxed requirements to units greater than 600 square feet. The Flexible Density Overlay as written
leaves out the opportunity for a range of home sizes. Relaxed requirements should apply to more than just 600
square foot and under homes. A greater variety of home types and configurations can support a more range of
people, families, and lifestyles Downtown - not just single working professionals in studio apartments.
Allow the program to continue without an expiration date. Just because the City adopts this program does not
mean that projects will spring out of the ground overnight. A longer time horizon will allow more property
owners and builders to weather the high building costs and interests we're currently facing - and will allow more
people to enjoy the benefits of living Downtown!
Best,
Kimmie Nguyen
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