HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/6/2024 Item 5f, Nguyen
Kimmie Nguyen <
To:CityClerk; emailcitycouncil@slocity.org
Cc:Myles Couch; Delaney Ginn
Subject:2/6/24 Item 5f - Waterman Village
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Hello City Councilmembers,
We at SLO County YIMBY are writing you in full support of Waterman Village moving forward, after a long road and many
obstacles overcome. Our organization supports the proposed Waterman Village project for many compelling reasons:
1. The project would provide affordable homes for some of our most vulnerable neighbors, protecting them
from displacement. Traditionally, public funding helps provide housing for people with very low incomes. Funding
for this kind of housing in the City of SLO currently falls far short of what is needed. YIMBYs believe that we must
increase funding for income-qualified housing at all levels of government. Funding affordable housing is critical to
create a future of abundant, affordable housing for all. When our neighbors are priced out of the local housing
market, if there aren't subsidized, affordable units to accommodate them, they may move out of the area. When
these neighbors move, we may be losing them for good. Smart Share Housing Solutions and their partners have a
track record of connecting people in our community with affordable housing. This is an excellent residential location
for lower-income households, with many services, stores, and transit facilities located within an attainable walking
distance.
2. The project would allow the historic adobe to be adapted to the community's current needs and provide a
real tangible benefit, rather than to fall into neglect and obsoletion and be a drain on taxpayer investment. The City
of SLO currently owns this property and taxpayers foot the bill for its maintenance and upkeep. However, taxpayers
and residents do not currently reap many community benefits from the property, which has fallen into a state of
disrepair and is not accessible by the public. The proposed public park/open space and art center would make this
property accessible to the community at large, and provide a unique attraction for locals and visitors. SLOCO
YIMBY recognizes that there can be immense value in preserving historic resources and connecting a community
to its past. However, we have also seen countless housing opportunities denied in order to protect and uphold
"historic resources" and "historically significant neighborhoods" in many communities - including right here in the
City of SLO. A historic property which has a new life beyond its original function provides a unique opportunity to
educate the community on the past, while remaining relevant for the Downtown fabric of the future.
3. The project could serve as an important precedent to other communities in the Central Coast and across
the state. The affordable housing crisis is many different problems conflated as a single problem. Because the
scope of the problem is so large, there are many possible solutions on different fronts. Smaller-scale and flexible
living spaces that are "affordable by design" are just one such possible solution. Although tiny homes have been
legalized in the City of SLO, tiny home adoption has not been as popular as hoped, in part due to exorbitant
building and permitting costs. 20 affordable tiny homes at this location is a great start, but it's just that - a start.
Waterman Village could put the City at the forefront of these housing solutions, paving the way for more tiny homes
in the Central Coast and similar efforts throughout the state.
We at SLO County YIMBY will continue to advocate for a wide range of housing solutions and we look forward to seeing
Waterman Village become a tiny part of that solution. Thank you for your consideration!
SLO County YIMBY
Kimmie Nguyen
Miles Couch
Delaney Ginn
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