HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Fowler �Peaptes'
Self-M�lp
Hou�ing
August 21,2018
City of San Luis Obispo
Attn: Mayor and City Council
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE:Zoning Regulations Update
Dear Mayor Narmon&Councilmembers:
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide this letter offering our public comment regarding the zoning regulations
update.
Peoples' Self-Help Housing is a nonprofit organization that builds affordable homes with site-based services that offer opportunities
to change lives and strengthen communities on the central coast.We feel that it is important to advocate for the most vulnerable
members of our community,who often do not have a voice during these discussions.
However,the lack of a presence of the peaple hurt most by our housing crisis at Council meetings should not be interpreted as
apathy for civic engagement or a lack of interest in the issues being discussed today. No one is more affected by the Council's
decision today than our community's low income,very-low income, and extremely-low income residents.
As you are well aware,every decision the Council makes is a trade-off.Those that advocate for"protecting the neighborhoods"or
"community character"have legitimate concerns. Increases in zoning and greater height allowances will certainly bring about
change, albeit incrementally and over a long period of time. More people living in city limits will increase pedestrian, bicycle, and
vehicular traffic. Slightly taller buildings may obstruct some views and people may need to circle the block a few more times before
they can find a place to park their car.
While such changes may be an inconvenience for some,these experiences pale in comparison to the social and economic
hardships felt by those who cannot afford a place to live. In San Luis Obispo,the average renter must work 54 hours per week to
find a median-priced studio; at minimum wage, a worker must work a staggering 68 hours per week to afford the same unit
(National Low Income Housing Coalition).This is time spent away from family and friends to keep a roof over their head-a basic
human need.
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The consequences of our housing crisis extends far beyond this social issue: our economy is staggered by a dwindling workforce
and lack of growth; our highways are congested; our healthcare and law enforcement inundated with servicing calls related to an
ever-growing homeless population.
When the trade-offs of the decision before you are carefully and fully considered, I believe that the choice before you becomes '
clear not only from a policy perspective, but also,from a moral imperative to do what is right. I have hope that this Council-which
has showed incredible courage related to housing issues-will continue to stand up for those in our community who need your
support most. '
a
Sincerel ;` 'i
�'�" I!
�,�;�"�, �, .�.-
Joh owler, CPA
President&CEO
3533 Empleo Street,San Luis Obispo,CA 93401 /� /� 26 E.Victoria Street,Santa Barbara,CA 93101
(805)781-3088 phone+ (805)544-1901 fax NeighborVilorks� (805)961-5152 phone•(805)962-8152 fax
admin@pshhc.org•www,pshhc.org � CHARTERED MEMBER � admin@pshhc.org•www.pshhc.org
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�,�,� Federal Tax ID#95-2750154
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