HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/28/2018 Item 1, Spears
From:Kermit Spears <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:San Luis Ranch, June 28, 2018
Dear SLO Planning Commissioners,
My name is Kermit Spears. I have lived in this community my entire life. Born as a "general baby" for those who was
born at the General Hospital in San Luis Obispo. Graduated high school in 1997. Started my employment with the
County in 1998 and recently received my 20 years of service recognition. I am also a sole supporter for family of three.
I was an adolescent when I first started with the County . If I wanted a house I needed to save 20% for a house which
would take over 3 years. (Too bad the programs available today wasn't around at that time) Before I could have
saved the money we had a boom in the housing market.
What has changed? The times, the lenders, the rules, the rent, .....everything.
I find myself 20 years down the road having paid all my bills with exceptional credit. A sliver of an opportunity to
purchase a home if the price is right. People want you to live here and pay rent at rates sometimes higher than a
mortgage. There should be rent rate limits imposed in this area. How can I get money for a down when my rent or
rent plus commute keeps me from getting there? How can the workforce stay here? I hope that the workforce
housing isn't as strict as the low-income or median housing guideline are at. I see projects all the time that either
super-stretch or have exceeded the debt to income ratio limits that are enforced today. Their ratio's are so high they
won't be able to maintain the property long term.
My nine year old son asks why we can't be closer to his school, friends, and family. I would like to live in the area I
was born in and have invested my career.
I hope that you keep the workforce in mind without restrictions to give us an opportunity to continue in the
community we grew up in and care about.
Thank you for your time and attention as we move forward,
Kermit Spears
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