‘All-electric’ movement picks up speed, catching some off guard
The New York Times – February 4
When Berkeley became the first city in the country to ban natural gas hookups in new construction last July, no one knew the effects would ripple out so far and so fast. The move spurred other communities in the state and beyond to enact ordinances to encourage all-electric construction. For instance, the Massachusetts town of Brookline passed a prohibition on new gas connections, and municipalities near it are poised to do the same. Now major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, are in various stages of considering pro-electric legislation as part of the “electrify everything” movement. As interest quickly blossoms, real estate and construction industries are scrambling to keep up. Some developers and builders are already heading down the all-electric path in an effort to meet their own goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, even if not legally required to do so. But others are balking at the fast rollout, saying they want to retain the option of using gas or simply believe the new rules are being put into action too quickly.
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News
California lawmakers tout tax break for subsidized housing landlords
Courthouse News Service – February 4
In wake of the recent failure of a zoning proposal meant to spur new apartments near transit centers, California lawmakers are turning to landlords to help stem the state’s housing crisis. Hoping to protect the state’s paltry affordable housing stock, Assembly member Jesse Gabriel announced a $500 million tax credit this Tuesday that would reward landlords for keeping their properties in subsidized housing programs. Gabriel says the five-year program could prevent up to 25,000 currently subsidized units from being offered up in the state’s booming rental market at higher rates. Gabriel’s proposal, Assembly Bill 2058, aims to prevent landlords and property managers enrolled in state or federal subsidized programs from converting to the open market.
Will Los Angeles buy out private buildings to protect affordable housing?
Los Angeles Magazine - January 31
Los Angeles City Council member Gil Cedillo introduced a motion last asking city officials to make recommendations for how to acquire the Hillside Villa apartment complex in Chinatown using the process of eminent domain. The building has been the subject of a heated battle between tenants’ rights activists and the property’s owner, Tom Botz, who has indicated that he plans to raise tenants rents to market rate once the property’s affordable housing covenants expire in September. Affordability covenants, which require landlords to charge below-market-rate rent for an agreed-upon period, are at the risk of expiring in thousands of buildings across Los Angeles. In his motion, Cedillo suggested that eminent domain, which allows the government to take over private property for public use following the payment of just compensation, could be used to acquire “other similarly situated housing developments” moving forward.
Hungry for housing, Palo Alto brings back divisive zoning method
Palo Alto Online – February 3
Eager to pull the city out of its prolonged housing rut, the Palo Alto City Council agreed this Monday to resurrect a zoning tool that has been used in the past to produce some of the city's most promising — and contentious — developments. Two days after the council agreed to make housing a top priority for 2020, members voted unanimously to bring back the "planned community" zoning process to stimulate more housing. The council agreed to stop using the planned-community process in 2013, just after voters overturned in a referendum the last project to rely on that zoning designation — a development on Maybell Avenue that called for 60 units for low-income seniors and 12 single-family homes. The planned community zone, which allows builders to exceed development standards such as height and density limits in exchange for negotiated public benefits, is the most dramatic of the new tools under consideration.
California voters to eye expanded rent control in November
Associated Press – February 3
California voters will consider expanding rent control statewide in November, the Secretary of State’s office said this Monday, as they weigh in on the controversial issue for the second time in two years amid a worsening homelessness crisis. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the measure qualified for the fall ballot after election officials determined that a sufficient number of the nearly 1 million signatures submitted by supporters in December are valid. The initiative would end current restrictions in state law, allowing cities and counties to implement and expand rent control policies that limit how much rents can increase each year. Voters in 2018 rejected a similar initiative after a $100 million battle between advocates and the real estate industry.
L.A. considers bold makeover for Hollywood Boulevard, calling for fewer cars, bike lanes, and wider sidewalks
Los Angeles Times – January 30
Los Angeles City Council member Mitch O’Farrell unveiled a 90-page concept last Thursday aimed at creating a less gritty, more welcoming atmosphere for the millions of tourists who visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame each year. The initial proposal draws inspiration from world-class streets across the world, including the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris. That could be achieved in Hollywood, too, the plan says, with wider sidewalks, more shade trees, more space for sidewalk dining — and far less space for drivers. If approved, the proposal would narrow Hollywood Boulevard to a center turn lane and one travel lane in each direction roughly between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street. The changes would be among the biggest yet for a major street in Los Angeles, where taking space from drivers has sparked outcry.
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