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Address real solutions for affordable housing It is irritating to continue seeing the state affordable housing requirements mislabeled in various articles. The Kennedy Commission numbers designated are merely non-mandatory guidelines. They are not compulsory numbers but may be one or 400. When people talk about affordable housing goals, it should always be kept in mind that each city is different. Mission Viejo is built out with only several small commercial parcels left. Other cities have more build-to-suit land, thus making comparisons erroneous. In addition, Mission Viejo once had housing for all financial groups, i.e., upper-, middle- and lower-income. Housing values have risen, making our housing now at the upper end of the spectrum. This is not by design but only by circumstance, notably, the value of real estate. If people really want to do something about affordable housing, they would identify condominium conversions and existing properties in a built-out city and use Community Development Agency funds to assist teachers, policemen and other residents as Mission Viejo now does with low-income home improvements. If the affordable housing law only specifies new housing, it should be changed. After units have been sold, the funds could be recycled back into the CDA pool. To continue to hammer at Mission Viejo with illusory numbers makes it appear that Mission Viejo is not making enough effort to meet the low-income housing needs. The future does not rest with new housing, but first with the Citizens Initiative allowing the voters the choice in rezoning issues and the Community Development Agency assistance in condominium conversions and the resale market. James Edward Woodin |
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