City Council updated on housing programs and issues

April 18, 2007
Santa Paula City Council

The City Council was updated on housing issues at recent meeting, where they learned how the city has been doing with the wide-ranging issue.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council was updated on housing issues at recent meeting, where they learned how the city has been doing with the wide-ranging issue. Assistant to the City Manager Elisabeth Amador presented the report, noting that the Housing Element, a portion of the city’s General Plan, is designed to “meet the existing and future needs of the community.”In June 2003 the Council - acting as Redevelopment Agency Directors - adopted housing creation goals, which will be updated again in 2008. In June 2003 when the city’s population was about 28,000, there were 8,341 housing units in the city, 3,040 being used as rentals. The average family size was 3.49, noted Amador. In 2006, the median income for a Ventura County family of four was $77,400.Housing Element policies to improve housing include maintaining and improving stands, rehabilitation assistance, and continued participation in state housing programs. Housing creation for all income levels was also encouraged, as well as pursuing funding opportunities for affordable housing.Maintaining an inventory of housing sites, encouraging infill and mixed housing, and support for developing second units on appropriate property were also advocated. Other goals included promoting smart growth that recognizes and preserves open space, among other benchmarks.
The city has been active with housing rehabilitation and preservation, assisting homeowners or tenant occupied rehab loans and grants offered by the Redevelopment Agency. “There have been 10 housing rehab loans given out and 15 preservation grants,” noted Amador, who showed the Council several photographs of properties improved through the programs.“Code enforcement closed 206 cases last year, a huge accomplishment,” she said, and nine families became first time homeowners through a city and state program. Mobile home park tenant protection was also a priority.After more details on various programs, Vice Mayor John Procter said that Amador’s report was “very thorough... it’s amazing” that the city has or participates in so many programs, “almost overwhelming.”“Three years ago when Elisabeth arrived, none of these programs” were active, said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz, “...nary a one,” and Amador’s hard work has paid off by helping families benefited by many of the housing programs “who have her to thank.”



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