Today I found the meeting minutes where community members from Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City spoke out in opposition to adding affordable housing in Big Bear Lake. It's not STRs that are to blame for people not having affordable housing. It's the people who BLOCKED it. 219 Affordable Housing units were about to break ground and the people listed below and more than 1,357 locals STOPPED IT from happening. Download the files above to see the list of people who BLOCKED AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND the meeting minutes from both meetings where it all went down.
CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL, IMPROVEMENT AGENCY AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OFFebruary 7, 2011
A Joint Meeting of the City Council, Improvement Agency and Planning Commission of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Jahn 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 7, 2011, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmembers Present:
Led by Chairwoman Anne Zimmerman
Mayor Bill Jahn
Mayor Pro Tern Rick Herrick Councilmember David Caretto Councilmember Liz Harris Councilmember Jay Obemolte
Planning Commissioners Present: Chairwoman Anne Zimmerman Vice Chairman Craig Smith Planning Commissioner Jim DeGroot Planning Commissioner Robert Jackowski
Others Present:
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager, Jeff Mathieu Marco Marfinez, City Attorney
Director of Building & Planning Jim Miller Administrative Assistant, Wendy Costello
Shirlie Jones, Big Bear Lake: stated that she has an appeal coming before the City Council on February 28 regarding property located at 700 Main Street, Big Bear Lake and requested that the City Council and Planning Commission visit the site prior to the appeal.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
1. AFFORDABLE HOUSING POEICY DISCUSSION
City Council, Improvement Agency and Planning Commission heard presentations from the City’s Planning and Redevelopment staff, as well as the City Attorney’s Office, and presentations from representatives of Beacon Economics and EAH Housing; and provided direction to staff as appropriate.
City Manager JeJfMathieu addressed the City Council and Planning Commission regarding the series of presentations given by staff regarding Affordable Housing and the State Mandates required by law and welcomed the community’s input.
OVERVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Director of Building and Planning Jim Miller presented an overview regarding Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and related state regulations.
Associate Planner Siri Eggebratton gave a presentation showing the target population for affordable housing projects.
LEGS ovcnvmw
City Attorney Marco Martinez talked about the:légal aspects of complying with affordable housing law and regulations.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION #1 '
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about tha discrepancies in the RHNA report.
Patti Dokter/Big Bear Lake/Sandalwood Group: stated that the Sandalwood Group is not opposed to affordable housing, but had concerris about the houses that will be vacated once the residents move into the affordable housing project.
John Krost, Bie Bear Lake: opposed to the proposed affordable housing project site.
Gregg Pilcher, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about the number of distressed properties in the City of Big Bear Lake and how the affordable housing project will affect the rental properties and the shortage of the City’s tax base.
Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake: submitted documentation explaining some inconstancies in the Beacon Economics Report and encouraged Council to talk to the business community and rental companies for their input.
Charhe Brewster, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about the possibility of the City going bankrupt and the redevelopment funds being taken away by the State. He also had concerns about adjacent affordable housing impacting property values
and quality of like in the community and encouraged Council to wait until 2014 before making a decision regarding the proposed affordable housing project.
Monique LeRoy, Big Bear Lake: requested that Council look into a preference program for Big Bear residents for affordable housing occupancy.
Dean Sisemore, Big Bear Lake: had questions regarding the 2014 RHNA figures and the Mountain Meadows project.
Jayme Nordine, Big Bear Lake: spoke in opposition to the proposed site and size of the affordable housing project.
RECESS
At the hour of 3:10 p.m., Mayor Jahn declared a recess. At the hour of 3:15 p.m., Mayor Jahn reconvened to the legal overview portion of the meeting.
Mayor Jahn stated for the record that he i’eceived the Sandalwood outline document and askéd Director of Building and Planning Jim Miller to address the group’s concerns.
AFFORfiABLE HOUSING DEMAND STUDY
Redevelopment Director Lyle Haynes stated that 'this portion of the meeting is relative to marketing issues for affordable housing in Big Bear Lake.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION #2
Beacon Economics Real Estate Advisor Patrick Duffy gave a presentation and received public comment regarding RHNA.
Councilmember Caretto questioned the number of senior citizens and the demands for senior housing in the Big Bear Valley.
Councilmember Harris requested that staff, as well as EAH, take a poll of the workforce in the Big Bear Valley.
Commissioner DeGroot requested staff to take a poll of the seasonal workers.
Commissioner Smith requested a more defined survey of people who commute on and off the mountain.
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about the figures used in theBeacon Report provided by the Census Bureau and that none of the localbusinesses, Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce nor the City werepolled to contribute to the study.
Patti Dokter, Big Bear Lake: stated that the seasonal workers will not qualifyfor low income housing, because they would have to sign a one-year lease.She also stated that it would be wise to get an independent study in order toget accurate information.
John Krost, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about the differences in thenumbers shown in the Concord report and the Beacon report.
Gregg Pilcher, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about what will happen to the property values and rents, because of foreclosures, and with the proposed affordable housing availability.
Ken Anderson, Big Bear Lake: stated concerns about the discrepancies in the Census data provided for 2000-2008.
Jack Williams, Big Bear Lake: opposed to the data provided in the Beaconreport. Rusty Barnes, Bid Bear Lake: opposed to the data provided in theBeacon report.
RECESS
At the hour of 4:37 p.m., Mayor Jahn declared a t‘ecess. At the hour of 4:42 p.m.,Mayor Jahn reconvened to the status report portion of the meeting.
STATUS REPORT
Redevelopment Dii’ector Lyle Haynes gave a status report on the history of localpolicy development, remaining unmet need numbers and the Notice of FundingAvailability (NOFA) process and disposition.
EAH-SANDALGOODDEVELOPMENT
Mary Murtagh, President & CEO of EAH Housing gave an overview of theproposed development stating that EAH’s goal is to provide a high qualityand beautifully managed property that the City will be proud of for itslifetime, where local employees and cuirent Big Bear residents can afford tolive.
Councilmember Obernolte asked for clarification regarding the production requirements. Councilmember Caretto questioned the size of the project, the type and mix of units; the occupancy rate and completion date. He also stated that he would like to see a preference program initiated.
Mary Murtagh stated that the proposed project is to be completed in two phases; the first phase of 80 units and the second phase of 76 units, which equals 220 persons per project and that the completion date is 2013.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION #3
John Riedl, Big Bear Lake: he asked if the 2010 Concord Report was used to develop all the market data for the presentation.
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake: stated that he would like to see four projects developed rather than one large project and had concerns with the proposed project being built in a flood channel.
Monique LeRoy, Big Bear Lake: stated that she would like to wait until the Crossings project has been completed, occupied and functional before proceeding with the Sandalwood affordable housing project.
Barbara Willev, Big Bear Lake: stated that the Sandalwood project is the last large commei’cial parcel in the City and would like to see it used for a software company, retail or light industrial company that would bring revenue to the City. She also stated that she would like to see smaller size complexes built, 30 units or less positioned throughout the community at one site.
Dean Sisemore, Big Bear Lake: asked the City Council to hold more workshops to involve the whole community. He also stated his opposition to the size of the development.
Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake: stated that the Council received a petition of over 700 signatures from the community showing their opposition to the project.
Shirlie Jonesq Big Bear Lake: stated concerns with the long term affects on the City’s services, such as the hospital, schools, Fire Department and POlice Department.
Mike Saghafi, Burbank Manor, LLC: stated that he would like to work together with the Sandalwood Group and proceed with the proposed project to make the community a better place to live.
Jaime Nordine, Big Bear Lake: had concerns about the occupants of theproposed project being employed.
Jeff Mathieu proposed March 21 or Mai’ch 28 to continue the Affordable HousingPolicy discussion and encouraged the public to attend.
A poll was taken by the City Council, Improvement Agency and PlanningCommission to continue the Joint Special meeting to March 21 at 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Improvement Agencyand Planning Commission at this session, Mayor Jahn adjourned the meeting at 6:43p.m., in memory of Lt. Jared Landaker.
Wendy L. C ello — AdministrativeAssistant City Manager’s Office
BIG BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL, IMPROVEMENT AGENCY AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF
MARCH 28, 2011
A Joint Special Meeting of the City Council, Improvement Agency and Planning Commission of the City of BigBear Lake was called to oTder by Mayor Jahn at 5:02 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Civic Center, 39707Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
Flag Salute: Councilmembers Present:
Councilmembers Excused: Planning Commissioners:
Planning Commissioners Excused:
Led by Vice Chair Smith
Mayor Bill Jahn
Mayor Pro Tern Rick Herrick Council Member David Caretto Council Member Liz Harris Council Member Jay Obemolte
Vice Chair Craig Smith Commissioner Jim DeGroot Commissioner Bob Jackowski
Chairwoman Anne Zimmerman
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Jahn presented a proclamation recognizing the month of April 2011 as “Fair Housing Month” to Priscilla Haggerman representing the local Board of Realtors.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Affordable Housing Policy Discussion
Following thorough discussions with the Planning Commission, the City Council and Improvement Agency provided direction for each of the three (3) policy areas:
1) affirming or revising the City’s previous commitment to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) obligation for the 2008-2014 planning period; and
The following citizens spoke in support of the Sandalwood Group(anti-affordable housing):
Patti Dokter, Big Bear Lake: spoke on behalf of the Sandalwood Group and submitted for the record a petitionwith 1,357 signatures in opposition to the proposed EAH affordable housing development on Sandalwood Drive.
Gloria Meade, Big Bear City
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake
Ed Wallace, Big Bear Lake
Myriam Mourani, Big Bear Lake
Ken Anderson, Big Bear Lake
Jerry Bennett, Big Bear Lake
Dean Sisemore, Big Bear Lake
Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake
Norm Reinik, Big Bear Lake
Barbara Willey, Big Rear Lake
Tina Schmitt, Big Bear Lake
Susan McHardy, Big Bear Lake
Jeff Totten, Big Bear Lake
James Nordine, Big Bear Lake
Dana Prophet, Big Bear Lake
John Krost, Big Bear Lake
Motion by Council member Obemoltc, seconded by Council member Harris to affirm the City’s previouscommitment to meet the RHNA obligation for the 2008-2014 planning period.
Said Motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Caretto, Harris, Herrick, Jahn, Obemolte
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RECESS
At the hour of 6:54 p.m., Council recessed. At the hour of 7:01 p.m., Council reconvened.
2) affirming or revising the designation of “new construction development” as
the method to satisfy the RHNA obligation; and The following citizens spoke in support of the Sandalwood Group(anti-affordable housing): Craig Antes, Owner of Bear City Glass, Big Bear City
Gloria Meade, Big Bear Lake
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake Myriam Mourani, Big Bear Lake John Riedl, Big Bear Lake
Ken Anderson, Big Bear Lake Gregg Pitcher, Big Bear Lake Jerry Bennett, Big Bear Lake Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake Patti Dokter, Big Bear Lake Dean Sisemore, Big Bear Lake Barbara Willey, Big Bear Lake Jerry Bennett, Big Bear Lake Jaymes Nordine, Big Bear Lake John Krost, Big Bear Lake Linda Carpenter, Big Bear Lake Gloria Rose, Big Bear City Dana Prophet, Big Bear Lake
Gloria Wandel, Bid Bear Lake: spoke in support of rehabbing applicable vacancies toward RHNA numbers.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Caretto to revise the designation of “newconstruction development” to include rehabilitation, upzoning, new construction and to send notification to theproperty owners of the changes to satisfy the RHNA obligation.
Said Motion was approved by the following vote:
YES: Caretto, Herrick, Obernolte NOES: Harris, Jahn
ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None
3) Affirming or revising the previously approved Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process outcome relative to the EAH development team and the proposed Sandalwood site as being suitable for an affordable housing development (note: an affirmation only means that the intent is to work with EAH to come up with a development proposal that is suitable and appropriate for the selected site on Sandalwood; and...
The following citizens spoke in opposition to the EAH affordable housing development proposal for the selected site on Sandalwood:
Joy Oliver, Big Bear City John Riedl, Big Bear Lake Ken Anderson, Big Bear Lake
Annette Pilcher, Big Bear Lake Gregg Pilcher, Big Bear Lake Jerry Bennett, Big Bear Lake Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake Patti Dokter, Big Bear Lake Dean Sisemore, Big Rear Lake Barbara Willey, Big Bear Lake Jaymes Nordine, Big Bear Lake John Krost, Big Bear Lake Monique LeRoy, Big Bear Lake Myriam Mourani, Big Bear Lake
L. Walsh, Big Bear Lake Gloria Meade, Big Bear City
The following citizens spoke in support of the EAH affordable housing development proposal for the selected site on Sandalwood:
Julie Mungai National Core Rancho Cucamonga Joy Oliver, Big Bear Lake
Motion by Councilmember Caretto, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Herrick to delay further consideration of theEAH development proposal at the Sandalwood site until July 1, 2012, after the UHC project has been completedand occupied for a substantial period of time; direct staff to come back to Council with a proposal for a survey tobe conducted by a professional company to determine the need for affordable housing in the community; continueto talk to EAH, National Core and the Sandalwood Group for any other sites that might be suitable for thisproject, continue with Habitat for Humanity and report back to Council with periodic updates.
Said Motion was approved by the following vote:
YES: Caretto, Harris, Herrick, Jahn, Obernolte NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None
There being no further business to come before the Council at this session, Mayor Jahn adjoed the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
Wendys . Costello, Administrative Assistant City Manager’s Office