Preserve our neighborhoods

Editor,

2009 is our year to get more serious about preserving existing, occupied
affordable housing in Santa Monica. In tough times, we can work together to
make sure more of our neighbors don't suffer eviction.

Let's make sure the new Land Use and Circulation Element, likely to be
adopted this year, includes meaningful protection for the stable, long-term
Santa Monica renters who depend on existing apartments.

While LUCE reshapes a selected 6% of the cityscape, our residential
neighborhoods remain at risk. Developers could continue to profit by
demolishing apartments in residential neighborhoods to build oversize luxury
condos.

That's why I've already made the proposal that we reduce the allowable
massing of new market-rate multi-family housing in existing neighborhoods.
I first brought that up at a Council meeting last spring, and reiterated it
in July. As we begin 2009, I bring it up again.

Less massing means better neighborhood compatibility, and less overshadowing
of existing housing by huge new condos. New units are likely to be smaller
in square footage for more affordable and sustainable living. Sensible
sizing could also reduce the economic incentive to demolish existing
affordable housing.

Current economic woes may slow demolitions and development in the short
term, but let's remember that the new LUCE is a 20-year plan. This is our
chance to protect our neighbors, our neighborhoods, and the city we love.

Kevin McKeown
City Councilmember