Expect to see every city council throw their hands up and approve projects that have low-income housing included. How they sell the “very low” income units, and to whom, will be very interesting in Encinitas, due to them selling the last two units to the same guy who promised to rent them to the appropriate lower-income tenants.
Piraeus Point, a project consisting of nearly 150 townhomes at Piraeus Street and Plato Place in Leucadia, received 3-1 approval from the Encinitas City Council despite resounding opposition from the community.
At a City Council meeting Wednesday, public comments took over an hour. More than 15 people spoke, nine donated their speaking time to others and 10 registered opposition. Over 30 people gave input in one way or another, and none supported Lennar Homes’ plans for development. But the council said its hands were tied, ultimately denying an appeal of the project and allowing it to move forward.
Due to the housing shortage, the state legislature has passed laws making it easier to develop new housing. Piraeus Point fits the guidelines in the Housing Accountability Act, which requires developments to align with zoning laws, not adversely affect the water supply or public health and meet the standards of the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act.
The Piraeus Point neighborhood would consist of 52 one-bedroom homes, 37 two-bedroom homes and 60 three-bedroom homes, with 15 of the homes reserved for “very low” income households. All units will be for sale, not for rent.
The Planning Commission approved the project, but the Encinitas Community Collective filed an appeal at the end of May arguing the development would, in fact, negatively impact the environment and public health.
Read the full article here:
https://thecoastnews.com/encinitas-reluctantly-oks-piraeus-point-over-community-opposition/
Keep watching. The Fox Point Farms affordable units turned into 100% rental units managed by Chelsea. Let’s hope the Piraeus affordable units truly remain ‘for sale’.
To regain some credibility, the city should pull names out of a hat – in front of everyone.
The last two times they selected the winner – the same guy, coincidentally – they did it behind closed doors. (smaller developments that only had one low-income unit)
You are 100% right Jim. There were actually more than 2 and what they did was very disingenuous. You can all thank the Blakespear and her disciples for what is happening to Encinitas. Yes your vote does count in local politics people. Wake up. The mayor, city council and school boards have an impact on local daily life. Welcome to Manhattan Beach Encinitas.
“ I can see it from my backyard” is the biggest NIMBY BS excuse. Bunch of babies, deal with it.
“I can see it from my backyard” is the biggest NIMBY BS excuse. Bunch of babies, deal with it.
The hilarious part is that this project will be blocking his close-up view of the I-5 freeway!