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Carol Schatz Testifies at City Planning Commission On Condo Conversion Matters
CCA's President & CEO
Carol Schatz
and members
Kate Bartolo
from the
Kor Group
,
Cindy Starrett
from
Latham and Watkins
and
Craig Lawson
from
Craig Lawson and Co., LLC
, testified at the City Planning Commission regarding a Planning Department report recommending five condo conversion-related ordinances and a Planning report analyzing the feasibility of a moratorium on condo conversions and demolitions.
The five proposed ordinances include creating an annual citywide cap on condo conversions; substantially increasing the amount of tenant relocation assistance to as high as $17,000 for qualified tenants and $9,000 for all other tenants; and increasing the rental housing production fee on conversions from $500 per unit to $1492 per unit. CCA is extremely concerned about both the process by which these recommendations came before the Commission, without sufficient public review or comment, and about the potential negative consequences they could have on Los Angeles' housing market and economy.
As such, CCA extensively lobbied the Planning Commission in opposition to a moratorium and cap on condominium conversions and asked the Commission to continue consideration on the other proposed ordinances until the stakeholders can have a meaningful debate on these issues. CCA had conversations with numerous Commissioners and other City officials, and provided written materials for consideration by the Commission, including relevant market data illustrating the negative ramifications of the proposed measures and a letter requesting a 30-day continuance.
Through these efforts, CCA helped fend off a moratorium on conversions and helped push back the consideration of a citywide condo conversion cap until late January or early February 2007. While the Planning Commission did not endorse these measures, they advanced the ordinances relating to tenant relocation assistance and the rental housing production fee. Despite CCA's strong testimony in opposition to significant fee increases, which more than double current rates, those ordinances were advanced for Council consideration.
CCA will continue to advocate against a cap on condo conversions and excessive fee increases, which could dissuade critical financial investment in the City.
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• CCA hired a consultant to study the economic impacts of preserving industrial land for industrial use only in Downtown, including the impact on job creation. • CCA staff attended a meeting hosted by the L.A. Chamber and the Hotel Association to respond to the living wage ordinance for LAX-area hotel workers that Council recently approved.
• CCA is in the process of scheduling candidate interviews for CD 7, CD 14, and the LAUSD School Board races. The Government Relations Committee will recommend endorsements to the Executive Committee in February.
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