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Dear Councilman Hugo Soto Martinez,

The proposed version of CHIP is based on pre-existing zoning, which is a direct continuation of racially exclusive deed restrictions. Low density multifamily lots, such as R2s, will shoulder the fair share resulting from the complete R1 exemption.  Forcing these lower density multi-family lots to redevelop to meet the State\’s housing mandates will drive displacement to the extreme. Our communities are already vulnerable. Exposing our affordable, low-density multifamily lots to the unprecedented development pressure of our housing crisis will only intensify gentrification to protect the privileged single unit lots in affluent areas.

Instead, L.A. must densify, consistently and without exception, along transportation corridors, which cross all neighborhoods and connect people to academic and employment opportunities: including single unit lots (R1s) in high resource areas. As it stands, CHIP will rezone all the properties around R1 lots on large corridors, placing these lots in extreme hardship for their long term liveability. They will suffer under the current proposal, while intensifying the development pressure on low-density multifamily lots in minority neighborhoods. CHIP Options 4 and 5 however would save our pre-existing low-density multifamily affordable units AND rescue the single unit lots located on major thoroughfares. In particular, these options will save the historic Japanese core adjacent to Sawtelle Blvd. — the heart and soul of its small minority business community.

I urge you to motion City Council for to adopt CHIP Options 4 and 5 that includes R1 lots on corridors in Mixed Income and Affordable Housing programs in high resource areas, and exempt R2 lots to reduce displacement pressure in communities of color!

Additionally, Options 6 and 7 incentivize cooperatives and share equity development that would maintain multi-generational, property-owning families in place and allow for the increase in affordable homes, while providing rent-to-own pathways for lower to moderate income families. Although these options represent the antithesis of for-profit development that produces housing through gentrification, LA City Planning has marginalized and declared these obsolete in favor of preserving every single unit lot, even those contrary to consistent urban planning. We urge you to send these share equity Options 6 and 7 back to LA City Planning for the same level of feasibility analysis provided to all other options. Do not let these once in a generation opportunity to provide truly affordable homes for hard-working Angelenos to be pushed into invisibility.

I urge you to prevent an extremely inequitable CHIP and put forth a plan that complies with sensible urban planning principles: incentivize multifamily homes on R1s on corridors with cooperative and shared equity programs. Please support zoning justice for all of Los Angeles!

Sincerely,

%%your signature%%

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Dear Councilman Hugo Soto Martinez,

The proposed version of CHIP is based on pre-existing zoning, which is a direct continuation of racially exclusive deed restrictions. Low density multifamily lots, such as R2s, will shoulder the fair share resulting from the complete R1 exemption.  Forcing these lower density multi-family lots to redevelop to meet the State\’s housing mandates will drive displacement to the extreme. Our communities are already vulnerable. Exposing our affordable, low-density multifamily lots to the unprecedented development pressure of our housing crisis will only intensify gentrification to protect the privileged single unit lots in affluent areas.

Instead, L.A. must densify, consistently and without exception, along transportation corridors, which cross all neighborhoods and connect people to academic and employment opportunities: including single unit lots (R1s) in high resource areas. As it stands, CHIP will rezone all the properties around R1 lots on large corridors, placing these lots in extreme hardship for their long term liveability. They will suffer under the current proposal, while intensifying the development pressure on low-density multifamily lots in minority neighborhoods. CHIP Options 4 and 5 however would save our pre-existing low-density multifamily affordable units AND rescue the single unit lots located on major thoroughfares. In particular, these options will save the historic Japanese core adjacent to Sawtelle Blvd. — the heart and soul of its small minority business community.

I urge you to motion City Council for to adopt CHIP Options 4 and 5 that includes R1 lots on corridors in Mixed Income and Affordable Housing programs in high resource areas, and exempt R2 lots to reduce displacement pressure in communities of color!

Additionally, Options 6 and 7 incentivize cooperatives and share equity development that would maintain multi-generational, property-owning families in place and allow for the increase in affordable homes, while providing rent-to-own pathways for lower to moderate income families. Although these options represent the antithesis of for-profit development that produces housing through gentrification, LA City Planning has marginalized and declared these obsolete in favor of preserving every single unit lot, even those contrary to consistent urban planning. We urge you to send these share equity Options 6 and 7 back to LA City Planning for the same level of feasibility analysis provided to all other options. Do not let these once in a generation opportunity to provide truly affordable homes for hard-working Angelenos to be pushed into invisibility.

I urge you to prevent an extremely inequitable CHIP and put forth a plan that complies with sensible urban planning principles: incentivize multifamily homes on R1s on corridors with cooperative and shared equity programs. Please support zoning justice for all of Los Angeles!

Sincerely,

%%your signature%%