HomeMy WebLinkAboutItems DistributedDAVID G. FINKELSTEIN*t
MARC D. BENDER
IRENE Y. FUJII
V. WINNIE TUNGPAGASIT
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FINKELSTEIN BENDER & FUJII LLP
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OF COUNSEL
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
BRUCE M. LUBARSKY**
THOMAS J. BARGER
1528 SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL
SUITE 306
PARALEGALS
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA 94402
JOHN F.FARBSTEIN
TELEPHONE (650) 353-4503
LEGAL ASSISTANTS
TELECOPIER (650) 312-1803
MICHELE JAUREGUI
INFO@DGFLAW.COM
GISSELLE GODOY
WVVW.DGFLAW,COM
June 19, 2018
Mayor Al Murray,
Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca `Beckie" Gomez,
Council Member Dr. Allan Bernstein,
Council Member Charles E. "Chuck" Puckett,
Council Member Letitia Clark,
CIO Erica N. Rabe, City Clerk
City of Tustin,
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Re: Tustin's Downtown Commercial Core Plan.
Dear Mayor Murray, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, and Council Members,
This office represents Sutliff Trailer Park, LLC, owner of the Sutliff Trailer Park ("STP")
located at 435 W I't Street, Tustin, CA 92780, parcel no. 401-522-27. The park consists of 28
spaces with a total of 68 residences, and the average rent for each space is approximately $805.
We are writing to object to the City of Tustin's attempts to force the closure of STP including but
not limited to the City's attempt to suspend its permit to operate around May 19, 2016, the City's
determination in February 2018 that STP lost its non -conforming status, and the City's inclusion
of STP in the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan ("DCCSP"). STP did not receive
notice of the City of Tustin Planning Commission's April 24, 2018 public hearing on the
DCCSP.
STP has been in existence since before the City adopted its original zoning code in 1947
and was a conforming use when it began. The property was substantially the same as it is today
since its current owners purchased it in April 1986. The City has changed the zoning of this
property several times since its incorporation. The property was zoned Central Commercial prior
to 1985 and then zoned Residential in 1985. It continued to be zoned Residential pursuant to the
First Street Specific Plan. Now, the City is proposing to change the zoning of STP to a high
density residential.
June 19, 2018
Page 2
STP did not expand onto the two adjacent residential properties and the City's
determination that it lost its non -conforming status due to the alleged illegal expansion is not
correct. Our clients were renting out the mobile home spaces on the two residential lots along
with renting out the houses. In order to pay off the mortgages that was due on the main mobile
home park, our client sold the two homes and reserved an easement for the then existing mobile
home pads on those two lots. The use was never changed or expanded at least since 1986, and
the State Housing and Community Development Department has since inspected the park and
issued permits to operate.
The lack of housing is a critical problem that threatens the economic, environmental, and
social quality of life in California and the California Government Code requires that each City
adopt a Housing Element as a mandatory part of its General Plan and the City of Tustin is no
exception. The Housing Element of Tustin General Plan dated October 1, 2013 includes the
identification of strategies and programs that focus on conserving the existing affordable housing
stock. One of the Housing Element Program is to preserve affordable housing units including
maintaining the City's mobile home park zone and process conditional use permit applications as
received for manufactured homes. We contend that the City's recent determination that STP lost
its non -conforming status and its inclusion of STP in the DCCSP is in essence paving the way to
allow the City to eventually force the closure of the mobile home park and is in violation of the
Government Code and also the Housing Element in the City of Tustin's General Plan.
Based on the Affordable Rent for Low Income Households, the majority of the residents
living at STP fall within the Low or Very Low Income tier. The Housing Element is designed to
prevent discrimination against low-income household and the City's recent actions paving the
way to allow the City to eventually force the closure of STP is discrimination against the 68
residents currently living at STP. We request that STP be allowed to continue operating as a
legal non -conforming use and/or that the property be zoned to allow mobile home park ("MHP")
in the proposed Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan.
If the park is eventually forced to close because of your re -zoning, we have been
requested to pursue all available legal remedies for removing affordable housing, inverse
condemnation and economic and racial discrimination against our clients' tenants who are almost
all working class families and Hispanic.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if
you have any questions.
Very Truly Yours,
FINKELSTEIN BENDER & FUJII LLP
By:
Davi G. Finkels in, Esq.
From: Pam Neil <
Sent: Tuesday, lune 19, 2018 5:23 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Input for tonight's City Council
This will be my input in the public forum section for tonight's City Council.
I have four points to make.
The First Street Road Diet is a waste of the taxpayers' money.
Old town needs more business, it has narrow streets and diagonal parking.
First Street has good traffic flow and successful businesses.
Normally, one would follow and replicate the successful business model.
Maybe you should widen the streets in old town rather than narrow First Street.
Did Not Seek User's Input
Where were or are the requests for input from the citizens who are using the area?
Do you understand how a plan is improved by ideas from diverse points of view?
Laguna Example:
Forest Avenue had stores and pharmacies frequented by residents. It was changed the same way that is
proposed for First Street.
Tourists frequent the art galleries and restaurants that have a high turnover rate there now.
The residents buy their staples from outlying towns now.
On First Street the tire store, auto wash, Post Office, shipping store, laundromat, dry cleaners, and printed will
NOT benefit from a pedestrian mall.
Tustin does not have (or want) tourists. Those businesses may stand empty and that purchasing power may go
to other towns.
I leave you with this picture:
I park our wheelchair -accessible van in the diagonal parking. I stand in the bike lane to open the back doors and
lower the ramp. My husband rolls his wheelchair out into the single lane of traffic.
Please rethink the First Street Road Diet.
Sincerely,
Pam Neil
PRESENTED AT DAJS 6-19-18
Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan Related Communication
Received After April 24, 2018 Planning Commission Public Hearing
LTR.
Date
Received
Commenter
Comment
20
6-19-18
V. Winnie Tungpagasit,
Objection to the Downtown
Esq. by Finkelstein
Commercial Core Plan
Bender & Fujii LLP on
behalf of Sutliff Trailer
Park
21
6-19-18
Kim Mowers
First Street narrowing concern.
DeBenedetto
Old Town Resident
DAVID G. FINKEL8TEIN4S
MARC D. BENDER
IRENE Y. FUJII
V. YANNIE TUNGPAOASIT
ALEO ADMITTED NL NEW YORK
ALSO ACMITED MI TNF. 00TRICT CP
COLUMBIA
S PRAgMRO M LAW 0ITWA OF
DAVID O. F WASUK A
PROFESSIONAL. CORPORATION
VIA; U.S. Mail and Email
CityC:ounci l@tustinca.org
FINKELSTEIN BENDER & F'UrII LLP
A LIMTED L"ILMY PAATW .RaHIP
AWORNEYS AT LAW
1628 SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL
SUITE 306
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA 94402
TELEPHONE (650) 353-4503
TELECOPIER (860) 312.1803
1NF0QDDFUWA0M
VAYWOOFLAW,DOM
June 19, 2018
Mayor At Murray,
Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca "Beckie" Gomez,
Council Member Dr. Allan Bernstein,
Council Member Charles E. "Chuck" Puckett,
Council Member Letitia Clark,
C/O Erica N, Rabe, City Clerk
City of Tustin,
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Re: Tustin's Downtown Commercial Core Plan.
Dear Mayor Murray, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, and Council Members,
L e }Jre.r z o
OF COUNSEL
BRUCE M.LUBARSKY""
THOMAS J. BARGER
PARALEGALS
JOHN F. FARBSTEIN
LEGAL ASSISTANTS
MICHELE JAUREGUI
GISSELLE GODOY
This office represents Sutliff Trailer Park, LLC, owner of the Sutliff Trailer Park ("STP")
located at 435 W 1St Street, Tustin, CA 92780, parcel no. 401-522-27, The park consists of 28
spaces with a total of 68 residences, and the average rent for each space is approximately $805,
We are writing to object to the City of Tustin's attempts to force the closure of STP including but
not limited to the City's attempt to suspend its permit to operate around May 19, 2016, the City's
determination in February 2018 that STP lost its non -conforming status, and the City's inclusion
of STP in the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan ("DCCSP"). STP did not receive
notice of the City of Tustin Planning Commission's April 24, 2018 public hearing on the
DCCSP.
STP has been in existence since before the City adopted its original zoning code in 1947
.and was a conforming use when it began. The property was substantially the same as it is today
since its current owners purchased it in April 1986, The City has changed the zoning of this
property several times since its incorporation, The property was zoned Central Commercial prior
to 1985 and then zoned Residential in 1985, It continued to be zoned Residential pursuant to the
First Street Specific Plan. Now, the City is proposing to change the zoning of STP to a high
density residential.
June 19, 2018
Page 2
STP did not expand onto the two adjacent residential properties and the City's
determination that it lost its non -conforming status due to the alleged illegal expansion is not
correct, Our clients were renting out the mobile home spaces on the two residential lots along
with renting out the houses. In order to pay off the mortgages that was due on the main mobile
home park, our client sold the two homes and reserved an easement for the then existing mobile
home pads on those two lots. The use was never changed or expanded at least since 1986, and
the State Housing and Community Development Department has since inspected the park and
issued permits to operate.
The lack of housing is a critical problem that threatens the economic, environmental, and
social quality of life in California and the California Government Code requires that each City
adopt a Housing Element as a mandatory part of its General Plan and the City of Tustin is no
exception. The Housing Element of Tustin General Plan dated October 1, 2013 includes the
identification of strategies and programs that focus on conserving the existing affordable housing
stock, One of the Housing Element Program is to preserve affordable housing units including
maintaining the City's mobile home park zone and process conditional use permit applications as
received for manufactured homes. We contend that the City's recent -determination that STP lost
its non -conforming status and its inclusion of STP in the DCCSP is in essence paving the way to
allow the City to eventually force the closure of the mobile home park and is in violation of the
Government Code and also the Housing Element in the City of Tustin's General Plan.
Based on the Affordable Rent for Low Income Households, the majority of the resident's
living at STP fall within the Low or Very Low Income tier. The Housing Element is designed to
prevent discrimination against low-income household and the City's recent actions paving the
way to allow the City to eventually force the closure of STP is discrimination against the 68
residents currently living at STP. We request that STP be allowed to continue operating as a
legal non -conforming use and/or that the property be zoned to allow mobile home park ("MHP")
in the proposed Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan.
If the park is eventually forced to close because of your re -zoning, we have been
requested to pursue all available legal remedies for removing affordable housing, inverse
condemnation and economic and racial discrimination against our clients' tenants who are almost
all working class families and Hispanic,
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if
you have any questions.
Very Truly Yours,
FINKELSTEIN BENDER & FUJII LLP
.. .
From: V. Winnie Tungpagasit[
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 12:02 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < ; Murray, AI < ; Gomez, Rebecca
<
; Clark, Letitia < ; City Clerk <
Cc: David Finkelstein <
Subject: Sutliff Trailer Park's Objection to Tustin Downtown Commercial Core Plan - 6/19/18 hearing
Importance: High
Dear Mayor Murray, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, and Council Members,
Please find attached the letter sent on behalf of Sutliff Trailer Park objecting to Tustin's Downtown
Commercial Core Specific Plan.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Winnie
V. Winnie Tungpagasit, Esq.
FINKELSTEIN BENDER & FUJII LLP
1528 S. El Camino Real, Suite 306
San Mateo, CA 94402
Dir: (
Tel: (650) 353-4503, Ext. 112
Fax: (650) 312-1803
I www.d.qflaw.com
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Le+Wr 21
From: Kim Mowers DeBenedetto
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 2:05 PM
To: Gomez, Rebecca <
Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan - Proposed Changes to First St.
Dear Beckie,
I write to you today as a concerned citizen and resident of Old Town Tustin. Over the past
several years, I have attended local meetings for the proposed Downtown Commercial Core
Specific Plan. Most of the changes, I feel, were well-planned with much forethought and
expertise for city planning. I welcome most of them, such as making the entrances to
Old Town Tustin welcoming and pedestrian friendly.
I do take strong exception to the proposal to narrowing both First Street and Main
Street from four lanes (two in each direction) down to two lanes (one in each direction).
I feel this will add numerous problems to the daily traffic in Old Town and extreme
traffic congestion during the peak travel hours when citizens are traveling to and from
work. Both First Street and Main Street are major thoroughfares through town and to
our neighboring cities of Irvine and Santa Ana.
While I feel that street narrowing and the addition of diagonal parking was a welcomed
change to El Camino Real in Old Town Tustin, this street is not a major thoroughfare
between cities, but rather a gateway to Old Town's downtown restaurants and
businesses. I do have to say, though, that backing out of those diagonal parking spaces is
sometimes dangerous and one must back out at least halfway before you can see
oncoming traffic in your lane. I can only imagine how much more difficult it will be to
back out of diagonal spaces on a street as busy as First Street. It will be an nightmare
during peak traffic times.
The narrowing of First Street will especially cause more overflow traffic onto
neighboring Fourth St. and Seventeenth St., not to mention all the little side
streets such as my own street in Old Town - West Second St. I know that folks
will try to take shortcuts through my street and Third St. in order
to circumvent the back up of traffic on First St. That will have a major effect
on the quality of life for my street's residents as well as cause safety issues for
the children who ride their bikes and walk home from school after sports.
I ask you to consider how this would affect your quality of life and street congestion if
you lived here in Old Town Tustin. As some might say, take a walk in my shoes. To my
knowledge, not one of five council members live in Old Town Tustin, or anywhere close
to it. Most of council members live east of Newport Blvd., so the proposed change of
First St. and Main St. traffic will have little to no effect on your or your families'
commutes. But it will strongly a - ct the lives of the residents of Old Town Tustin.
I respectfully ask you to consider the contents of my letter and to have this portion of
the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan revisited and reviewed for common sense
adaptations for our city. Please help us keep the quality of life and the flow of traffic
going in a positive direction.
Beckie, I thank you for reading and considering the ideas of my letter. I am sure you
know it represents many other people's views who feel the same.
Sincerely,
Kim DeBenedetto
Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan Related Communication
Received After April 24, 2018 Planning Commission Public Hearing
LTR,
Date
Commenter
Comment
Received
1
5-7-18
Gwen Masters,
• Feels Plan is great for the developers
business owner of
and Planning Commission but not
Scooters — Mailbox,
necessarily for property owners unless
Cards & Gifts located at
they want to sell and close or move their
360 E. First Street
current business. Feels it gives
mandatory guidelines for development
in the affected areas that people can
use to approve new projects, Conveys
six specific issues.
2
5-12-18
Wendy Woolsey,
Agrees with most of the concepts with
member of community
the exception of putting First Street on a
area
road diet; provides 4 reasons why not.
3
5-17-18
Irene Hirsch
Road diet — concern with taking away
14361 Galy Street
parking and narrowing streets for those
who cannot make Old Town a walking
experience.
4
5-29-18
Gwen Masters/Mark
First Street road diet— author's
Masters
additional communication of dislike of
First Street road diet.
5
6-11-18
Wendy and Bili
. First Street road diet -- concern and
Jarvis174xx Parker
displeasure.
Drive
6
6-13-18,
James R. Gilbertson
. First Street lane diet — vows to never
--Tustin, CA
spend money at any First Street
business if City approves.
7
6-13-18
Chuck Lewis
. Support of DCCSP -- Particularly
Property Owner -- 661
enhanced parking opportunities and
W. First Street
First Street improvements.
8
6-1318
Lee Hoffer
. Concern with lane reduction of First
425 West Second
Street increasing traffic on other streets
Street
in Old Town.
LTR,
Date'
Commenter
Comment
Received
9
6-13-18
Alexander R. Rossel
Support to approve the DCCSP -
Business Owner - 661
particularly opportunities for more on-
W. First Street
street parking and enhanced
attractiveness of the area.
10
6-15-18
Gwen Masters,
• Town hall type meeting request with
business owner of ..
bothersome issues identified.
Scooters - Mailbox,
Cards & Gifts located at
360 E. First Street
11
6-14-18
Mike & Cindy Sweeney
• Supportive of efforts but suggests and
14621 Holt Avenue
asks for slower growth approach and
with specific points of interest conveyed
for consideration.
12
6-15-18
Laurie Oard
First Street lane reduction concern,
Tustin resident
13
6-16-18
Phil & Linda Cox.
Ficus trees, parking, and homelessness
Property Owners --
concerns in Old Town Tustin.
COX's Market Plaza
- _ -
_ - _ -
SEC- EI Camino Real -
and Main Street
14
6-15-18
Richard Bart
Existing and future operational and
Resident at Palmwood
safety concerns on First Street,
Condominiums on First
Street
15
6-18-18'
Anonymous
Traffic calming proposal concerns for
Old Town.
16
6-18-18
Lillian Champ
First Street lane reduction concern.
17'
6-18-18
Tammie Bullard
First Street lane reduction concem and
the inclusion of the First Street area in
the Plan.
18
'6-17-18
Tom Beeman
• First Street lane reduction concern.
19
6-19-18
Peter Zappas
Support of project.
L,ei4z.c-
orn: Mark Masters
.gent: Monday, May 07, 2018 10:33 AM
To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; Murray, AI; TustinPlanning; bgomez@tustinca.org; Bernstein, Allan;
Puckett, Chuck; Clark, Letitia; Ogdon, Dana; Yeager, Lucy
Cc: 'Prescott Earl J.'; 'Alfio Rossetti'
Subject: DCCSP
Follow Up Fll'ag: Flag for follow up
Hag Status: Flagged
As I see it, the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan (DCCSP) is great for the developers and
Planning Commission. It gives mandatory guidelines for development in the affected areas that
people can use to approve new projects. It is not necessarily good for property owners unless they
want to sell and close or move their current business.
Some issues I have are:
I. The city seems to have 2 standards when comr muurnicartirng with the {popwillartlion.. Things lilke the
concerts in the park or water rationing, we get Qnotiffed hyo fliyerrs; iin youirwaterlbillll and
postcards. Police Dept. open houses have an insert. iin the water lbiillll and seweffaill Ilaiwn sigrns
around the city. When the city council wants to devellop a "'moire comprehensive budding plan
for the city that taxpayers and landowners wi61 uyltimrnatelly7 pay/ for„ tlhreyy punt notliices Fin the
classified section of the local paper, send non-descriipt Ilettterrs to wink nj owm reciipiientts (2015,
2016 and 2017) and post 8 % x 11 flyers downtown where they Ikmowl nabodly/ warlllfs and. that is
what they are trying to fix. That is legal notificaitiion.. lit mrnay/ Ibe "llegar Ibuut not eftifeUfve_ Do the
city council people. know the "stakeholders" were suirprised by/ttlh� dbewimmentiin March 2018?
Does the city council think that the 3-5 years spent devellopiingMs{prr igetiin rrellalffrveisolation
from the stakeholders is sufficient time and money expensedl aindl iit its tdimme to rra?t iFIV? Do they
think the voters may express themselves in November? Onthe`y/cam? The ciitVOfSanta Ana
sends out email blasts via City of Santa Ana <,ciity-oF-samta-arena@emnaiills.niixdle..co,Trn>.Community
IVlessage: Notice To Residents: Schedule of Public Hearings To CimisideirArrimenidliing pity Qr1iJ'ard
Boundaries, I get ema- l b1,13tS frufii Tustin. CA POfil~e.W,ur t aigir7
a g g , ;ry
d2oartrnent@en-r.ai s.ni�lt.com re,�ardin.� p�r��{� oir�rn fli,c�ra.� a7d,S!J1Zfh,,..
2 . What problem are we trying to fix? Did we ask the ccomrnmmuuniityy rrmtrm'cnm forr imnpw t on what
problems would you like the city council to address iin then�t� �yr�rrs?���r�e uupgradlirng
sewers and water flow? Is Edison moving power uindeWowindfa' Are tthe gas lCurr smfle?Are
there any programs to envelope the hoarselless?%Yhy/din dh>-yjdhxrl toili&-evilazibors?Thney
have a lot of boring time on their hands, what can theyy do to heJo ¢>mnmmuunft iirrn exclhrarrnge for
money?
3) Did they look at the businesses on First St before dieemmiiag iiu they/ iidentify
'ie businesses by name and product sold that wouilld ttrrarffic and rnorre wallki ng
traffic? P/lany on the street feel like they are an errand or desdirrnattii m husicr». ikttedl thra#lfiic fllarvv
will make "motor" customer unhappy and likely to 'change- pG-_ 1, GF) t1rav,61"' WWI Ibwi3jrcm� uitillized
to fit into their tight schedules. I am more concerned with the First St, road diet and the architectural
?!a
iequiremeri•r �: I know other businesses like Roma d Italia are also concerned. (toad diets in LA are
receiving a lot of community angst and possible reversals, does Tustin want to spend the money and
o
ossibly have the same result? V
4) Who is asking for a cohesive design? The city council has gone to statewide meetings of cities and
has the goal of making Tustin "more vibrant" and, by the way, these multi story buildings in the
pictures do not reflect current businesses of 10 years or more in the area, they feature more highly
dense living working areas. They are also allowing more multi story (3 or 4 stories) for dwellings. One
on the sets of slides was all about population increase which they view as good because all the (low
income) people will frequent our businesses. New people bring new cars, so obviously, we need to
narrow the roads and encourage walking. It is better for our health and BTW we don't have any
parking. The people in those dwellings are probably allowed to park in a multistory parking garage. is
this what the taxpayer wants? Get rid of current businesses and construct new buildings closer to the
walkable street? Maybe the city should step back and look at the restriping and increased parking via
diagonal parking only in the area where most problems are emanating? It would cost less and is easily
and cheaply fixed if the plan doesn't get the desired results. There are many studies out there stating
that changing traffic flow will change business in the area.
5) city employee wages are very high. https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/2016/tustin/
The average city employee makes $94,917 + $118696 (and rising) ---The average resident makes
$3,558 (down from 5 years ago). According to the Register newspaper homes prices are down 32.7
percent in the 92780 zip code.
6) The public requesting to speak at meetings has little or no impact on decisions. The panel "listens"
,ith great attention and respect to each public speaker but does not engage or react to any concern.
(he panel has already decided this is the best plan available for the area and the fact that a large
percentage of the community had no clue until recently is not their problem. A rising tide will float all
boats. The hypothetical future employment and increased density using the same land area are the
primary focus, not supporting current residents and businesses.
Gwen Masters
Scooters Mail6ox Carcls and Gifts
360 �, �irst St
Tustin, CA 92780
714-669-0630
wnw,v.scootersmailbox.com
Le+tP-r z
b0= Cal & Wendy Woolsey
.tent: Saturday, May 12, 2018 3:15 PM
To: Yeager, Lucy
Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan
Dear L. Yeager,
As a longtime member of this community, I wish to comment on Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan.
I am very familiar with old Town as we dine and shop there often. I agree that Old Town could be more vital than at
present.
Having reviewed the plan, I agree with most of the concepts with one major exception. I believe that to put First Street
on a "road diet" is a very bad idea for the following reasons:
1. There is simply too much traffic for First Street to be reduced to single lanes. Like it or not, First Street is an
arterial highway despite the preliminary approval to call it something else.
2. Every street given a "road diet" that I know of has resulted in snarled traffic and has been a flop.
.3.. First Street businesses are not walk up types, Most people don't walk to the post office or to tire shops for
example.
'4. Parking on First Street seems adequate, thus I question the need for diagonal parking, especially with only one
through lane each way.
,urge the city staff to reconsider the First Street road diet and sincerely hope that you will do so.
Thank you,
Wendy Woolsey
1
L,r_3Aer 3
Im: TustinPlanning
,,ant: Thursday, May 17, 2018 10:37 AM
To: Yeager, Lucy
Subject: FW: Road Diet for Old Town
H i. Lucy,
This email was received in the POD email,
Elaine
Elaine Dove, AICP, RLA
Senior Planner.
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
()14)573-3136
From Zrene iA*irsA
Sent: Thursday, May J,'2618 9:38 AM
To: TustfnPlanning
Subjectt,, Road Diet for Old Town
`ear Developers,
_&r was with great interest that I read_an article in The OC Register regarding_ the plans
for the "road diet" that are'being discussed for Old Town.
I understand the desire -for wanting more people to come to Old Town, but, taking
away parking and narrowing streets only makes the shopping experience in Old Town
frustrating"and.�uninviting. I idon't use the diagonal spots you put in years ago, I used
them once, and almost got hit by a car trying to pull out.
Recently, my sister and I were shopping at Armstrong Nursery. I suggested we look at
a new shop that opened recently, Morning Lavender. We drove over to the shop, and
to my dismay, there was no -parking. The Synergy parking lot was free, but it was for
-Synergy customers only. We had to drive around to find parking. Both of us are in our
60's and do have various health issues. Nothing that requires handicap parking, but we
do appreciate' reasonably dose parking.
Narrow streets Invite congestion and frustration, shoppers won't want to come.
Other than Mrs. B's and Armstrong. I do very little shopping in Old Town. I would like
support Old Town more, but, the lack of parking keeps me, and my husband, from
4oming to town. I'm sure there are more of us who think this way.
T know your plans are under way, but please consider those of us who cannot make
Old Town Tustin a walking experience,
,ncerely,
Irene Hirsch
z
Le-iec H
From: Mark Masters <
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2018 8:09 AM
To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; Murray, Al; TustinPlanning; Bernstein, Allan; Puckett, Chuck; Clark,
Letitia; Ogdon, Dana; Yeager, Lucy; CITY COUNCIL
Subject: DCCSP-really dislike lst St road diet
City Council City of Tustin Strategic Plan — 2013-2018
http://webdocs.tustinca.org/weblink/`DocView.aspx?id=210866&searchid=6af36433-fa7f-4806-9c37-
220150e3d8dd&dbid=0
Page 7
1. Create a vision and business plan for Old Town through a collaborative, inclusive process with
stakeholders from the entire community. If this is a goal — why did every business owner and
property owner feel blindsided in March?
5. Strengthen and facilitate business relationships for economic development purposes. Are these
business relationships from developers like Kimco or are some Mom and Pop sized businesses
included.
1. C Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce to strengthen city's relationship with local
businesses. I went to the Chamber of Commerce office in March and they knew nothing about
the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan. How did that happen?
Can we trust our elected officials? Do we need to go to monthly meetings to find out what 1% percent
of the activist part of society are expressing to the elected leaders? Our elected leaders go to
statewide meetings and are deeply influenced by state "goals" for cities. I believe state offers financial
assistance for behavior modification i.e, Handicap access and bike lanes and possibly water
conservation.
It seems like elected officials all the way up the line like to "listen" to the people in the room and see
how the government use government employees to solve a problem. Is it possible to listen and use
their networking system to find private industry to solve the problem? Maybe government is creating
more and more government jobs whose salaries are paid "by the people". We wouldn't have pension
funding problems.
Creating work for developers. It seems to me like the City Council likes to work in "broad strokes". The
new acquisition development contracts like to work with major developers. Very little is done with
and for individuals or small businesses. The big guys take the financial risk, develop to a set standard
and pass the cost to the eventual owner/occupant. There is no room for John Q Public to hang his
own shingle or build his own house. John Q must pay the "improved" price of the project. The renters
of the business property must pay a landlord for the rest of their business life. Many small businesses
create their retirement "nest egg" by owning real estate. The photos in the DCCSP look like 3 story
buildings with new tenants, how are the established tenants supposed to feel?
How many opportunities are there for small business in the city? NFIB Small Biz Weekly
NFIBWeekly@nfibweekly.bulletinmedia.com Are they all restaurant and fitness related? (or non-
profit) What other goods and services can earn money? Tustin senior center seems to be a great
community asset, how about a young people's house for dances, homework and general hanging out?
How about a community amphitheater? Actually, the schools are building a lot of great spaces for
"community rental".
Gwen Masters
jcooters Mailbox Cards and Gifts
56o E_ f=irst `jt
Tustin, CA 92780
71 4-669-o65o
www.scootersmailbox.com
Gwen Masters
`jcooters Mailbox Cards and Gifts
560 F- First 5t
Tustin, CA 92780
7i4-669-o65o
www.scootersmailbox.com
From: Wendy Hagmaier Jarvis [
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 10:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan - First Street'Road Diet'
ATTN: Mayor Al Murray, Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Gomez, Council Member Dr. Aillan Bernstein, Council
Member Charles Puckett and Council Member Letitia Clark:
We wanted to express our concern and displeasure that our Tustin City Council would even consider
limiting traffic on First Street.
I go to the Tustin Plaza Car Wash on Sundays. If I have to deal with Increase traffic I can have my car
washed at work (in Laguna Niguel) without the inconvenience. I also frequent the fast-food
restaurants and Super Antojitos. Again, I can eat on my way home without the traffic nuisance.
Ask Tony and Donna at AAA Family Gems how much tax revenue I personally generate at their store
at the jewelry mart. We get 20% off all purchases at Rite Aid because we purchased so much last
year. Actually, we've received this discount for several years. Again, other cities have Rite Aids that
are very accessible. The Rite Aid on First and Newport only has limited access if you are not
approaching from First Street.
We also use First Street regularly to access Rutabegorz and the Armstrong Nursery. But to be honest,
the Laguna Hills Nursery would be much more convenient if traffic is limited on First Street. Oh yeah,
it's In Santa Ana.
Tustin already has a lovely area which is easily accessible on foot. I frequently see Sondra Kollekcio
Boutique and spend a veritable fortune at Ivy's.
- - - - - -We enjoy living and -shopping -in Tustin. But -to -be honest --we don't need -to tolerate -inconvenience -to -
- - - - -
shop here. Other cities make it much easier.
You know what else makes me angry? I went to the City Council page looking for documentation on
this proposal. I'm sure it's there SOMEWHERE, but I was unable to locate it. Fortunately, I was able to
find it on another website.
It says you want to 'Attract more patrons to support and strengthen businesses in Old Town.' Just how
do you take your car to Big O tires ($999.84 spent 6/10/2018) on foot?
This may be a well-intentioned idea, but we see the problems .other cities have had with the kind if
downtown area being proposed. You know, cities like Fullerton, where the battle between the haves
and the have nots led the police department to beat a mentally ill man to death. Where drunk driving
is just a way of life. We don't need that here.
We urge you to vote against this change.
Wendy and Bill Jarvis,
L-eAer
From: Jim Gilbertson[
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Subject: 1st St. Lane "Diet"
This road "Diet" is about the most absurd thing I've heard in some time !!! I strongly recommend you
vote this down !!!
I, James R. Gilbertson , Promise to NEVER spend 1 dime in ANY business located on 1St St. in Tustin, Ca. if
this passes !!!
This is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars, in addition to shuddering businesses along 1" St.
Sincerely,
James R. Gilbertson
Tustin, Ca.
L e-ec- 7
From: Chuck Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 8:35 PM
To: Clark, Letitia <
Subject: SUPPORT OF DCCSP!ll! Especially narrowing First Street and adding parking
Dear Ms. Clark,
I am very pleased the proposed DCCSP was approved by the Plamung Commission and wanted
to make sure you know I fully support the proposed plan. 1 am optimistic you will approve
it as recommended; especially the portion where First Street reduces to one lane and
parking is increased.
As the owner of First Street, the DCCSP plan (specifically 2.3.1.2) will directly
and positively impact my building by enhancing my professional tenants' ability to meet client
needs. Parking is areal challenge for us. My leaseholders are medical, dental, speech &
language, and podiatry providers. The speech center, for example, experiences a surge in clients
in the afternoon, which is when children are out of school. With a very limited number of
providers in Tustin, this is an important business and parking is critical to its success.
One impact on our parking, for example, comes fiom a translator business operating on Yorba
with many employees and little parking of their own --thus the employees there arrive early and
park on all the open spaces on Myrtle. With much of the limited on -street parking soaked up by
them, it adds to our challenge.
I drove by my building at 7:15 on Monday morning, May 14, 2018, to count cars parked on the
street. There were 16 total (see photo below), virtually filling Myrtle's available parking—
which is nearly all the street parking for the entire city block (none on Irvine, none on
Yorba, very few on First, and none due to the 55 freeway). With three large business centers
in place, businesses on Yorba with limited street parking, a vacant parcel pending development
in the back corner, and a large apartment complex packed with occupancy, any added parking in
this general area is desperately needed.
G
I am aware that there is some vocal opposition by a few folks regarding First Street. It is my
hope you will recognize the silent majority will benefit from this investment and the enhanced
curb appeal in the area. I truly believe this plan to transform First Street into an exciting
place to do business and encourage you approve it as presented.
You have my support. I love the plan!
With appreciation,
Chuck
Chuck Lewis
Trustee of the Charles and Kathleen Lewis 2005 Trust
Tustin, CA 92780
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
L__e,P,.e_r 9
From: Lee Hoffer
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan
Dear honorable members of the Tustin city council,
I am deeply concerned with some aspects of the proposed Downtown Commercial Core Specific
Plan, mainly the reduction of Fust Street from four lanes to two. While I appreciate the need to
make Old Town Tustin more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, there is also the need to keep traffic
moving. Orange County is experiencing unprecedented growth, and increased traffic is an
inevitable side effect of this growth. Reducing First Street to two lanes would dramatically
increase traffic on all streets in Old Town Tustin and would also negatively impact the many
automobile -centric businesses on Fust Street. I believe we should be implementing plans which
help alleviate traffic and congestion and not create more of it. I would like you all to please
consider keeping Fust Street the way it is.
Thank you,
Lee Hoffer
Le4ec 9
From: Alex Rossel[
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 6:07 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Subject:
Dear City Council,
As a business owner at W. First Street, I encourage you to approve the Downtown Commercial
Core Draft Specific Plan.
As the owner of two businesses on First Street, we are in constant need of parking at
this end of the corridor due to the limited on -street spaces. This plan would add much
needed parking, thus making our location more business friendly. It will also enhance
the attractiveness of the area, which will help grow my business
Please vote YES on the DCCDSP.
Respectfully,
Alexander Rossel
Tustin, CA 92780
Alexander R. Rossel
Chief Executive Officer
Families Together of Orange County
This e-mail message and any attached files are confidential and are intended solely for the use of
the addressee(s) named above. This communication may contain material protected by law, work
product, or other privileges. If you are not the intended recipient or person responsible for
delivering this confidential communication to the intended recipient, you have received this
communication in error, and any review, use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, copying, or
other distribution of this e-mail message and any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this confidential communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply
e-mail message and permanently delete the original message.
L, e 3,�,eA t zi
From: Mark Masters <
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2018 9:17 AM
To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; Murray, Al; TustinPlanning; Bernstein, Allan;
Puckett, Chuck; Clark, Letitia; Ogdon, Dana; Yeager, Lucy; CITY COUNCIL
Cc: 'Alfio Rossetti'; 'Prescott Earl J.'
Subject: Please have a townhall type meeting with owners/business impacted by DCCSP before
voting to approve
Please have a townhall type meeting with owners/business impacted by DCCSP before voting to approve. Explain to
us why we should like and adopt your vision. Listen to us and actually answer questions. Just voting to approve
sounds like "railroading" to me.
Bothersome issues.
Rolling 7 specific plans into one. The nature of the businesses and homes are different; therefore, the city
planning guidelines should be appropriate to the land use — having "design guidelines" is a step in the direction of
government over -control.
Zone change — see above — we the occupants and residents don't want the uniform cohesive design seen in
new developments like Irvine and Mission Viejo — I don't know how many voters want all the "new" construction of
taller buildings downtown.
Do not replace First St specific plan with a new plan to "extend" downtown area. The nature of the current
occupants is commuter in nature not foot traffic and strolling in nature.
First St is a commuter street and the business on that street bought and developed the property with that
general plan in mind.
The planning commission listened politely to the concerned citizens and then proceeded to vote in favor without
any questions or comments about the public outcry, One planning commission member left the room because he had a
conflict of interest. I imagine the planning commission wants a cut and dry template of acceptable and un -acceptable
building for the area. Businesses that require a variance will be subject to 6 months —1 -year delay for public comment
and individual approvals making transfer and development of properties very expensive. It looks like the long term goal
would be to sell properties to a consolidating developer and let them deal with the guidelines. it will make it impossible
for the little people (mom and pops) to gather enough funds to enter into the real estate world of Tustin.
The planning commission developed this plan over the last 4 years with only the input of people that have time
for lunch meetings and "for the public good" meetings. They have identified a blight and decided to fix it through
legislation and code change. They are making rules "for other people" to live by. The planners and advisors do not live or
own property in the affected areas. They didn't actively solicit input from affected individuals. They didn't "hide" what
they were planning, the just didn't mention it. The one person on the planning committee with an interest cannot speak
or vote.
What is the best way for the impacted public to have a voice? We have learned the ineffective ways. If there is
no way to have a meaningful dialogue (not monologue on either side), is it really legal in a court of law?
Gwen Masters
5cootcrs Mail6ox Cards and GFts
360 r rirst St
Tustin, CA 92780
71+-669-0650
www.scootersmailbox.com
Le l% 11
From: mike sweeney(
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 2:13 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Cc: Cindy Sweeney <
Subject: Proposed First Street Re -alignment AKA "Street Diet"
Dear Mayor & Council -members,
As lifelong residents of the greater Tustin Area and products of the Tustin Unified School District
(Tustin High Class of'69); Cindy and I have an appreciation of Tustin's history and evolution.
We are happy to see a focus on Old Town Tustin and how it can become more vibrant. The
addition of new restaurants and wine bars that pay homage to our history along EI Camino Real
is something we applaud.
Long fans of Old Town Orange, we often lamented that Old Tustin had nowhere near the draw
in shops, pubs and dining opportunities. That balance is now coming to Tustin on an
understandably smaller scale (which is as it should be). The success of "The Orange Circle"
has created so many problems related to parking and street congestion, that we seldom make
that our choice for dining or shopping any longer. The use of neighborhood parking permits
around The Orange Circle was driven unfortunately by the successful expansion of Chapman
University. The end result is that those who drive into The Orange Circle no longer feel as
welcomed. Until Orange builds a parking structure just to support patrons of The Orange Circle
shops, the entire experience must be downgraded.
With this local problematic "success" story close at hand; please prioritize the pitfalls of
increased traffic without adequate vehicle flow and parking. We don't want an expanded Old
Town Tustin most known for: bottlenecks on First Street, limited public parking and Permit
restricted neighborhood parking:
• Please back away from high density urban planning that doesn't provide adequate self-
contained parking in environmental impact evaluations.
• Please consider a two story parking structure on the lot now used for the Farmer's
Market to support restaurants and shops.
• Please Do Not reduce First Street to one lane in each direction at EI Camino Real.
• While diagonal parking slots in parking lots have their benefits; they are not worth the
loss of traffic lanes to achieve them.
• Bike Lanes are also a "nice" thing to contemplate, but not at the cost of vehicle traffic
flow.
Please move forward with a slower growth approach to the expansion of Old Town Tustin. We
live in a home built in 1921 on the outskirts of Old Tustin. For several years the Tustin Tiller
Day Parade went right by our front door on the corner of Holt & Beneta Way. Revitalizing Old
Town Tustin resonates with us, so we applaud your efforts! We just ask that you take the time
to add value without adding avoidable complications.
Thank you for considering our concerns.
Mike & Cindy Sweeney
L e. 4,- r" 12 -
From:
2_
From: Laurie Oard[
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2018 7:29 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <
Subject: First Street
To Whom it May Concern:
I have lived hi Tustin for over 30 years and have enjoyed the revitalization of downtown Tustin.
Driving through downtown last night I saw all the signs about a "Road Diet" and then this morning I
researched what it was about. PLEASE don't restrict traffic on First Street. This is a major road going
through Tustin and even as it is now, it is very often crowded and slow. If you take away a lane, it will
make the traffic unbearable. By limiting access to downtown, you will hurt the new little shops &
restaurants that are popping up and very likely cause them to close, as people will choose other places to
spend their money that are easier to get to.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and care for Tustin and its residents.
LGt4,4'.f''[.e, Oardl
Vice President
CT Properties, Inc.
(714) 327-1710 x100
(714) 327-1940 fax
PLEASE NOTE OUR ADDRESS!
)e-#er 13
From: Phil Cox <
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2018 2:13 PM
To: Ogdon, Dana <
Subject ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION BEFORE APPROVING ORDINANCE NO. 1497
To: Dana Ogden, Assistant Director Community Development
Please distribute this information to the Mayor, City Council -members and other concerned
persons.
The city has had several projects which was of interest to those in the planning department
during their development and implementation, most likely none of those people are still in the
employment of the City of Tustin. Such projects, recalling from memory, are the downtown
beautification project approximately 40 years ago which included the planting of ficus trees
throughout the area. Later in life we learned those trees were a bad decision and had extreme
adverse affect on Tustin's maintenance department, property owners, merchants and the visiting
public. It was sad to observe that at the largest event, the chili cook -off, with an excess of
35,000 people estimated in attendance, the Bust of Columbus Tustin had not been cleaned of
the fig fruit that had dropped from the ficus trees plus the ficus debris on the ground. The Bust of
Columbus Tustin was proudly displayed in the center of town to the tune of approximately
$15,000. I am advised that there is not sufficient money, even though these trees have completely
broken the waterlines supplying the planters, no water is provided, to take care of their
damage and remove them.
;r
NI
* . `' -�/f� • Columbus Tustin
1826-1ae;
A member of the planning staff advised me that the independent company that conducted the
recommendation for the current project had decided that there is no parking problem in
downtown Old Town Tustin. It was explained that they had contacted owners of property in the
area and had conducted their own studies and concluded that because the parking structure that
the City of Tustin purchased several years ago was not utilized during their investigation. First
of all if they had contacted property owners I would've believed that the COX family, who owns
about the third largest parking lot in Old Town Tustin, should have been contacted. We could
have pointed out the propensity of the cities desire to increase business in Old Town they have
allowed outside investors to purchase land and build food service businesses property line to
property line (which increases their income on rental rates) and at a giveaway price allows them
to substitute for the parking, to existing city locations. The additional sales and property tax adds
dollars to the City of Tustin at the expense of owners of private parking lots who have
contributed many tax dollars to the community before the developers even thought of moving
in. Many of these places have very few parking places and force their customers to to park on the
COX property and others without any consideration. After all, what customer would want to
walk a long distance from the city parking spot when they can see one just down the street. In
the past we've learned that towing their vehicles is not an option as all they have to do is
discover their vehicle gone and then patronize one of our food establishments, buy a drink and
then produce a receipt and show that they were customers of Cox's Market Plaza. They then call
the police, who explained that they have a valid receipt and that the Coxes will have to pay the
towing fee. No consideration is given as to how many hours they spent to have purchased one
beverage. It's been an expensive education. If the researchers had investigated the deplorable
condition of the cities parking structure they would found that it is poorly maintained, difficult to
find, and the entrances are filthy and covered with layers of Ficus debris and due to poor lighting
is a common gathering place for people who conduct questionable activities. The following
photographs were taken on the afternoon of the chili cook off, one of the cities most active days
for need of parking, although Third Street was blocked as a logical entrance, the band shell could
have been moved 50 feet east and left that street open for access to the lot. Sixth street was open
and for those that knew how could have utilized the parking structure.
PHOTO 3 APPROACH TO S/W STAIRWAY
PHOTO 4 STAIR WAYAT S/W CORNER'
PHOTO S FICUS COVERED HANDRAIL
PHOTO 6 WEST WALL
PHOTO 7 LOOKING N/E FROM S/YV CORNER
PHOTO S SOUTH WALL
PHOTO 9 EMERGENCY FIRE HOSE
Would you recommend a loved one or friend to utilize this parking structure? We believe not.
As of this writing we have discovered that the homeless have crept back into town and are again
sleeping on public benches and in parking lots. Today we witnessed, by observation of our
security cameras, one of them going through a suitcase and a backpack, not finding any items
that he desired, he abandoned them at the COX memorial area. The police department picked up
the items. A few weeks ago the city ran thein off of city property and then built a fence around
their place of occupancy, it was possibly a mistake. Looking back we had them in one area
where they could be easily patrolled by the Tustin Police Department and could have been
controlled by letting them stay and then building the fence and gates and closing them inside. I
am sure that someone would have an objection to our last suggestion. On the serious side the
project money would be better spent to provide a place for necessary housing and care of those
unfortunate persons. The homeless and Old Town Tustin would better benefit from such a much-
needed facility. It comes to mind that there are several buildings at the District that could be
made useful. If it was good enough for our military personnel then it should be brought up to
today's standards and good enough for the homeless. However we business and property owners
have to deal with the homeless in Old Town Tustin. The City refuses to allow us to build similar
structures to the city's to protect our properties. The homeless are doing far more damage to the
patronage of our pristine and precious area than any of this projects ideas which are proposed
could ever overcome.
Thank you for your attention to these matter and hopefully your concern.
Philip K Cox, Tustin property owner and taxpayer for 48 years (possibly more years
then the presenters of this project have been alive).
Linda M Cox, Tustin property owner and tax payer for 45 years.
COX's Market Plaza
Southeast corner El Camino Real and Main Street
Old Town Tustin
Sent from my iPhone
Phil Cox
Ler- 19
From: Richard
Sent: Friday, .lune 15, 2018 5:19 PM
To: Saldivar, Krys
Subject: Safety Impact to Pedestrians and Bicycle Riders from Proposed First Street Change From Four
Four Lanes of Travel to One Lane Each Side with a median turn lane parking and bike lanes
Kris,
My name is Richard Bart. I reside at Palmwood Condominiums on First Street in Tustin, since
1978. 1 walk along First Street and through EI Camino Real almost every day. There are unsafe
conditions that presently exist at First Street where you turn into McDonalds and First Street
where you turn into the Post Office.
I have had to avoid turning vehicles on more than one instance and thankfully I was not
struck. You should be aware of the vehicles that block the traffic flow, the bicycle traffic, and
the sidewalk, when vehicles turn into those locations. Often bicycles decide to jump through
blocked lanes of traffic and join pedestrians as they walk on the sidewalk.
At other times, vehicles that are blocking the flow of traffic waiting to get in line at McDonalds
drive through, decide they do not want to wait any longer, drive through the bicycle lane and
through the sidewalk irrespective of the presence of people on the sidewalk. Additionally
school age children often walk through the same area with their headphones not paying
attention which makes for an additional risk.
I do not see how reducing the number of lanes, without appropriate safety changes, together
with strict traffic enforcement makes this area any safer. There will be less space, more
cars, pedestrians, bicycle riders, competing for the same space.
Today I reviewed the documentation at the City of Tustin regarding the proposed changes
including the Traffic Impact Analysis from Stantec Consulting. The employees from the City
were very helpful. Unfortunately I was not able to meet with you. I do plan on coming by the
office on Monday morning.
I do not see where the safety concerns that I raise above are addressed in the EIR. A line that
reads the findings of this traffic study also demonstrate that First Street and Main Street would
not be significantly impacted by the proposed MPAH amendments for their roadway
reclassifications is a conclusion which I would like to discuss with you.
If I had read in a report, that pedestrian flow and bicycle flow in this area were not impacted,
and was able to read the enumerated safety measures, I would feel safer and reassured.
Perhaps it is addressed elsewhere or beyond the scope of the EIR. Perhaps it is an enforcement
issue that needs to be addressed by traffic control and the presence of traffic officers at those
locations. Perhaps it needs to be addressed by the Post Office and McDonalds. Perhaps it
needs to be addressed and recognized in the EIR with recommendations for safety measures to
mitigate the impact of proposed changes.
Sorry for the long first e-mail. i wanted to give you the opportunity to review before I meet
with you on Monday and speak at the hearing later this week.
Richard Bart.
2 Le4ler I
From: Richard [
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 8:20 AM
To: Saldivar, Krys
Subject: Last Email on the Subject Photos in front of Post: Office
Keys,
The plan calls for diagonal parking. Can you imagine the impact of these vehicles
backing into the only one lane of traffic flow. Please feel free to share these photos.
will be speaking at the meeting tonight and would like them to be in front of the decision
makers
I favor the project provided it addresses the Two busiest businesses before the decision
to press forward
Thank you for your assistance.
Richard Bart
mc
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From: Richard
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 7:32 AM
To: Saldivar, Krys
Subject: Fwd: Safety Impact to Pedestrians and Bicycle Riders from Proposed First Street Change From
Four Four Lanes of Travel to one Lane Each Side with a median turn lane parking and bike lanes
FYI
This morning walking in front of McDonald's. One car sat for 20 seconds waiting to turn
right into the drive thru.
Then the vehicle pulled up to join the flow blocking the sidewalk. Can you imagine when
this becomes solely one lane for all traffic pedestrians and bicycles. Please feel free to
share. Thanks for your assistance.
TARKIN&
ALL STREETS
4A.M. io 7A.M.
FRIDAY
STREET SWEEPING
EXCEPT HOLIDAYS
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-----Original Message -----
From: dmt
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 8:30 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < ; Murray, Al < ; Gomez, Rebecca
<
; Clark, Letitia <
Subject: please down wreck Old Town Tustin
Usually Tustin city government does a pretty good job of resisting the "monkey see, monkey do"
temptation of imitating the ill-advised leads of other city governments. But I'm seeingjust such a
horrible case on the horizon, namely the so-called "traffic calming" proposal for Old Town.
Without exception, every place that streets have been artificially narrowed, it leads to esthetic blight
and reduced appeal and commercial activity in the area in question.
Tustin also has an additional unique concern. Narrowing the major streets leading to it will marginalize
and ghettoize the western portion of the city by reducing its connection with the other parts of the city.
At present Tustin has one of the nicest downtown areas I have ever seen. It would be a shame if years
from now, long after the bad choice was made and the politicians who made it were long gone, we all
said, "Yeah, it used to be so nice before they wrecked it. Now nobody goes there any more."
Le-�� Icy
From: L Champ [
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 8:21 AM
To: Parker, Jeffrey C. < ; Murray, Al < ; Gomez, Rebecca
< ; Bernstein, Allan < ; Clark, Letitia
< ; Puckett, Chuck <
Subject: Fwd: Keep Tustin Moving
I was shocked to hear of this proposed "road diet" on First Street. This has to be one of the top
five worst ideas the City has conjured. WHY would you want to add to more traffic conjestion
for commuters? WHY???
There is NO good reason. Honestly, if this happens, I am mm jng out of the city. This is
ridiculous. Obviously some was BORED when they came up with this STUPID IDEA.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: L Champ <
Date: Sun, Jun 17, 2018, 6:41 PM
Subject: Keep Tustin Moving
To: Lillian Champ <
Ilttps:Iiwww.keeptustinmovin.g.com/
Lehr 17
Hello Councilwoman Clark,
I'm am writing to you to express my opposition to the drastic changes proposed on f=irst Street. I think I
have a unique perspective as I have lived on First Street for the past 26 years. The front door to my
condo is approximately 20+' from the curb. I relocated my business of 22 years from Irvine Blvd, to First
Street just 2 % years ago. I walk across First Street every day at least 4-6 times at all hours of the day and
night going to and from my home and business.
The current proposal has diagonal parking planned for the north and south side of the street— right in
front of my front door, living room and bedroom windows and those of my neighbors and into the open
courtyard of our condo complex which is surrounded by other condos. The headlights from the cars
pulling in and out of the parking that will be 20+ feet from my front door and windows is completely
unnecessary and unacceptable. Our property values will absolutely suffer. Why would anyone want to
buy a home with diagonal parking and constant headlights lighting up their bedroom and living room
windows? I understand I don't live in a "traditional"
neighborhood like yours but this Is my neighborhood. I have to believe this would never be included in a
redevelopment plan if the diagonal parking was planned for the front of your home. And I am certain it
wouldn't be acceptable to you either. The current on -street parallel parking plus a garage and an
additional parking space within the gates of our complex is quite sufficient for the residents of
Palmwood, Please, please don't destroy our quality of life and irreversibly lower our home values. It is
not necessary to have diagonal parking on the north side of the street,
I have read the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan from cover to cover more than once, The plan
to expand "Old Town" to First Street from Tustin Ave. to Newport Ave. is fatally flawed in my opinion
and will have a devastating impact on the businesses along First Street, I have done weeks of research
on this topic and have found many cities that have reversed their "Road Diet" decisions or have created
a worse situation for traffic and pedestrians ... Playa del Ray, Venice Beach, Silver Lakes and other areas
of Los Angeles along with. Gainesville, FL, Ft. Worth, TX, Oakland, CA and others.
As an elected official, the buck stops with us. When TUSD considered a completely different model for a
high school that will soon be built on the base, we got on airplanes and In cars and went to many cities
to see if what we were thinking about had been done successfully, what the stakeholders had to say,
and to learn -of any potential issues and negative consequences that might not be on our radar screen.
We did study sessions with stakeholders here in Tustin including parents of potential students. We did
not send staff and paid third -party consultants to do information gathering for us .
the school board members who are responsible to our constituents and for the decisions made went
and spoke with various administrators, teachers, parents, students, community members, etc. We
learned a lot. Have any members of the Planning Commission or City Council visited any of the cities
where this has been successfully Implemented or implemented and then reversed?
The plan to narrow First Street down to one lane in each direction, add diagonal parking on both the
north and south sides of the street, add bicycle lanes and increase the width of the south -side sidewalk
Is full of issues. Daily, I watch fire trucks, police cars and ambulances rushing back and forth. I listen to
impatient motorists honk at drivers In front of them as they slow to turn into one of the business
parking lots. I see cars inching ever so slowly out into the traffic because they can't see around the cars
that are parallel parked on the south side of the street. How will motorists see around diagonally parked
cars with a bike lane behind that?
How will motorists on First Street see a car inching out from a parking lot?
How safe will a cyclist be when cars have no other choice than to pull out into the bike lane because
they can't see if cars are coming? Where will the OCTA busses pull over and stop for passengers? What
will that do to the only lane of traffic? What about an unobstructed path for first responders? What will
happen when it's such a hassle due to traffic congestion to get to Broadway in the Park and the Concerts
in the Park ... two fabulous events that, draws.•people•from allover Orange-County.to Peppertree•Park
on First Street? Please come stand in the parking lot of my business any time from early lunch time to
dinner time and you will see exactly what I am talking about. There Is a lot of traffic on the weekend as
well as that's when people have a few hours to run errands, have their cars serviced and enjoy some of
the businesses we have in Tustin.
The result of all of this will be our customers will find similar businesses in other cities if traffic is too bad
to get to the businesses on First Street: All it takes for a customer to decide to not come to First Street is
one look at a smart phone map or GPS device showing that traffic isn't moving. This will become the
norm if this plan is implemented. Slowing down traffic on First Street is not going to help bring business
to Old Town.
When people can't get through on First Street from Newport Ave, or Tustin Ave, because of traffic
congestion, they simply won't come to this area.
It's not going to help anyone.
Additionally, the plan is to expand "Old Town" to First Street, We are completely different types of
businesses on First Street. Nearly all of our customers need their vehicles to drop off, pick up or have
their vehicles serviced ... Larwin Square tenants, fast food establishments and restaurants, laundromat,
dry cleaners, printing services, packing, shipping and postal services, car washes, auto repair, detailing
and tire services, clothing stores, nail salon, professional offices (attorneys, dentists, medical, wellness
practitioners), preschool, convenience store and the list•goes on and on. Old Town is set up for
pedestrian foot traffic and you don't need a car to do business with the merchants in Old Town. All of
the businesses whether in Old Town or on First Street spend thousands of dollars annually marketing
near and far to get people to come to our city and this plan will negate our efforts and destroy our
businesses.
We will already be negatively impacted once the median work on First Street begins. Traffic on Fourth
Street has been terrible for weeks since that improvement project began. Please don't make the
negative impact go beyond the First Street median project by implementing this plan. Please consider
the short-term and long-term effects of this plan. Come out and see and visit with those who will be
most Impacted by this decision. In my case, the quality of life in my home, the future value of my home,
and the Impact on my business could be devastating. I understand there are some rezoning issues tied
to this plan. Those can be passed separately without implementing this plan. I LOVE Tustin and support
the businesses that are here. I have referred hundreds of my clients to Tustin businesses over the years,
Some have become regulars at businesses in Tustin even though they don't live here.
I thank you for your time reading this and for your service to our great city.
Kind Regards,
Tammie Bullard
Resident and Business Owner
Le+kc `q
From: Tom Beeman [
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2018 4:01 PM
To: Clark, Letitia <
Subject: 1st Street Project
Dear, Leticia.:
I read on-line about a. possible narrowing of 1st Street to one lane in each direction. If true, I
don't think this is a good idea. I see this on El Camino and trying to turn off my street on to El
Camino is not an easy task. So often I see the traffic bottlenecked from Red Hill Avenue almost
down to Tustin Ranch Road so I end up having to go the other way to get out of my
neighborhood on to a major street or to the freeway.
Another reason I feel it's a bad idea because of the various events happening at Peppertree Park
such as Broadway in the Park and Concerts in the Park. I would hate for people to see or hear
about the traffic problems and, as a result, negatively impact such great community events.
I hope you will vote on this aspect of the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan (DCCSP).
Thank you,
TQM Bean
Tustin, CA 92780
L. et}e c 19
-----Original Message -----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 9:47 AM
To: Clark, Letitia <
Subject: DCCSP
Council Member Clark -
I know you may be inundated with requests regarding this issue but I just wanted you to know that I am
very much in Favor of passing this Specific Plan for the benefit of the Old Town. My family and now
myself have owned EI Camino Plaza at EI Camino Real and 6th St. for over 50 years now. I have been
managing the property for over 40 years and at this point only want to see this plan pass because I know
it is the best thing for everyone involved. Thank you for your consideration.
Peter Zappas
June 19, 2018
Mayor Al Murray and City Council Members
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
RP: Support and Adopt Workforce Housing Incentive Program in Tustin
Dear Mayor Murray and City Council Members:
www. ken nedycomm ission.org
17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92614
949 250 0909
Fax 949 263 0647
The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a coalition of residents and community
organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than
$20,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in
partnering with Orange County jurisdictions to create effective housing policies that have led to
the new construction of homes affordable to lower income working families.
Ranked among the top ten least affordable metropolitan areas in the country', Orange County is
suffering from an affordable housing crisis. A resident must earn at least $36.08 per hour to
afford a two-bedroom apartment at a fair market rent of $1,876 a month.2 As rents and the
number of residents needing affordable homes have continually increased, the number of
affordable homes being built for lower income households has not kept up with the demand. An
additional 92,738 affordable rental homes are needed to address Orange County's housing needs
for lower income renters.3
As the City moves forward in the second reading of the Workforce Housing Incentive Program,
the Commission urges the City Council to continue it's support and adoption of the
Workforce Housing Incentive Program on proposed residential developments that benefit
financially from the City through discretionary approvals. These approvals allow land use
designation changes (i.e., allowing residential uses) and up -zoning properties for increased
density that developers were not previously entitled to. By approving these benefits, the City
provides significant windfalls and increases the property values of developers and private
owners. The City has control over land use decisions and should take this opportunity to provide
development incentives for proposed residential developments in exchange for community
benefits, such as the development of affordable homes for lower income households in the City.
In addition, due to the dissolution of redevelopment and lack of readily available affordable
housing funds and resources, inclusionary housing is an effective tool for the City to take on an
active role in encouraging and incentivizing more opportunities for affordable homes.
Out of Reach 2018- The High Cost of Housing, National Low Income Housing Coalition, p. 14, 2018.
' Out of Reach 2018 -The High Cost of Housing, National Low Income Housing Coalition, p.38, 2018.
Orange County's Housing Emergency and Proposed Solutions, California Housing Partnership Corporation, p. 1, May 2018.
Mayor Murray and City Council Members
June 19, 2018
Page 2 of 3
The Need for Affordable Homes in Tustin
For the 2014-2021 Housing Element planning period, the City has a Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) of 283 very low-, 195 low-, 224 moderate- and 525 above moderate -
income households. To date, 98 or 35% of the 283 very low-income units have been produced
and 74 or 38% of the 195 low-income units have been produced; however, for the above
moderate -income units, the City outperformed the RHNA need and constructed 1,046 or 199%
of the 525 units. 4 With a remaining RHNA need of 306 lower income homes, it is important
the City create effective policies, such as adopting the proposed inclusionary housing
ordinance, to encourage the development of affordable homes for lower income households
in the City.
The need to increase quality affordable rental homes should be a high priority in the City.
According to the City's Planning Commission report, 9,189 or 34 percent of the total number of
households in Tustin are low-income households earning less than $50,000 or $24 per hour
annually.5 In the City, the average rent for one -bedroom was $1,787 per month while a two-
bedroom rents for $2,139 per month.6 This is simply out -of -reach for many lower income
households, especially for those who want to live and work in the City. In order for housing to be
affordable, households should not pay more than 30% of their income towards housing costs.
For lower income households to not be rent burdened, their rent would be affordable at $1,250 or
less.' Unfortunately, at an average rent of $1,787 per month for a one -bedroom, a low-income
household will overpay and spend 43% of their income towards housing.' For a two-bedroom, a
low-income household will severely overpay and spend 51 % of their income towards housing.9
With the severe shortage of homes, especially affordable homes and low vacancy rates, it is
projected that rents and housing costs will continue to rise.10 With lower wages that are not
keeping up with rising rents, many renting households struggle financially to live and end up
working multiple jobs to make ends meet.I I The City estimates there are at least 3,000
overpaying renter households and significant number of those who could be one to two
paychecks away from being homeless. 12 The lack of affordable homes has reached a crisis point
and homelessness continues to increase and is threatening the safety and public health of our
communities. While the homeless encampments in the Santa Ana River bed, Santa Ana Civic
Center and even the Tustin. Civic Center13 has cleared out, we are still far from solving Orange
County's affordable housing and homeless crisis.
4 City of Tustin City Council Agenda, p. 6, April 17, 2018,.
5 City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda Report: Ordinance No. 1491, Inclusionary Housing, p.3, February 13, 2018.
G City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda Report: Ordinance No, 1491, Inclusionary.Housing, p,3, February 13,.2018.
'City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda Report: Ordinance No. 1491, Inclusionary Housing, p. 3, February 13, 2018.
'City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda Report: Ordinance No. 1491, Inclusionary Housing, p.3, February 13, 2018,
9 City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda Report: Ordinance No. 1.491, fnclusionary Housing,. p.4, February 13, 2018,
102018 House Prices and Rents Will Keep Growing with No End in. Sight, Economists. Say, The Orange County Register,January 4, 2018
11 Southern Californians Scrimp to Get By as Average Rents Hit $1,900, The orange County Register, February 15, 2018.
12 City of Tustin Planning Commission Agenda. Report: Ordinance No. 1491, Inclusionary Housing, p.4, February 13, 2018,
13 Homeless at Tustin Civic Center Clear Out- Most Well Before City's Deadline, The Orange County Register, August 7, 2017.
Mayor Murray and City Council Members
June 19, 2018
Page 3 of 3
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance is Effective
Contrary to concerns that implementing an inclusionary housing ordinance will "halt or chill"
residential development, inclusionary housing ordinances that are implemented in other cities
have been very successful in not only facilitating the development of affordable homes but also
market -rate developments. Currently, there are seven cities in Orange County that have
inclusionary housing ordinances including Tustin's neighboring sister cities of Irvine, Santa Ana,
Huntington Beach and Brea. While Santa Ana's ordinance has been established since 2011, the
rest of the cities implemented inclusionary housing ordinances for at least 15 years to well over
three decades. The number of years are indicative that the inclusionary housing ordinance is
successful otherwise it would have been removed by these cities.
The City of Irvine in particular has been very successful in implementing the inclusionary
housing ordinance. Housing costs in Irvine is among the highest in Orange County and yet even
with an inclusionary housing policy, it has not "halted or chilled" development in the City. The
effect is quite the opposite and there is a high interest from developers to propose residential
developments in the City. It is quite evident in several areas of the city, such as the Irvine
Business Complex (IBC) and the Great Park, where residential development is booming and
under construction.
It is also important to note that Irvine's in -lieu fee of $16,693 per unit for all developments is
significantly higher than Tustin's proposed in -lieu fee of $8,000 to $12,000 per unit.14 However,
Irvine's inclusionary housing ordinance and in -lieu has not impeded residential growth in the
City. In particular, the IBC has been robust and successful in residential development in the City.
Since 2003, there has been 5,630 units that was built and completed in the IBC. To date, there
are 2,578 units under construction, 4,219 units approved and 685 units are in process in the
IBC." Overall, in terms of upcoming affordable housing developments in Irvine, there are 276
very low-income units and 5 low-income units anticipated to be completed in Spring 2018 to
2020.16
The Commission looks forward to partnering with the City to increase affordable home
opportunities for lower income households in the City. Please keep us informed of any updates
and meetings regarding the City's Workforce Housing Incentive Program. If you have any
questions, please contact me at ( or
Sincerely,
Cesar Covarrubias
Executive Director
" City of Tustin City Council Agenda, p, 4, April 17, 2018.
'$ IBC Residential Development Status As Of. December 1, 2017, City of Irvine,
'� Upcoming Affordable Housing Projects Effective as of February 21, 2018, City of Irvine.
BUSINESS
2018 house prices and rents will keep growing
with no end 1n sight, economists say
Economists foresee rising home prices for at least the next year or two, barring an unexpected shock to the economy. (File
photo, the Orange County Register/5CNG)
By JEFF COLLINS I I Orange County Register
"f ��>f11fIIlSt�#�Fti�
PUBLISHED: January 4, 2018 at 7:00 am I UPDATED: January 7, 2018 at 6:13 pm
After nearly six years of rising home prices, what's next?
Will 2018 be the seventh year home prices go up? Or the year the market stalls? Will this be the year that tenants get
the upper hand over landlords? Or will rent hikes just keep coming?
In other words, will the seller's market of the past 69 months continue in 2018?
We interviewed 10 economists and reviewed nine forecasts to find an answer to that question, It can be summed up in
one word.
Yes.
Yes, home prices and home sales are projected to keep rising in the year ahead, although the gains will be smaller.
Yes, the supply of homes for sale will fail to keep pace with demand, fueling more cutthroat bidding wars.
And yes, rents will keep rising while apartment vacancies stay near all-time lows.
The economists all cite the same reason: "As long as the economy keeps growing, that's going to give a push to the
housing market," said Anil Puri, director of the Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting at Cal State
Fullerton.
Jerry Nickelsburg, director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast, put it this way: "When you have increases in employment,
you have increases in household formation, and that Increases demand for housing. That's what we've been seeing."
To get a grip on the year ahead, we highlighted five topics: Prices, sales, mortgage rates, number of homes for sale and
rent,
The picture that emerges shows a market that still has more room to grow.
Ultimately, we ask the question on the minds of those still seeking to buy a home but are worried they missed their
chance: How long will this crazy, runaway train of a market last? Is it too (ate to buy a home?
Here's what we learned.
Home prices still rising
Synopsis:
• Southern California home prices are expected to rise at about the same pace as California: 4.2 percent, according
to the California Association of Realtors. That would put next November's median price of an existing house at
about $525,000.
• Orange County home prices are projected to rise 5 percent to 6 percent, according to forecasts by Chapman
University and Cal State Fullerton. Metrostudy, a market Intelligence and research firm, foresees a 3.2 percent
gain in Orange County home prices. By comparison, Orange County house prices were up 6.9 percent In the year
ending In November, according to CAR.
• Los Angeles County home prices will rise 3,1 percent, according to Metrostudy. UC Riversides Center for
Economic Forecasting and Development has a more optimistic forecast, predicting gains of 5 percent to 10
percent. CAR reported L.A. County house prices up 9 percent in the year ending in November.
• Inland Empire home prices will rise 3.9 percent, Metrostudy predicted. UC Riverside forecast price gain of 8.9
percent in Riverside County and 7.3 percent in San Bernardino County, with prices possibly getting back to record
levels set before the 2007 housing crash. By comparison, Riverside County prices rose 8.7 percent In the year
ending in November, and San Bernardino County prices rose 12 percent.
Home price gains will continue in the year ahead, just not as fast as in 2017, economists said.
On the one hand, rising demand and a shortage of homes for sale create upward price pressure. On the other, those
are offset by an expected increase In mortgage rates and fewer buyers who can afford today's home prices (called "low
affordability" by economists).
"It's slowing down," economist and former Chapman University PresidentJim Doti said of price appreciation, "The
main reason is (low) affordability."
Some also worry the new tax overhaul will slow home sales and sap prices.
A county -by -county analysis by Moody's Analytics shows home prices in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino
counties will be at least 3.6 percent lower than where they would have been in 2019 without the tax law. In Los
Angeles County, prices will be nearly 5 percent lower than previously expected growth rates. The National Association
of Realtors projected the tax law will curtail California home price growth by nearly 1 percent.
Sales flattening out
Synopsis:
Southern California home sales rose 2 percent to 208,250 transactions through October 2017, according to
CoreLogic. But 2018 sales likely will only rise about 1 percent in California and the region, Realtor forecasters
said.
• Orange County sales are projected to increase 2.7 percent this year, according to Chapman.
• Sales forecasts were unavailable for Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Sales have plateaued across the state and region, said California Association of Realtors Chief Economist Leslie
Appleton -Young.
Which Is a bit of a mystery, given the state's robust job growth and still -low mortgage rates in 2017.
"You have to wonder why aren't we seeing more sales activity," said Robert Kleinhenz, executive director of research at
the UC Riverside Center for Economic Forecasting and Development.'` The population is much bigger, and all else
being equal, you would expect to see a larger number of sales."
The answer to that riddle, said CAR's Appleton -Young, is a lack of inventory and prices starting to get out of reach for
some.
"The lack of inventory and affordability are really.., keeping a lid on the California housing market," Appleton -Young
said. "We have fewer transactions ... today than when we had 10 million fewer people living in California."
The nation also has become less mobile, said Richard Green, director of USC's Lusk Center for Real Estate.
"ThaYs depressing sales," he said. "I don't expect sales to go down. i don't expect them to go up either,"
Headwinds from rising mortgage rates
Synopsis:
• Interest for the benchmark, 30 -year fixed-rate mortgage will average between 4.3 percent to 4.6 percent in the
year ahead, according to CAR, Chapman and CoreLogic.
Mortgage rates have averaged 3.8 percent over the past three years, with just two brief periods when rates got above 4
percent.
Now, economists say, rates are heading up again, and likely will stay above 4 percent for the coming year.
Federal Reserve hikes in short-term interest rates will directly impact adjustable-rate mortgages and home equity lines
of credit, CoreLogic said. They also will drive up long-term rates, to which fixed mortgages are tied.
Combined with higher prices, that translates to a 15 percent increase in monthly principal and interest payments for
first-time homebuyers, said CoreLogic Chief Economist Frank NothafL
Buyers will have too few homes to choose from
Synopsis:
• With just 27,550 Southern California homes for sale, 2018 started with the lowest for -sale inventory in five years.
The lack of homes for sale that has plagued the region and the nation for the past five years will continue in the year
ahead, Southern California's for -sale listings fell to 27,550 in December, the lowest number since the spring of 2013,
according to ReportsOnHousing com.
Why are there so few homes?
People are staying put longer between sales —11 years, twice the 2009 average, according to CAR. Homeowners also
are reluctant to sell because they can't find another home in which to move.
Homeowners also stay put to avoid capital gains taxes or higher property taxes on a new home. Those who got
mortgages when 30 -year rates averaged 3.5 percent also are "locked in" because they don't want to give up their lower
house payments.
Because of the newly passed tax legislation, homeowners with home loans greater than $750,000 will stay put to keep
their mortgage interest tax deductions.
"For -sale inventory will stay lean because homeowners are not going to move, (and) that's going to limit the inventory
that's for sale," CoreLogic's Nothaft said.
Renters to pay more, too
Synopsis:
• Orange County rents are projected to rise 3 percent to 3,6 percent in 2018, according to apartment data firm
RealPage and the USC Casden Multifamily Forecast.
• Los Angeles County apartment rent will rise 3 percent, both forecasts show.
• Inland Empire apartment rents will rise faster: Up 4.1 percent to 4.4 percent, according to the two forecasts.
• Most Southern California apartments will be full. Vacancy rates In the region will be around 3.5 to 3.6 percent,
according to RealPage.
Low vacancy rates will keep apartment rents high, economists said.
"As long as the buildings are full and the new development fills up, that's going to allow rent growth to continue," said
Greg Willett, RealPage chief economist.
Rent hikes will continue so long as vacancy rates stay at 4 percent or lower, added USC's Green.
"Most places, usually at 5 percent is when rent flattens out," he said.
When will rent go down?
"We don't have that in the near-term forecast in the Southern California market" Willett said. "Usually, you're talking
about a recession and bigjob cuts for rents to go down."
Should you buy a home?
Synopsis:
• Yes, but only if you plan to live there awhile to ride out any potential downturns.
After almost six years of home -price gains, people are asking how much longer will this trend last? Is it too late to buy
a home?
Southern California single-family home prices have'risen $239,000 or 91 percent over the past 69 months, according
to CAR.
How much longer can this go on? How soon will prices start falling? Is it safe to buy a home today?
Most economists say this bull market still has some legs, lasting a year or two more at least, if not five.
"It's debatable whether we're In a bubble," said Chapman economist Doti. "(But) is It a bubble thats about to burst?
No."
First, economists note the last crash was preceded by a buildup of homes sitting on the market without selling.
Currently, few homes stay on the market long, and as mentioned earlier, Southern California listings are at a five-year
low.
Demographics also could keep the housing market afloat since millennials are expected start reaching first-time
homebuying ages over the next five years, CoreLogic's Nothaft said.
"We have a demographic tailwind going forward," he said,
So, is it a good time to buy a home?
"Yeah," Doti said. "The sooner the better. Get it while Interest rates are low. If you can afford a home, now is a good
time to buy."
But there are some precautions you should take first, added USC's Green.
"If you like the house, if you could afford it, and would live there five years, yes. Otherwise, no," he said. "In the long
run, you're fine. But If you have to sell (in the short term), you could be in trouble;'
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Hispennlais?..Hispanic millennials, called the future of h buying
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CoJeff
Collins Jeff Collins
ADDITIONALFor more than a decade, Jeff Collins has followed housing and real estate, covering market booms
INFORMATIONd busts and all aspects of the real estate industry. He has been tracking rents and home prices,
9/22/09- and has explored solutions to critical problems such as Southern California's housing shortage and
blogger.mugsaffordability crisis. Before joining the Orange County Register in 1990, he covered a wide range of
- Photo by topics for daily newspapers In Kansas, EI Paso and Dallas. A Southern California native, he studied at
Leonard UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine, He later earned a master's degree from the USC School of
Ortiz, The
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BUSINESS
Southern Californians scrimp to get by as
average rents hit $1,900
Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily NeWSISCNG)
Fourth-quarter apartment rents averaged $1,883 a month in Los Angeles County and $1,871 a month in Orange County,
market tracker Reis Inc, reported recently. Rents in the region Increased between 3 percent and 5.5 percent last year.. (Photo
by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/$CNG)
ByJEFF COLLINS IOran a CountyRe Register
110
PUBLISHED: February 15, 2018 at 1:50 pm I UPDATED: February 16, 2018 at 6:24 pm
A $300 rent hike threw Noemi Hernandez' finances into a tizzy in 2016, forcing the part-time cashier to apply for food
stamps and curtail spending on other things. A year later, her rent went up another $160.
Now, Hernandez and her parents, who share her two-bedroom apartment, are looking to move from the Ontario
complex they called home for the past 18 years. Her family never eats out. They don't shop for clothes, Her father
sometimes has to scrimp on medication to treat high blood pressure and diabetes.
"It's out of control," Hernandez, 37, said of her family's rent, which consumes 70 percent of their take-home pay. "We
have the minimum we need, We don't go anywhere. We don't go out."
H erna n dez' situation is typical for many Southern California tenants after seven straight years of steadily rising rents
and rock -bottom vacancy rates, responses to a recent Southern California News Group online survey show.
Related: California rents have risen to some of the nation's highest., Here's how that impacts residents,
Because rent is gobbling up more and more of tenants' paychecks, some are working side jobs, more than 300 survey
responses show. Others have eliminated entertainment and dining out. And in some cases, they had to cut back on
food, car repairs, dental work and even medical care.
"Really, it's going to come to the point where I get two roommates or I move out of state or out of L.A.," said Burbank
renter Allison Murphy, 29, a public school teacher and graduate student who dips into her student loans to cover the
$1,750 -a -month rent on her one -bedroom apartment.
"I haven't kept some medical appointments because It's a choice between a co -pay and food," added Gina Elliott-
Diloia, 38, of Whittier, who's 15 -year-old
daughter has to share a room with her 9 -year-old because they can't afford a
bigger apartment. Her husband took a
second job as a Lyft driver to help pay their $1,699-a•month rent.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENT
7 years of rent hikes
Los Angeles County apartment rents increased almost $500 a
month, or 34 percent, In the last seven years, Reis Inc., figures
Southern California rent has been
show. In Orange County, rents increased $355 a month, while
rising steadily since the end of 2010,
In the Inland Empire they're up $266 a month, More than half
figures show.
of Southern California's tenants are "rent burdened," meaning
they spend at least a third of their Income on rent, U.S. Census
The Consumer Price Index shows
figures show..
Southern California rent has virtually
$21000
doubled since 2000, with rent
x,883
increasing 5.1 percent to 2017 alone,
Separate figures from market 1,750
trackers Reis Inc, and RealPage show
apartment rents In the region rose
between 3 percent and 5.5 percent 1,5500
last year.
A more detailed breakdown by Reis 1,250
for the fourth quarter of last year
shows:
1,000
Los Angeles County had the region's
highest average asking rent: $1,883
a month, up $92 from the fourth 750 (y 7 y – j _ ry.
'10 11 '12 X13 'l4 '15 16 1, 7
quarter of 2016. That's the 10th -
highest asking rent among 82 big- Source, Rots Inc, SONG
city metro areas Reis tracks, During the past seven years, Los Angeles County rents increased $482 a month.
Orange County's asking rent wasn't far behind, averaging $1,871 a month, up $70 to 11 th highest among big -city
metros. O.C. apartment tenants pay an average of $355 more a month than seven years ago.
Inland Empire rents averaged $1,299 a month, up $34 in a year to 26th highest among big -city metros. The
average rent in Riverside and San Bernardino counties jumped $266 a month since the end of 2010.
To put that in perspective, the average for all 82 U.S, markets was $1,368 a month, slightly higher than in the Inland
Empire,
New York and San Francisco had the nation's highest apartment rents, averaging $3,587 and $3,027 a month,
respectively. Wichita was the most affordable market, with rents averaging $602 a month.
Because of low vacancy rates, RealPage forecasts Southern California rents will continue rising this year, increasing
by 3 percent to 4 percent in Orange County and the Inland Empire, with slightly smaller gains in Los Angeles County
because, of new apartment construction in downtown Los Angeles.
Big jumps
While rent hikes averaged from $34 to $92 a month last year, many tenants saw even bigger increases — especially
where there haven't been any rent hikes for a while.
Caltech software engineer Nathaniel Stickley, 37, decided to move closer to work in Pasadena after rent for his
Eastvaie apartment jumped $300 a month to $2,150 last summer.
He found a two-bedroom house for $2,200 a month but figures he's saving $100 in gasoline after cutting out the 86 -
mile commute.
Nonetheless, his finances are tight since his rent still is $200 more than he was paying two years ago,
"My car needs approximately $2,000 worth of repairs and maintenance, but I can't spare that at the moment," Stickley
said in an email, adding that he also had to defer payments on medical and dental bills for his family,
"We've been putting things off," he said.
Stickley and his wife plan to move in the next five or six years to Virginia, where it's affordable to buy a house.
"The rental market is going in the wrong direction. Costs are Increasing faster than incomes, and new homes and
apartments are not being built quickly enough," he said.
AJ Moore, 56, of Long Beach doesn't begrudge his landlord for raising his rent $300 a month, saying his two-bedroom
unit is still cheap at $1,695 a month.
"According to (the owners), it's fair rent. It probably is," said Moore, who is cutting back on entertainment expenses.
"You go on the Internet, and they re going for $1,750."
No honeymoon
Economists consider tenants "rent burdened" if they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.
About 55 percent of Southern California renters fell into that category in 2016, U.S. Census figures show. Nationally, 46
percent of U.S, tenants were rent burdened.
For newlyweds Judy and Alex Cardoza it's even worse. About half of their take-home pay goes toward the $1,738 they
pay monthly for a one -bedroom unit In Mission Viejo.
And their rent is set to go up to $1,803 when their lease expires in March.
"We are actually looking to find a cheaper place; said Judy, 34, who works parttime as a contract archaeologist at
construction sites.
Alex, 33, works full time as a construction soil technician; rain and fires putJudy out of work for several months.
They cut back on TV, entertainment and dining out.
They even had to put off their honeymoon after getting married in September. They had planned to go camping.
"That never happened," Judy said. "We actually spent our wedding money on one month's rent. We're putting it off
until we're in a better situation."
A good -paying job is no guarantee the rent will be affordable.
A single mother of two earning $85,000 a year had to trade in her car for a cheaper model and get two side jobs as a
dog walker and Interior designer to afford her $2,230 -a -month rent in Rancho Mission Viejo, east of San Juan
Capistrano. She's just breaking even, said the mom, who asked that her name not be used.
Rent has almost doubled for Pacoima middle school teacher Allison Murphy after she moved out of a two-bedroom
unit she shared with her ex-boyfriend.
She had been paying $1,000 a month. Now her one -bedroom apartment in Burbank costs $1,750 — $300 more than
similar units in the complex fetched three years ago, she said.
"It's not great. It isn'tworth $1,750," Murphy said. "And they charge crazy utility fees, like $100 a month. It goes up in
the winter because they heat the pool, and I don't use the pool. I'm a single person living in a one -bedroom, but they
charge everyone the same amount for utilities."
Murphy works full time while pursuing her master's degree at Cal State Northridge,
She spends about 60 percent of her take-home pay on rent, She wouldn't have enough were it not for her student
loans. So she's essentially going into debt to pay her rent, she said,
Gina Elliott-Diloia and her husband, Eli, spend about half their income on their $1,699 -a -month, two-bedroom
apartment in east Whittier. Now she's trying to figure out how to pay $500 to fix her car, which recently failed a smog
test.
"Everything has gone up except the salary of regular working people," said Elliott-Diiola, who works as an information
processing technician for the county of Orange. Her husband works part-time in the kitchen of a chain restaurant.
Her son spends his days in the living room to give his teenage sister some privacy in the bedroom they share. He can't
play outdoors unless he goes to a park since management forbids running, playing ball or skateboarding in the
complex,
Living off food stamps
After $460 in rent hikes over the past two years, Noemi Hernandez has to find a new apartment before her lease
expires in May.
Her mom is a part-time housekeeper at a Holiday Inn, and her father works there full time as a shuttle driver,
When he can't afford to pay for his medication — one prescription costs $400 a month his doctor sometimes
provides free samples. Sometimes, he goes without his pills.
Until two years ago, their rent went up annually about $30 a month. Now, It's $1,860 a month, plus $32 a month for
the mandatory renter's insurance required by their lease,
"That's where all our income is going," Hernandez said,
The last time Hernandez went clothes shopping was a year ago when she bought shoes for work.
The family of three must live off less than $1,000 a month after paying housing costs, Hernandez' food stamps help
them afford home -cooked meals, but they never eat out.
"We have been looking (for a new apartment). We won't sign a new lease in May because we can't make it" Hernandez
said.
Hernandez found just two apartments renting for $1,400 a month, but hasn't been able to locate anything else In her
area that s affordable.
"Everything else is in the $1,800's," she said, "It's expensive out here. But all our jobs are out here,"
Tags: housing, Real Estate, rent, Top Stories Breeze, top stories ivdb, Top Stories LADN,
Top Stories LBPT, Top Stories OCR, Top Stories P{, Top Stories PSN, top stories rdf,
Top Stories SGVT, top stories sun, Top Stories WDN
JeffCollins
For more than a decade,. Jeff Collins has followed housing and real estate, covering market booms
A,, and busts and all aspects of the real estate industry. He has been tracking rents and home prices,
and has explored solutions to critical problems such as Southern California's housing shortage and
affordability crisis. Before joining the Orange County Register in 1990, he covered a wide range of topics for daily
newspapers in Kansas, EI Paso and Dallas. A Southern California native, he studied at UC Santa Barbara and UC
Irvine, He later earned a master's degree from the USC School of journalism,
V Follow Jeff Collins @RegJeffCoNins
NEWS > CALIFORNIA NEWS
Homeless at Tustin Civic Center clear out --
most well before city's deadline
Homeless advocate Tyron Jackson, left, helps a woman organize her belongings into plastic bags at the civic center in Tustin,
CA on Monday, August 7, 2017. The city posted signs at the civic center telling people living in the homeless encampment that
they must move out by 8 a.m, to make way for a temporary library, (Photo by Ken Steinhardt, Orange County Register/SCNG)
By SUSAN CHRISTIAN GOULDING I sgoulding@scng.com I Orange County Register $
PUBLISHED: August 7, 2017 at 5:29 pm I UPDATED: August 9, 2017 at 7:89 am
TUSTIN — By the time city workers showed up Monday morning, Aug. 7, all was quiet at the Tustin Civic Center.
only three of the 20 -plus homeless people who had set up camp there remained, but they simply walked away
without argument. The few police officers who stood by made no arrests.
Two weeks before, the city ordered those living in the center's courtyard to clear out by 8 a.m. to make way for a
temporary library. Homeless advocate TyRon Jackson and the Orange County Rescue Mission joined forces to find
them shelter — under a tight deadline.
"We have been working 10 hours a day — packing up belongings, tracking down family members, driving people to
shelters and doing whatever we can do to facilitate their move," said Jackson, founder of Operation Warm Wishes.
On Sunday, Aug, 6, Jackson made one final effort,
"I did not want this to become a spectacle," he said. "I wanted them to leave with dignity."
One man in particular took some convincing.
"Do you really want to live in a filthy tent7'jackson said he asked the man. "You are better than that."
Not only did most of the last-minute Civic Center dwellers pull up stakes, they even swept up and tossed trash, Jackson
said.
"We left that place cleaner than it was before," he said with a laugh.
The Tustin Library closed in late March after the discovery of a slow leak in its sub -floor, which houses electrical wiring.
Around that same time, what began as a handful of homeless people living near the library grew to a conspicuous
encam ment.
over the past month, residents complained at City Council meetings — bringing the contentious issue to the forefront.
Tustin officials say the makeshift library is not just an excuse to remove the encampment.
"The idea for temporary library has been In the works for months," said Tustin spokeswoman Stephanie Najera.
Helen Fried, librarian for Orange County Public Libraries, said the outdoor library will open Aug. 15 underneath a
canopy. The space will host such programs as story time for children and offer a scaled-down selection of books for
checkout. An undamaged community room in the back of the library will also be used,
"People have been calling constantly to ask when the library will re -open," Fried said. "It is a very loved library."
The city, which leases the building to the county, Is waiting for its Insurer to complete an assessment before repairs
can get underway, Najera said.
By late Monday morning, workers had erected temporary fencing around the courtyard — now empty, To prepare the
area for public use, Najera said, the Public Works Department will power -wash the concrete and sand and reseal
pavers.
"I lost a lot of sleep worrying about what would happen today," Najera said. "But it could not have gone more
smoothly. Everybody was cooperative."
The city offered to store people's property for up to 90 days, she added. Last week, police officers helped them tag
their items.
In total, 15 people found shelter in just two weeks, Jackson said. Five went to OC Rescue Mission, two of whom
qualified for its Veterans Outpost. Another 10 went to motels and shelters or moved in with family. Three suffered
Infections requiring hospital stays.
Realistically, Jackson noted, some of those now sleeping under a roof will wind up back on the street.
?his Is not the end of our mission," he said,
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