Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJonathan Abelove - Ecomment From: noreolvCabaran icusideas.com To: Yasuda.Erica;Woodward.Carrie;City Clerk; E-Comments Subject: New eComment for Joint Housing Element Workshop of the City Council and Planning Commission Date: Tuesday,May 11,20216:04:07 PM SpeakUp New eComment for Joint Housing Element Workshop of the City Council and Planning Commission Guest User submitted a new eComment. Meeting: Joint Housing Element Workshop of the City Council and Planning Commission Item: PUBLIC INPUT—At this time, any member of the public may address the City Council and Planning Commission on the agenda or matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council or Planning Commission. eComment: Comments on the City of Tustin Housing Element Good evening Mayor Clark, City Council Members, Planning Commissioners and City Staff, My name is Jonathan Abelove. My family and I have lived in Tustin almost 30 years. Both of our daughters are graduates of TUSD schools. Laurie and I are very active volunteers with several non-profit organizations in the community. In addition, I have the honor and privilege of representing the community as a Trustee on the Board of Education. Tonight we are participating from the comfort of our homes, offices, etc. Tonight, many in the our city are not able to say the same. Tonight, 488 students who attend TUSD schools cannot relate this concept. These 488 students do not have a place they identify as a "home." Their addresses are listed as motels, shelters and wherever their car is parked. The parents or guardians have one thing in common. Their Household Income is not enough to pay market rates of everyday stable housing. These are families with very low income making no more than 50% of Orange County's median income of$89,000. These are families with extremely low income making no more than 30% of the median income. 40% of TUSD students receive the Free and Reduced Breakfasts and Lunch program, or close to 8,000 students. To qualify for the Reduced program the Household income of a family of four is less than $50,000. To qualify for the Free program Household Income is less than $35,000. For these students this may be the only balanced meals they receive. Their families are challenged to provide housing and food security. These are the people in our city who need affordable housing. Without an immediate and ongoing increase of affordable housing, the result may be an increase the numbers of students in motels, shelters and cars. A family with housing stability, a sense of belonging to the community and establishing a foundation are conditions which lead to greater success in education, occupation, and citizenship. The providers for these families are often perceived incorrectly as lazy, uneducated, dirty, junk hoarders, etc. There are those who worry affordable housing will destroy their property values, the aesthetics of their neighborhood and increase the amount of crime. Six different research studies concluded affordable housing increases the value of a neighborhood and a 7th concluded there was no negative effect. Tonight, I ask you to develop a thoughtful Housing Element to provide available affordable housing in the very short and long term throughout Tustin. This includes the available land in the Tustin Legacy. There are non-profit housing developers ready to work with the city on meeting these goals. Up to 40% of our TUSD families need the development of an inclusive Housing Element. Tonight 488 students would like to sleep and thrive in a home, not a motel, not a shelter or not a car. Thank you! View and Analyze eComments This email was sent from. https://granicusideas.com Unsubscribe from future mailing.