HomeMy WebLinkAboutPatrick Lemon-Item 12From: City Clerk
To: Yasuda. Erica; Woodward, Carrie
Subject: FW: Against The Jessup fee waiver
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 11:01:43 AM
From: Patrick Lemon <
Sent: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 10:37 AM
To: City Council <cit)zcouncili@tustinca.org>
Subject: Against The Jessup fee waiver
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to respectfully urge the City Council to reject the request to eliminate the Property
Owner's requirement to pay the Voluntary Workforce Housing Incentive Program In -Lieu Fee
for "The Jessup" residential project, as outlined in Ordinance No. 1564.
There are several compelling reasons why this fee should not be waived:
Erosion of Affordable Housing Goals: The Voluntary Workforce Housing Incentive Program In -
Lieu Fee is designed to support affordable housing initiatives within the City of Tustin. Allowing
developers to avoid these fees undermines the city's commitment to providing equitable and
accessible housing. Without these fees, the City's Housing Fund will be diminished, weakening
efforts to address housing affordability and accessibility.
Loss of Revenue for Community Benefits: The $289,560 in fees represents a significant
contribution to the City's Housing Fund. Waiving these fees would directly reduce the city's
ability to finance affordable housing projects, infrastructure improvements, or other vital
community services. This reduction in revenue is particularly concerning given the ongoing
need for affordable housing in our community.
Unfair Favoritism and Precedent Setting: Granting this waiver could be perceived as special
treatment for one developer, particularly if others have paid the fee without issue. By making an
exception in this case, the City risks setting a precedent that could encourage other developers
to seek similar waivers, undermining the effectiveness of the policy as a whole.
Contradiction with Broader City Policy Goals: While the Council has temporarily waived the In -
Lieu Fee for specific areas (Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan and Red Hill Avenue
Specific Plan), it is unclear whether "The Jessup" project meets the same criteria or serves the
same policy objectives. Applying the waiver inconsistently could undermine confidence in the
City's planning process.
Inconsistency and Unreliable Development Environment: Regularly altering or waiving
established development agreements may harm the City's reputation as a consistent and
reliable partner for developers. It also signals to developers that policies are negotiable, which
could undermine future negotiations and planning processes.
Lack of Justification for the Fee Waiver: The Property Owner has not demonstrated sufficient
justification for why this fee should be waived. Unless clear evidence is provided showing that
paying the fee would cause undue hardship or negatively impact the viability of the project,
there is no compelling reason to approve this request.
Public Accountability and Community Trust: Residents of Tustin expect their elected officials
to act in the community's best interest. Approving this waiver could be viewed as prioritizing
private interests over public welfare, particularly if it contradicts the City's stated goals of
promoting affordable housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the City Council maintain the original agreement
requiring the Property Owner to pay the Voluntary Workforce Housing Incentive Program In -
Lieu Fee. Upholding this fee is essential to ensuring equitable development practices and
supporting the City's broader affordable housing goals.
Thank you for your consideration.
Patrick Lemon
Tustin Resident