Introduction to Denser Housing Near Transit Stops
The Los Angeles City Council has voted to oppose a state bill that aims to increase high-density housing near public transit hubs. The bill, Senate Bill 79, seeks to address the state’s housing shortage by allowing buildings of up to nine stories near certain train stops and slightly smaller buildings near some bus stops throughout California.
The City Council’s Stance
The council voted 8 to 5 to oppose the bill, arguing that the state should leave important planning decisions to local legislators. City Councilmember Traci Park stated that a "one-size-fits-all mandate from Sacramento is not safe, and it’s not responsible." Councilmember John Lee, who authored the resolution opposing the bill, called it "not planning" but "chaos."
The Bill’s Provisions
The bill would allow heights of nine stories near major transit hubs, such as certain Metro train stops in L.A. A quarter-mile from a stop, buildings could be seven stories tall, and a half-mile from a stop, they could be six stories. Single-family neighborhoods within a half-mile of transit stops would be included in the new zoning rules. Near smaller transit stops, such as light rail or bus rapid transit, the allowed heights would be slightly lower.
Reactions to the City Council’s Vote
State Sen. Scott Wiener, the sponsor of the bill, lamented the City Council’s vote, stating that opponents of the bill are offering no real solutions to address the housing shortage. Wiener argued that the bill would increase public transit ridership, reduce traffic, and help the state meet its climate goals. Councilmember Nithya Raman, who voted against opposing the bill, said that the city’s housing crisis is so dire that the council needs to work with the drafters of the bill, even if there are elements of it they do not support.
The Bill’s Progress
The bill has passed the Senate and is currently before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Next week, the committee will determine whether the bill goes to the Assembly floor for a vote. If passed in both chambers, the bill would go to Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign by mid-October.
The City Council’s Resolution
The City Council’s resolution opposing the bill has no binding effect on the state Legislature but gives the council a platform to potentially lobby in Sacramento against its passage. The resolution also called for the city to be exempt from the bill because it has a state-approved housing plan. Mayor Karen Bass has not yet taken a position on the bill, while City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has come out against it, arguing that it would cost the city billions of dollars to upgrade infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles City Council’s vote to oppose Senate Bill 79 reflects the ongoing debate over how to address the state’s housing shortage. While the bill’s proponents argue that it would increase affordable housing and reduce traffic, opponents argue that it would lead to chaos and undermine local planning decisions. As the bill continues to make its way through the state Legislature, it remains to be seen whether it will ultimately become law.
FAQs
- What is Senate Bill 79?
Senate Bill 79 is a state bill that aims to increase high-density housing near public transit hubs in California. - What are the provisions of the bill?
The bill would allow buildings of up to nine stories near certain train stops and slightly smaller buildings near some bus stops. - Why did the Los Angeles City Council oppose the bill?
The City Council opposed the bill because they believe that the state should leave important planning decisions to local legislators. - What is the current status of the bill?
The bill has passed the Senate and is currently before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. - What is the potential impact of the bill on the city of Los Angeles?
The bill could lead to an increase in high-density housing near transit stops, which could potentially increase public transit ridership and reduce traffic. However, opponents argue that it could also lead to chaos and undermine local planning decisions.
