Sen. Jackson, noting the importance of community input, said, “I understand the very serious community concerns surrounding the Punta Gorda manufactured housing project in Santa Barbara. At a time when affordable housing is a critical need, it is also important that projects are undertaken in a manner that is conducive to community support,“ she said.
Her office is researching what the state Department of Housing and Community Development can do in the future to speak for the community needs, MHProNews has learned. She adds they have no power to stop the project, but they are working with the developer to add more trees so the visual impact will not be as strong. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor and the City of Santa Barbara to address these issues in the future,” saod Sen. Jackson.
Assemblymember Williams says concerned citizens have contacted him about the MHC. “Understanding that manufactured home (communities) are approved and permitted by CA Housing and Community Development, and not local governments, we reached out to the builder, architect and landscape architect for this project to connect them with these concerned citizens,” he said.
Williams’ staff met with the builder on site, and in addition to the trees, they discussed community input on the color schemes for the homes so they blend in better with the neighborhood. He said he has asked community and other concerned members for input on how legislation that govern this type of project may be altered. ##
(Photo credit: wikipedia–Santa Barbara coastline)
