April 8, 2021
From: Sustainable TamAlmonte
To: Honorable David Chiu, Assembly Committee on Housing & Community Development, Legislative Office Building, 1020 N. Street, Room 156, Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Oppose AB-721 (Bloom) "Covenants and restrictions: affordable housing"
Dear Chair Assembly Member Chiu and Members of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development,
We urge you to oppose Assembly Bill 721.
I. ABOUT ASSEMBLY BILL 721:
Assembly Bill 721 would make any private recorded covenants, conditions, restrictions, or private limits on the use of private or publicly owned land contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale that restricts the number or size of the residences that may be built on the property, or that restricts the number of persons who may reside on the property unenforceable against the owner of an affordable housing development, as defined.
II. REASONS TO OPPOSE ASSEMBLY BILL 721
Assembly Bill 721 is poor policy and an example of legislators seeking to micro-manage local affairs and give control of land use to developers. Whereas such control should rightfully remain with local governments and communities.
There are many reasons why lowering the density, restricting the number of units, and limiting the number of residents are beneficial. These reasons include, but are not limited to, preserving public health and safety, the environment, neighborhood character, and quality of life, as well as avoiding significant adverse impacts. AB-721 would hinder this capability.
Once again, we urge you to oppose Assembly Bill 721. Thank you in advance for your conscientious consideration.
Very truly yours,
/s/
Sharon Rushton, President
Sustainable TamAlmonte