10/24/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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" Ms. Briggs mentioned this action would represent the first instance of the e City regulating tenure with respect to renting versus owning. Also, this would the first time a housing policy would be differentiating against a group other than by income. Mr. Haws wondered if most of the tenants are on leases. Robin Johnson, HCC, responded that at the Patterson Towers the present leases are up for renewal. Their lease agreement states that the owner has the right to give a 90-day notice. At the Willamette Tower, a 3D-day notice is required and tenants are not on leases. Mr. Lieuallen wanted to clarify whether all of the documents that Council has been given have also been read by staff. He mentioned that his documents include: a letter from Legal Aid dated October 17; a memo from Legal Aid about municipal authority; a staff memo outlining the results of a survey of condominium conversions in Eugene; a statement by Daniel Lauber, principal consultant, Planning/Communications Associates; an October 19 memo from the Eugene Commission on the Rights of Aging; a letter from Lane County Legal Aid introducing a memo from Mr. Steve Mustoe. Ms. Briggs, Planning Department, said that staff has not seen the Steve Mustoe memo and that Attorney Steve Skipton's summary of Daniel Lauber's statement has been reviewed by Ed Whitelaw, economic consultant for the City. Ms. Wickes Seal, 712 East 16th, speaking as a member of the Aging Commis- sion, referred to the recent survey done by the Commission of the residents e of the Patterson Tower, Willamette Tower, Lane Tower, and Eugene Manor. She noted an omission on page 2 of that survey under Item 11. In response to the question as to whether tenants have physical limitations that would make it difficult for them to move, there were 249 responses. It should be noted that that there were 126 yes votes received and 123 no votes. She said that the Aging Commmission realizes more and more that the problem is one of human rights. She said that none of those tenants being affected by this conversion think of themselves as being disadvantaged because they have always taken care of themselves. They have never come before the Council to ask for anything and, if satisfied on a decision regarding a place to live, they will probably never need come before the Council again. She commented that she knows the Council will use their heads on this matter and she hope~ they will use their hearts, because "all of you will get old someday," she said. Charles Strong, 495 West 26th, speaking as a member of the Aging Commission, said that the most desirable domicile for older people is their own homes. He mentioned it is also less costly to care for people in their own homes. He said that seniors in particular are affected by income erosion and very few of these people are really able to buy condominiums. He said two alternatives left them are other rentals or nursing homes. He concludes that the Joint Housing Committee recommendations have not provided any real solution. A firm policy is urgently needed and a moratorium is warranted in order to have time to develop that policy. e 585 10/24/79--7