10/29/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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condominium conversion idea in qeneral. He felt this is the worst form e of conversion He said he feels the value of these two buildings has been created by the community and it is unfair for the community to be forced to take care of these people, while the developer gains from this increased value. He said it is essential to recoqnize that there is a shortage of rental housinq in Eugene and that unregulated condominium conversion con- tributes to this shortaqe and involves serious displacement for the resi- dent s . He aqrees that the public health, safety, and welfare are affected by this displacement and that an emergency exists. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that staff draft an ordinance and submit findings justifying the establishment of a freeze upon condominium conversion of rental units occupied by those over 62 or retired, and who have occupied their unit for at least two years, that an appropriate appeal process be included, and that the freeze be in effect for as short a period of time as it takes to develop equitable solutions to the problem, but no lonqer than six months. . His intent would be to put Council on record favoring a moratorium ordinance and to hold a public hearing. His intention would also be to prevent immediate actions which could represent a serious threat while analyzinq mechanisms to deal with displacement. Mr. Haws wondered if Mr. Delay was talking about stoppinq all conversion of rental units or simply condominium conversion. Mr. Delay said his -- intent was to deal with the type of conversion under discussion now. He does not want to impede conversion of other acceptable units, including those with some seniors, he said. The thrust should be directed toward immediate and larqe kinds of threats such as the ones now presented. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Haws, to amend the motion to include "or are disabled.1I Mr. Obie said he would be more comfortable in speaking in terms of "buildings" having a high proportion of displacements as compared to "units." He said that the Council is not dealinq at this point with a building with 80 units havinq only one elderly resident, but rather in \ buildinqs where it is a mass problem. Ms. Miller said she felt comfor- table with the "unit" language. Ms. Smith asked for some clarification on what is meant by exceptions, and she would like the Joint Housinq Committee1s response to the proposal. Ms. Schue said she had been assuminq that, if a moratorium were imposed, the few vacancies in a buildinq could still be sold. She said she feels that Mr. Delayls intent is that, if a larqe portion cannot be sold, the condominium conversion is stopped. She requested clarification. Mr. Lonq said that an ordinance such as Mr. Delay is suqgesting can effec- tively stop the conversion process if there is a high percentage of elderly residents in a buildinq. Manaqer said that staff has been told that at least 60 percent of the units should be available for sale if it is qoing to succeed. Mr. Lieuallen said that he feels that the word e IIdisabledll is too vaque and it should be cleared up. 10/29/79--9 5't8