11/26/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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, Robert Linz, 1321 Paige Avenue, said that, if the ordinance passes, e the City would probably be sued for financial damages. Units wi 11 be removed from the marketplace that people could purchase, and the housing stock will not be supplemental either. He feels the most unfortunate part is the moral issue; the question of affordable housing for seniors, handicapped, etc., cannot be addressed successfully with a moratorium. The only thing that will address this problem is Joint Housing Committee action to increase the number of low-cost housing units. He indicated that no developer will build additional units with this moratorium in effect. His objection is not the intent, but rather the way it is written. The owners will raise the rents immediately to compensate for the fact that they are losing money every day that they are unable to convert. Mr. Bob Suess, 260 East 38th, hqs constructed units over the years that rent to approximately 90 percent elderly. He said he has no intention of converting his units, but he can also see that any time a profit is limited, the demand for that product will increase two to three times over. Betty Niven, 3940 Hilyard, felt that probably a complete moratorium is the only way to go, but she submitted amendments to the Council for consideration. She further commented that in Beaverton, a moratorium was thrown out. She called to find out the basis for refusal and she was told that the ordinance was so vague it was not possible to tell to whom it applied. City Manager said that any legal questions regarding Ms. Niven's e proposals would need to be addressed. Ms. Smith said that, if Council takes action on the moratorium tonight, she would suggest that Ms. Niven's amendments be considered by the Joint Housing Committee later and incorporated into the ordinance if so desired. Mr. Haws agreed, saying he would like the staff to look at them later. Mr. Obie wondered about limiting the time of the moratorium to April 1, 1980. City Manager responded that the Attorney's office feels that three months is not enough time to research and review. At the end of Section 2(a) he also wanted to change the word "and" to "or." In Section 3, which states that "condominium conversions for which written consent of 80 percent of all tenants . . . II he wanted to change the 80 percent to a smaller percentage. Manager said the reason for that figure is to ensure that there is a minimum amount of displacement. Mr. Lieuallen responded that, if the 80 percent figure were used in a permanent ordinance, it would be a different matter requiring more scrutiny. He felt a need to have a high percentage during the period of the moratorium to insure the status quo as much a s po s sib 1 e. Mr. Lieuallen also said he assumed that the Joint Housing Committee will move quickly to study the issue thoroughly. If it takes less than six months, he would assume that the moratorium would e 11/26/79--8 102.9