By Joan Rogers Santa Monica
The Rent Control Board feels that families are being rent burdened to occupy a market rate rental these days. To solve this, the city has been building housing by Community Corporation. If one looks at the two buildings under construction on Santa Monica Boulevard, at present, it becomes apparent that nobody would pay market rates for these units.
The building at 26th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard is located on a very busy corner intersection. The vehicle noise and exhaust will prevent any tenant from opening windows for ventilation. It is unlikely children will be allowed outside to get needed exercise or play.
The building at Berkeley and 26th streets is being built right up against a three-story solid brick wall. I can only imagine that the units in the middle of the lower floors will have such poor natural lighting that the occupants will have high energy bills and depressed moods. Again, the units are on a high traffic street and windows will be kept closed.
Landlords who provide market rate rentals know these units would be a hard sell, even with a lot of amenities. I don’t envision granite counters, hardwood floors or stainless steel appliances being provided in these units by Community Corporation.
I do hope, instead, that Community Corporation is going to provide health services for respiratory problems and mental health issues that will surface in the future tenants of these properties.
It is sad to think that what should be a welcome addition to offering affordable housing appears to also offer unhealthy living. There is a reason for commercially zoned lands in the city, unfortunately, Community Corporation does not seem to understand that all parcels of land are not deemed suitable for their buildings.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 21, 2007. Read the original PDF.