“There are apparently lots of important issues like hedges, property lines and fences, that I had no idea people were so concerned about.” Madeline Moore, a senior at Santa Monica High School, telling councilmembers about her observations of the council meeting and urging them to focus more on homelessness.
“Why are we paying top dollar for a building that isn’t worth half that? You could look in some of the local papers and find better deals. Who’s getting paid off here?” Resident Chuck Allard, who is critical of the City Council’s decision to spend more than $3 million purchasing and rehabilitating an 8-unit apartment complex in the Pico Neighborhood for low-income families.
Joy Fulmer Incite: “Poor people should be paying less because the don’t buy as much and don’t have as much waste. You’re giving businesses a break with lower (trash) rates.”
“I don’t think we can afford to lose housing at any level of affordability, even if its unaffordable.” Councilman Kevin McKeown, who fears that allowing property owners to purchase adjacent lots and expand their homes might prevent much-needed housing.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 27, 2006. Read the original PDF.