Planning and Growth Committee
Part 2
II. AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS
OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSIONS
With the average price for a home in San Benito County reaching $300,000, an increased demand for affordable housing is at an all time high. A recent city study puts the median income of Hollister residents at $50,000. That same study shows that the average yearly income of people who both live and work in San Benito County is just $30,000. Second and third generation families who were born and raised here cannot afford homes in the current housing market.
Rentals are very high and are hard to find. Both of these factors have contributed to overcrowded housing and illegal non-permitted garage conversions and additions, which can be deadly. The plans for the future of the cities and the county should include development of affordable private housing, and of multi-family rental housing for low to moderate income citizens.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Grand Jury recommends that:
| 1. |
The city and the county encourage and support development of affordable housing.
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| 2. |
The city and the county support development of multi-family rentals for low to
moderate-income people.
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| 3. |
The City encourages the restoration of older homes which has the effect of
rehabilitating the neighborhoods.
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| 4. |
The City and the County Building Departments receive suitable resources,
including sufficient staff and training to ensure proper inspections and
enhanced compliance with the Building Code. |
AFFECTED AGENCIES
San Benito County Board of Supervisors
San Benito County Planning Commission
San Benito County Auditor's Office
Hollister City Council
Hollister City Manager
Hollister City Planning Commission
RESPONSE REQUIRED
California Penal Code, §923, requires that a response to this final report and its recommendations must be delivered to the presiding judge of the Superior Court within 90 days of receipt of this report.
