A newly formed housing committee is reviewing city policies that
could affect Gilroy’s long-term supply of affordable housing.
Gilroy – A newly formed housing committee is reviewing city policies that could affect Gilroy’s long-term supply of affordable housing.
The Housing Advisory Committee received a briefing Tuesday night on the current status of affordable housing in the city, and in coming months will review the city’s resale restriction policy, which prevents homes earmarked for low-income families from rising in price for 20 years.
Of the 4,484 housing units constructed or approved in the last seven years, 627 were priced at rates within reach of low-income families earning $84,900 or less.
Housing Planner Regina Brisco said the policy review comes in response to a request from City Council late last year.
“(The committee) will discuss shortening or lengthening the affordability period and restricting the resale price by some measure,” she said. “We’re going to be reviewing standards.”
Once the review is complete, the committee will make recommendations to City Council on possible changes to the ordinance.
The policy review comes as the city continues to fend off a lawsuit claiming it has failed to provide an adequate number of homes for the city’s poorest families. A superior court judge ruled in November 2004 that the city did not violate state-imposed requirements for affordable housing, but that decision has been appealed.
The next meeting of the Housing Advisory Committee takes place March 14 at 6pm at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St.
