Councilmembers Lowenthal & Kell Propose Pilot Program To Convert Existing Hotel and Motel Bldgs To Special Needs Housing

From: Bonnie Lowenthal, Councilmember, First District
Jackie Kell, Councilmember, Fifth District

Conversion of Existing Motels to Special Needs Housing

Background

There are a number of existing hotel and motel buildings that have a blighting influence upon the surrounding community through their operation or appearance. This has been of great concern to the surrounding neighborhoods. Many of these buildings have required significant use of public safety resources over a number of years and have led to blighting influences on the corridors and surrounding neighborhoods. These buildings often serve as de facto housing rather than as the temporary lodging originally intended. The purpose of this study is to assess the changes necessary to allow existing motels and hotels to be converted to better managed special needs housing.

Regarding the above, we respectfully request that the City Council refer this matter to the Planning Commission to investigate amending the Zoning and Building Regulations to allow a pilot program for the conversion of existing motel and hotel buildings to special needs housing most impacted.

Recommendation

Respectfully request that the City Council refer this matter to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to City Council.