Measure S: City to acquire low- and moderate-income housing

This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/hm/ for current information.

League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Humboldt County, CA

November 2, 2010 Election

Measure S
City to acquire low- and moderate-income housing
City of Ferndale
Majority Approval Required

Pass: 516 / 74.57% Yes votes ...... 176 / 25.43% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Nov 29 4:38pm

Information shown below: Fiscal Impact | Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Fiscal Impact:

This measure will allow the City of Ferndale to acquire existing affordable housing units within the city, in a manner consistent with the Ferndale General Plan, for low- and moderate-income persons. This measure, by itself, would not increase local taxes. However, after the acquisition of the affordable housing units, and the creation of a non-profit agency to manage the property, the City may receive additional revenue above and beyond the operating and maintenance expenses. In turn, the City will incur some future expenses related to providing services, such as public safety, fire safety, road repair, and other municipal services to these affordable housing units. The housing complex is expected to more than pay its own way. In accordance with the Elections Code, the scope of this fiscal impact analysis has been limited to the measure's effect on the City of Ferndale's revenues and expenditures. It does not address larger countywide fiscal impacts such as the measure's effect on the overall Humboldt County economy.
s/Jay Parrish, City Manager

Impartial Analysis from City Attorney
Article 34 of the California Constitution requires approval of the voters before any "low rent housing project" can be "developed, constructed, or acquired" by any "state public body." If approved by a majority of the voters in the City of Ferndale, this measure would authorize the city to acquire existing low- and moderate-income rental housing units including units that require voter approval under Article 34. Twenty five low-income (80% of area median income) and 26 moderate-income (100% of area median income) rental units and one resident manager unit will be authorized by the measure. The low- and moderate-income rental housing units authorized by the measure must be consistent with Ferndale's General Plan and zoning ordinance, and cannot result in an increase in local taxes.
s/David Martinek, City Attorney

Official Information

City of Ferndale

Information, financial estimates and projections from the City of Ferndale

Events

Public Meeting at City Hall: Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, 6:00 P.M.

This election is archived. Any links to sources outside of Smart Voter may no longer be active. No further links will be added to this page.

Links to sources outside of Smart Voter are provided for information only and do not imply endorsement.

Arguments For Measure S Arguments Against Measure S

Please vote YES on Measure S. This ballot measure, if approved, will help provide housing for low and moderate income seniors, persons with disabilities, young working families, small business owners and their employees. Here are the facts: Ferndale has the opportunity to accept a federal appropriation allowing the city to acquire the housing complex currently owned by the United States Navy. Passage of this measure will allow the City to receive the property from the US Navy to use for the purpose of providing housing affordable to qualified seniors, local work force, persons with disabilities and families. The proposed measure would benefit the community of Ferndale because a lack of affordable housing for working families is an impediment to stable economic viability. Currently, there is a lack of housing affordable to senior citizens who don't want to leave Ferndale as they grow older, or for young working families who would like to live where they work. Ferndale is required to provide housing opportunities to all economic levels; this project will allow the city to meet this requirement and remain eligible for state and federal monies. Ultimately, ensuring that seniors and families be given the opportunity to live in safe, stable housing benefits all. It is important to know:

Passage of this measure will not require the use of local tax dollars.
If authorized, each of the units in the project will be paying the sewer and the fire bond, which will lower this amount for all property owners.
If approved, the housing will be well-maintained and managed by a local property management company.
If not approved, Ferndale's ability to address local housing needs and meet its share of state mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation will be impaired. Please vote YES on Measure S. Jeff Farley Mayor, City of Ferndale

Mary Ann Bansen Chair, Ferndale Senior Resource Agency
Jimmy Smith Humboldt County Supervisor

The voters have not been presented a full disclosure of documented facts regarding acquisition of Navy Housing. Information set forth at this time is estimates only. Fiscal impact is speculation. Restrictions, limitations and liabilities have not been set forth by the United States Navy. More information is essential regarding this acquisition to make an informed and educated vote.
If you feel that you do not have enough information to make an informed decision, please vote against this measure.
/s/ Duane Martin, Citizen & Property Owner of Ferndale /s/ Sandra J. Mesman, Property Owner, Merchant

Humboldt Home Page || Statewide Links || About Smart Voter || Feedback

Created: January 6, 2011 14:57 PST
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund http://cavotes.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.