Surplus land: exempt surplus land: eligible military base land.
The bill requires that at least 20% of the residential units permitted on the exempt surplus land must be designated for low or moderate-income families, with an additional requirement that 15% of those homes be reserved for lower-income households. This legislative measure aims to promote the development of affordable housing in California, particularly in areas historically connected to former military bases that are now being redeveloped. Local agencies are tasked with adhering to these mandates to foster inclusivity in housing developments.
Senate Bill 719, introduced by Senator Min, focuses on the disposal of surplus land owned by local agencies, particularly emphasizing land from military bases. The bill defines what constitutes 'surplus land' and outlines conditions under which certain parcels can be declared as 'exempt surplus land.' Specifically, it pertains to the effective use of properties associated with the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station and mandates that a portion of the residential units developed on these lands meet specific affordability criteria to benefit low and moderate-income households.
Discussion around SB 719 has been mostly supportive, particularly among housing advocates who commend its efforts to integrate affordable housing into the regeneration of military land. Proponents argue that the bill recognizes the urgent need for affordable housing in California, while providing a framework that ensures accountability from local agencies. However, critics express concern that the measures may be insufficient to address the broader housing crisis facing the state, fearing that local agencies might still devise ways to circumvent strict adherence to the affordability requirements.
A notable point of contention is the requirement for local agencies to adopt findings and report on compliance with the affordability mandates. Some local jurisdictions could view this as an additional bureaucratic burden, which may lead to resistance or non-compliance. Additionally, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed accountability measures—whether they would genuinely lead to more affordable housing solutions or merely provide a framework for compliance without tangible results.