What is your position on High Density housing in Fountain Valley?
I am generally not in favor of high density housing but there is a shortage of housing stock in California and demand from residents that want to live in Fountain Valley but can’t find a place. Also, the state of California has mandated that Fountain Valley plan for 4,839 new housing units as part of the city’s housing element.
Over the last 3 years, the city conducted outreach to the community on how best to plan for the 4,839 units with the least impact to existing residents and infrastructure. There are areas of the city that are more suited to high density projects, such as the area on Harbor Blvd near the Santa Ana River, and the area around Costco, so I would consider higher density housing in those types of areas. Each project would be evaluated on its own merits as it goes through the planning process.
Recently I voted against the Slater Investments project because I thought the proposed density of 82 units per acre was too dense for that location.
What should our policy be regarding AirBNB and other short-term rentals in Fountain Valley?
Ban them completely.
The council recently voted to ban short term rentals, and we are finalizing the ordinance which codifies the ban.
Although there is a demand for short term rentals, I am not in favor of them in Fountain Valley at this time for a number of reasons:
- Residents that live near short term rentals have complained about activities at the short term rentals which negatively affect their neighborhood, such as trouble with parking, noise, and such.
- Short term rentals are a business operating in a residential area, which is not an allowed use
- Short term rentals decrease the supply of available housing, that could otherwise be utilized by a long term renter or new homeowner (see question 1 discussion of housing supply)
There is a major problem with street parking in our city, especially in areas where there are apartment dwellings nearby. How do you plan to address that issue, especially considering state housing mandates and projects like Slater Investments?
Permit parking can be implemented if the nearby residents petition the city. There are a few areas near Mile Square that have voted to implement permit parking.
Also, if vehicles are violating existing parking rules, we should enforce the rules and issue tickets as appropriate.
New projects we will work with the developer to provide adequate parking for the development, but the state has passed laws that limit the city’s ability to require more than a specific amount of parking depending on the project.
Which of these ideas do you think are good ideas for increasing city revenue?
- Bring more business into the city.
The city’s main sources of revenue are sales tax and property tax, so bringing in business that generate sales tax are good sources of revenue. For example, Sports Basement will be opening in the old Fry’s location. They are a sporting goods retailer and should generate some good sales tax for the city.
Property tax revenue increases whenever a property changes ownership and when new properties are developed. As long as we maintain the City’s appeal for residents and businesses, property values should continue to remain strong and we should see some good property tax revenue over the next 10 years.
Should Fountain Valley increase its TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) from 9% to 10% to be at the same level as nearby cities?
No (do not increase TOT tax)
I am not in favor of any new taxes.
Additional statement:
Thanks for the opportunity to answer these questions. As your council member since 2018 and mayor this year, my two guiding principles have been and will continue to be
- Protect our quality of life and
- Keep Fountain Valley a nice place to live
Thank you for your support, and I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8!