BCNA endorses “yes” on Prop A

Members and Friends of the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association:

We are writing to urge you to vote “Yes” on Proposition A – the bond measure to fund affordable housing programs. A key reason for our support is it will have direct and immediate benefits for an affordable housing project in our neighborhood.

As you know, the City is moving to develop an affordable housing project on the existing parking lot at Broadway and Front streets. Two other affordable-housing developments nearby on Broadway already serve low-income households. Thus, we have been urging the City to include units for moderate-income households in its project. The problem is there is simply no federal or state funding for moderate-income housing. Sadly, many City employees such as teachers and health care workers cannot afford to live in the city that employs them.

Late this summer the Mayor’s Office said they would include moderate-income households in the project ONLY IF THE HOUSING BOND PASSES. Thus, we seek your support for Prop A. We do not want our neighborhood to be just for the “rich” and the “poor.” We value diversity. We wantpeopleofallincomelevelstofeelwelcomeinourneighborhood. Wehavebeenworking for almost 2 years on this project in support of that goal.

Proposition A faces a high hurdle. It needs a 2/3 majority vote to pass. So, your vote is important. Fortunately, the City does not expect the property tax rate to increase due to this bond.

Again, we urge you to vote “Yes” on Proposition A.

The Board of Directors
Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association