The threat of a lawsuit by the California Renters Legal Advocacy has the city of Dublin rethinking a housing proposal that would add 220 units near the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.
The Dublin City Council was "headed toward rejecting a proposed 220-unit condominium development near the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station," until the California Renters Legal Advocacy showed up.
Ron McNicoll reports on the unfolding political and legal saga of the Ashton at Dublin development. The council voted 4-1 in December to reject the proposed project, with different councilmembers citing different reasons for no votes. One councilmember cited building height, and another cited building materials. However, Vice-Mayor Don Biddle, who cast the lone no vote, said the project is already vested and is exactly the kind of development that should be approved near a transit station.
Dublin City Attorney john Bakker is also cited in the article warning the council that the city could be liable under the state’s Housing Accountability Act (HAA), and the California Renters Legal Advocacy has put the city on notice that they plan to do so, as reported by McNicoll:
Victoria Fierce, Executive Director of the California Renters Legal Advocacy (CaRLA), told the council that unless the city is very careful and specific about reasons for rejecting the map, the group could sue the city. It’s possible that CaRLA could gain $10,000 per unit, if it were successful in such a suit, said Fierce. That would amount to $2.2 million for the development, Ashton at Dublin Station.
The Dublin City Council has since decided to table its decision on the project, but the California Renters Legal Advocacy is still working this legal angle in other parts of the Bay Area, namely Lafayette, Sausalito, and Berkeley.
FULL STORY: Dublin Council Changing Mind About 220-unit Development
Infamous 315-Unit Lafayette Housing Development Finally Approved
In a dramatic sign of how far zoning reform has come in the state of California, CEQA wasn’t enough to stop a 315-unit apartment development first proposed 12 years ago in the city of Lafayette.
New York Times Editorial Takes Pro-Development Stance
The Editorial Board of the New York Times offers perhaps the highest profile support to date for overthrowing the status quo of slow growth and development opposition.
Poll: On Housing, Californians Want What the Legislature Won't Give
"This particular solution, which has been very controversial in the Legislature, is not very controversial when it comes to the general public."
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service