Sigh, thanks for telling this story. Even our small village is challenged by predatory capitalism. From the CVS fiasco to this housing corruption, city leaders first focus seems on increasing possible cash flow.
Considering our governor’s statements of CA having the forth largest economy in the world, the quality of life in less prosperous places surpasses our offered choices.
Sebastopol Times, keep your excellent work growing.
My (rudimentary) understanding is that City leaders had no power over the terms of this development to begin with, as a state law took away local control in favor of developers acting quickly... however, the Council as our local electeds should at least advocate for their citizens, use their leverage/bully pulpit to make the case to those with more legal standing.
The city council has played a role in this mess by not forcing Woodmark to live up to its promise of low income housing for farmworkers. They did no followup and allowed Woodmark to move in people who were also in need-just not the designated people in the contract. It's really despicable.
I thought and could be wrong that the city approached Woodmark about doing outreach for farmworker families after the current low income people had already moved in.
Sebastopol should seize the property using eminent domain. It might not work in the long term but should keep things churning for a while. Or seize it with civil forfeiture since the owners are clearly part of criminal enterprize. Of course none of this will happen, the residents will be out on the street because you know, property rights above all.
The developer used state law for low income housing to bypass Sebastopol altogether. Sebastopol has no legal oversight over how the apartments were rented.
Where is Lynda Hopkins on this issue? Have the residents or the Council involved her? I don't see her name on the politician list link. Also, can the City bring suit against Woodmark for its obvious deceit?
Sigh, thanks for telling this story. Even our small village is challenged by predatory capitalism. From the CVS fiasco to this housing corruption, city leaders first focus seems on increasing possible cash flow.
Considering our governor’s statements of CA having the forth largest economy in the world, the quality of life in less prosperous places surpasses our offered choices.
Sebastopol Times, keep your excellent work growing.
My (rudimentary) understanding is that City leaders had no power over the terms of this development to begin with, as a state law took away local control in favor of developers acting quickly... however, the Council as our local electeds should at least advocate for their citizens, use their leverage/bully pulpit to make the case to those with more legal standing.
Can Woodmark be forced to provide farmworker housing at the previously advertised rate at another location, at its expense if necessary?
That's an interesting idea to ask whatever lawyers are willing to help
There is the public story and there are private realities. I appreciate the Times continuing to track both.
The city council has played a role in this mess by not forcing Woodmark to live up to its promise of low income housing for farmworkers. They did no followup and allowed Woodmark to move in people who were also in need-just not the designated people in the contract. It's really despicable.
The City had no role in this fiasco,
I thought and could be wrong that the city approached Woodmark about doing outreach for farmworker families after the current low income people had already moved in.
That's news to me.
which part is news to you? I would be fine being wrong on this
News to me is that the city approached Woodmark about doing outreach for farmworker families.
Sebastopol should seize the property using eminent domain. It might not work in the long term but should keep things churning for a while. Or seize it with civil forfeiture since the owners are clearly part of criminal enterprize. Of course none of this will happen, the residents will be out on the street because you know, property rights above all.
Are you serious? Sebastopol City would be bankrupt from attorneys' fees.
Well covered, Laura.
The developer used state law for low income housing to bypass Sebastopol altogether. Sebastopol has no legal oversight over how the apartments were rented.
Where is Lynda Hopkins on this issue? Have the residents or the Council involved her? I don't see her name on the politician list link. Also, can the City bring suit against Woodmark for its obvious deceit?
I'd bet the state is subsidizing the owners with a higher rate for illegals to move in rent free
Nope, that is not the case. Residents must be citizens or permanent “green card” residents who are farmworkers. That definition is very broad.