A bill has been voted on that hopes to fast-track approval of turning surplus lands and underutilized parking lots into low-income homes

[Shortie]

If you are someone who lives in California, you will be happy about what we are about to tell you and this may very well interest you.

The legislature in California has voted on a bill that has the potential to fast-track the process of converting surplus lands and underutilized parking lots into low-income housing. This is a move that is aimed at addressing the homelessness crisis the state is dealing with at the moment.

Scott Weiner, a Democratic Senator intends to bypass most of the local permitting and environmental review rules which have a history of being time-consuming and expensive.

If this bill is passed it will cause a huge shift in how long people have to wait for approval which has currently in some cases taken years.

At the moment, the bill is awaiting final approval in the state before it will reach Governor Gavin Newsom for endorsement.

You can read more about this here

 

[Nomad]

If we believe in equality and co-existence, I think this bill should be passed. California has the highest homeless population, therefore, when the bill is passed low-income families will have access to low-cost housing without going through a tedious permitting process. It is better to use unused land and underused parking lots to create homes for low-income families rather than leave them to live in the streets.

 

[Debashis]

This bill in California is a ray of hope for addressing the homelessness crisis. Fast-tracking the conversion of surplus lands and underutilized parking lots into low-income housing could make a significant difference. The initiative to bypass lengthy local permitting and environmental review rules is a bold move to expedite the process, potentially reducing waiting times that have stretched for years. The pending final approval and potential endorsement by the governor are crucial steps toward a more efficient and compassionate approach to housing in California.

 

[Bizdustry.com]

I have a positive outlook on the proposed bill, which seeks to accelerate the approval process in order to convert surplus lands and underutilized parking lots into low-income homes. This initiative has the potential to effectively tackle housing issues and offer affordable housing options that are urgently needed. By simplifying the approval process, this bill can expedite the construction of these homes, enabling more individuals and families in need to secure safe and reasonably priced housing. It showcases a proactive approach to addressing housing challenges and holds the promise of fostering inclusivity and reducing homelessness, which would greatly benefit communities.

 

[Nomad]

There has been some updates regarding this bill. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the bill.

The bill paves the way for religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to transform their underutilized properties, including parking lots, into affordable housing units. This novel legislation, scheduled to take effect between 2024 and 2036, involves the rezoning of the concerned institutions' land to expedite the development of much-needed low-income housing, streamlining the typically cumbersome local permitting and environmental review procedures. Termed the "yes in God's backyard" or "YIGBY" initiative, this strategic maneuver is a significant step in combatting California's persistent homelessness crisis.

However, the implications of this new law extend beyond the immediate housing initiative, bringing modifications to the original 2018 housing law. Notably, it extends the lifespan of the previous law by a decade while incorporating alterations to certain labor and environmental provisions. For a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of these changes and their potential impacts, refer to the detailed coverage presented in the AP News article.