In a recent city council meeting, Council Bill 0694 was successfully passed with unanimous support from all 11 council members present. The bill, which facilitates the collaboration among property owners to share costs for developing accessory dwelling units, aims to make housing more affordable. Council members expressed gratitude to the property owners for their cooperation, highlighting the benefits of pooling resources to reduce individual financial burdens.

Council member Cashman was absent during the discussions, but other members acknowledged the positive impact of the bill, particularly in Council District 1, where similar initiatives have been implemented. The council emphasized that the funds saved from avoiding land consultant fees could be redirected towards the actual design and construction of these units, which are known to be costly.

Looking ahead, the council has scheduled a public hearing for Council Bill 0915 on August 12, 2024. This bill seeks to designate 5,086 Brain Street as a structure for preservation, indicating the council's ongoing commitment to maintaining the city's historical integrity.