Anaheim residents demand stronger affordable housing measures at city council meeting

The Anaheim City Council meeting on October 8, 2024, focused on pressing issues surrounding affordable housing, community safety, and local development. The session began with public comments addressing the need for increased low-income housing and tenant protections, reflecting ongoing concerns among residents about the city's housing policies.

One speaker emphasized the necessity for stronger affordable housing measures, advocating for a focus on low and very low-income residents. They criticized the current housing developments, which they described as primarily luxury units, and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed housing trust fund. The speaker urged the council to consider a higher percentage of affordable units in new developments, suggesting that a 15 to 20% requirement would be more appropriate given the city's recent history of gentrification.

Another resident, Karen Teiser Leon, raised questions about Anaheim's decline in leadership regarding low-income housing, expressing frustration over the increasing density and traffic in her neighborhood. She sought clarity on the city's current housing strategies and why they seemed to have fallen behind.

Chris Leon echoed these sentiments, highlighting the limited availability of low-income housing in new developments and questioning the transparency of the city's housing initiatives. He called for a return to programs that supported first-time homebuyers, lamenting the loss of affordable options for residents.

Laura Watkins, a local business manager, brought attention to safety concerns at bus stops near her property, where her staff felt unsafe due to drug-related activities. She urged the council to take action to improve safety for public transit users.

Tina Riley concluded the public comments by advocating for support of a specific ordinance aimed at addressing criminal behavior related to homelessness and mental health issues, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to uphold community safety.

The meeting highlighted a clear demand from residents for more robust affordable housing solutions and community safety measures, setting the stage for further discussions and potential actions by the council in upcoming sessions.