Residents ask about SB 1037; city says housing element work with state should avoid fines

During public comment a resident asked how recently enacted state law SB 1037 will affect Escalon and whether the city remains liable for fines if it does not meet requirements.

Betty Bennett told the council she was concerned about the state law’s requirements and possible fines and asked if the city’s plan for 75 homes was still in effect. City Manager Frank answered that staff is working closely with state officials on the housing element update and that jurisdictions actively working toward compliance are not presently in immediate danger of fines. "We are currently working with the state on our housing element document, where all of those issues will be addressed," Frank said.

Frank added that the state can revise regional housing numbers and that Escalon is negotiating with state staff on assigned numbers. He said the city expects to achieve compliance with its housing element in the coming months but will continue to monitor the law and any changes.

Separately, council and staff discussed proposed developments including a project referred to in the meeting as the Florsheim (or Flourish) development. Staff said the next formal step for a large discretionary project typically is the Planning Commission; that body reviews project plans and can result in revisions before returning to the council. Council members discussed whether to hold an additional town-hall style community meeting before the planning process, and staff said they would explore options and could bring a proposal back to the council as early as the next meeting.