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Council questions calculations for affordable housing trust contributions as multiple tax abatements advance
Summary
Council members sought written explanations for how the city calculates contributions to the affordable housing trust fund amid multiple tax‑abatement items on the agenda; several abatement proposals were presented and at least one was deferred for further review.
Council members pressed administration for a written explanation of how contributions to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund are computed as several tax‑abatement ordinances and redevelopment transactions were presented.
Deputy Mayor and Allison Ladd, director of Economic and Housing Development, presented multiple agenda items that would grant long tax abatement terms to development projects — including a 30‑year abatement reportedly tied to major renovations at the Robert Treat Hotel and other abatement measures for new mixed‑use buildings. Council members asked for clarity about when a development is classified as commercial versus residential and how that classification changes the trust‑fund contribution calculations.
Councilmember Carlos Gonzales asked specifically for a written explanation of the calculations, noting concerns that some buildings with a mix of units and a small commercial floor area might be treated as commercial for contribution purposes. Allison Ladd said the administration would provide written materials clarifying how contributions are computed. Council members also noted recordkeeping and enforcement questions about deed restrictions and certificate of completion procedures that the administration uses to monitor affordability restrictions.
On individual items, some sponsors were recorded in the premeeting: Councilman Silva sponsored an ordinance for a 25‑year abatement for a new 13‑story mixed‑use building (sponsored by Silva; second by Councilman Quintana). A separate abatement for 54 Lockwood Street Urban Renewal LLC was deferred at the council’s request. The administration said it will produce more detailed, written documentation about trust‑fund calculations and deed‑restriction timing.
Ending — requested follow up
Council members asked for the administration to provide written clarifications about contribution formulas and how and when deed restrictions or certificates of completion are enforced so the council can consider abatement approvals with clear compliance mechanisms in place.
