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Council discusses 3-acre housing site and ethics question; no action taken
Summary
Council discussed offers and next steps for a three‑acre parcel west of City Hall and heard a conflict-of-interest concern about a council member’s relationship to a housing provider; the city attorney will review Milestone Housing’s status before any decision.
At the meeting the council discussed potential next steps for a three-acre city-owned parcel west of City Hall that has been the subject of prior approvals and a previously planned project with Milestone Housing. Staff said the city attorney will meet with Milestone Housing to clarify whether Milestone remains positioned to move forward; the city will not take action on NPHS’s offer until the attorney confirms Milestone’s status.
Councilwoman Ramirez raised a transparency concern, saying she "received an email a few months back" alleging that "Councilman Scott does own property in a CBHC housing development." She asked whether that was true and whether the council member should recuse himself from related decisions. Council member Scott responded, "I have no financial interest. I have no property from CVHC in the jurisdiction of 29 Palms," and said he would not recuse himself.
Council members discussed the complexities of developing affordable housing in the region — pointing to competitive tax-credit processes, multiple funding sources, and the city’s prior use of bond funds to purchase the site — and emphasized that any disposition of the property will require legal review and a process that accounts for prior obligations to Milestone Housing.
No formal action or vote was taken on the NPHS offer or on subcommittee membership changes; several council members agreed the issue should be referred to the city attorney for review and brought back to the council for follow-up.
