California Bill to Increase Housing Supply Faces Pushback

California's New Housing Bill

• 🏠 Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 into law, aiming to increase California's housing supply.
• 💡 The bill overrides local zoning laws to allow residential buildings of five to nine stories near transit hubs.

Resident Concerns and Support

• 🚗 Some residents worry the bill will increase traffic and congestion in densely populated neighborhoods.
• 🏘️ Others believe it will create new housing opportunities and lower costs by increasing supply.
• 🗣️ Concerns were voiced that the bill could lead to a loss of local control over neighborhood development.

Opposition and Advocacy

• 🏛️ Mayor Karen Bass signed a city council resolution opposing SB 79 due to potential unintended consequences for Los Angeles.
• 📢 Public figures, like Spencer Pratt, urged residents to call on Newsom to veto the bill.
• 🚆 Transit organizations, such as Streets for All, support the legislation, arguing it will boost public transit use and access.
• 🚗 Supporters also highlight that it could allow employed residents to live closer to their jobs, reducing long commutes.

Implementation Timeline

• 🗓️ The new law is set to go into effect in July of next year.
• 🏗️ In the next year or two, an increase in mid-rise apartments near transit hubs is anticipated.