By the time a Neighborhood Council or community group receives notice of a development proposal, many project decisions may have already been made. (See: Understanding the development process). However, Neighborhood Councils and community groups can promote the development of compatible affordable housing in their neighborhoods by working directly with nonprofit developers and by identifying sites for new apartments and condominiums.
» Find out what types of sites are ideal for housing development
Participation in identifying the housing need, suggesting possible sites and working with the developer on the design may help ensure that the new housing fits well into the neighborhood. Neighborhood Councils may also want to work with market-rate housing developers in their community, not only to ensure compatible design but also to encourage the developer to take advantage of the density bonus and other incentives to include affordable apartments among the new units. One way to be pro-active is to develop a cooperative relationship with a nonprofit developer that may allow the neighbors to help shape the housing from its inception, influencing site selection as well as other project characteristics.
Because of the economics of housing development in most areas of Los Angeles, it is important to keep in mind that new development will likely be at a higher density (more units, more height) than existing buildings.
To find a nonprofit developer in or near your neighborhood, contact Lisa Payne at the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) at (213) 480-1249.
