Around the Country...
California
This November, Southern Californians will be voting on several ballot measures that affect the local building industry. In Los Angeles, a $1 billion housing bond would provide $750 million in loans and grants for affordable housing and $250 million in loans for city workers to buy their first homes. A Newport Beach initiative would require voter approval for any changes to the city’s general plan, placing limits on projects that increase the city’s residential and commercial density. However, this initiative also impedes the adoption of a new city plan in general, making development in the city almost impossible. Santa Barbara County’s Measure D, if passed, would install a three-quarter cent transportation tax increase for the county in efforts to raise $1.5 billion over thirty years to go to local and regional transportation improvement projects. Finally, in Orange County, Measure M will impose a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects which would guarantee continued development projects in Orange County, where transportation funds have been dwindling.
Vermont
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation issues a new storm water construction permit last month. This permit (General Permit 3-9020) addresses construction projects that exceed one acre but less than five acres of disturbance with a sixty-day waiver for the requirement to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI). Projects larger than that must submit NOIs and await authorization before construction commences. New storm water guidelines are available at www.vtwaterquality.org.
Washington
Building Industry Association of Washington’s (BIAW) candidate for the State Supreme Court, Steve Johnson, defeated three other candidates in last month’s primary. Next month, BIAW and Johnson take on incumbent Justice Susan Owens in a tough race, facing off with special interests and statewide leaders who have previously endorsed Owens.
Rhode Island
Earlier this month, several environmental groups in Rhode Island submitted a letter and report, "Rhode Island's Natural Heritage at Risk: Protecting Open Spaces and Special Places," to the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) supporting the protection of open space. According to the report, Rhode Island is the second-most-developed state in the country. The group is asking the DEM to take a better look at proposals for the use of open space. Environmental groups in Rhode Island are looking to stop recent attempts to build on public lands, particularly in state parks and water areas. These guidelines are currently being reviewed under the Preservation of State Open Space Law, which was passed in June by the state General Assembly. Guidelines to protect open space will be updated for the General Assembly at the beginning of next year.
Colorado
Colorado launched the first of its kind — a statewide foreclosure hotline on October 12 in response to increasing foreclosures across the state. More than 1,000 calls were received the first day. Last month, nearly 4,500 homes were in some stage of foreclosure, holding Colorado in the top position for most foreclosures in any state for the seventh month in a row. The hotline allows callers to speak to assist them in avoiding foreclosure on their homes. These counselors work with callers and mortgage lenders aiming to establish new payment schedules or sales of the property for less than the loan amount. Often callers are also looking to refinance adjustable rate mortgages with rising payments. The Colorado Division of Housing is spending $250,000 on the hotline, 877-601-HOPE. Another $50,000 has been raised from mortgage lenders and industry groups.
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