The Peculiarity of the Summer is scheduled to stage a repeat performance at tonight’s City Council meeting.
For the second time in the last three Mondays, the Redevelopment Agency will try to win approval for what probably should have been a drop-dead unanimous vote on July 26.
Protesting neighbors, just south of Downtown and in the area of Lin Howe School, have succeeded in keeping this housing project, which they vehemently oppose, for more than two years.
Their biggest triumph came last year when they succeeded in convincing the Redevelopment Agency to downsize the building of condominiums under one roof.
Numerous ploys worked to slow, then deflect, then flatly block progress.
Given the project’s volatile history, and the political strength of nearby residents, no one close to City Hall is assuming approval will be granted at tonight’s 7 o’clock meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.
In collaboration with developer/auto dealer Sal Gonzales, the Redevelopment Agency will try again to hold a vote that would free about $6 million in government funding to construct 12 units of affordable housing at 4043 Irving Pl.
“This is a continuation of the same battle the neighbors have been fighting for years,” a City Hall source said this morning. Another attempt to kill the project. I don’t think it will succeed, but they are trying.”
The frustrating part for Agency members and city staff is that the money has to be used for affordable housing or risk losing it.
The matter seems a cinch to pass. While Councilman Andy Weisman has recused himself because of the proximity of his office to the project, three of the four remaining members were ready to vote affirmatively two weeks ago. But Mayor Chris Armenta suggested members of the Downtown Neighborhood Assn. and others should have more time to huddle with funding officials.
