City Planning Committee Meeting - October 28, 2025

The City Planning Committee convened for its final meeting of the current term to conduct a public hearing and vote on an ordinance amendment to increase commercial linkage fees for affordable housing. Following technical difficulties and the late arrival of the Chair, Representative Lai served as the temporary chair. The committee approved the fee increase and recommitted the next agenda item to the Steering Committee before adjourning.

Consent Calendar

• No items listed on the consent calendar; the meeting proceeded directly to the public hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Adams: Expressed sincere support for the ordinance increasing linkage fees from 10% to 15%, emphasizing the importance of directing these funds to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support projects.
• Ms. Halfern: Expressed general support for the increase from 10% to 15%. She urged the committee to ensure the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is also utilized to assist owners of three-to-four family homes for repairs, rather than solely funding new construction, citing the charter's definition of the fund.

Discussion Items

• Role of the Acting Chair: Representative Lai served as temporary chair after Representative Rob Ricatta joined late. A motion was made to open the public hearing, delayed by technical issues ensuring public participation, and subsequently reopened and closed once all speakers were heard.
• Clarification on Fund Usage: Representative Walton offered an editorial comment clarifying that funds are already available for purposes beyond new construction (e.g., repairs) but require a formal application process handled by City staff (Emily Gordon).
• Comparison to Neighboring Entities: Representative Goldberg inquired if 15% is higher than surrounding communities (Fairfield or Westchester County). Representative Lai noted she did not have the data on hand; Representative Goldberg stated they were curious rather than opposed, and Representative Lai promised to research neighboring percentages for the full board in November.
• Nature of the Fee: Representative Lai clarified that the increase is a percentage of existing building fees redirected to the fund, not an additional fee charged to applicants. She noted the City Operations Department has no objections. Representative Watson explained that while 5% previously went to the fund, now 15% would be carved out, with the remainder going to the general budget.
• Financial Impact: The Sponsor acknowledged that exact annual projections vary based on permit types but noted past revenue figures (referencing ~1 million dollars at 10%). Representative Goldberg mused that the increase from 5% to 10% had doubled the impact, and this change should triple it, though it remains insufficient. The Sponsor detailed that linkage fees are unique in their ability to fund non-construction uses (e.g., leveraging state grants) to serve residents at 25-50% AMI, which other funding streams cannot always reach.
• Item 2 (Administrative Feedback): Representative Williams noted the Mayor's office and administration were unable to attend. As no dialogue with administration could occur, it was moved and seconded to recommit the item to the Steering Committee for the next board.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Ordinance Amendment (HCD 031.088): The motion to amend Chapter 146, Article 5, Section 146-67 to change the linkage fee from 10% to 15% for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund passed with a 4-0 vote (Representative Pollock was absent due to technical issues, but the motion stood as a majority). The item is approved by the committee.
• Recommitment: Item 2 was successfully recommitted to the Steering Committee by a voice vote (all in favor, no opposition or abstentions) for the incoming board to consider.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM. Representative Watson offered a farewell tribute to the committee's four-year tenure and wished a Happy Birthday to Representative Moore (co-chair).