My Belmont Heights

The NPC met on May 1 after everyone had had a chance to review the examples of zoning/ordinances from other cities which are facing similar issues as Belmont Heights. Co-Chairs, Maureen and Marc, had drafted a “Neighborhood Character Stabilization” mission statement based in large part on the recent Los Angeles ordinance that seeks to protect the character-defining features of that city’s neighborhoods.

The committee reviewed the Statement and offered a few suggestions, after which the Statement will be resubmitted for final approval to the NPC. Once this working draft is in place we will share it with Third District Councilmember, Gary DeLong. After incorporation of approved suggestions from him, the Statement will be taken to the greater Belmont Heights Community Association at the June meeting.

In the meantime, several other council members have expressed an interest in keeping apprised of the BHCA’s activities. Issues with the destruction of streetscape and distinguishing neighborhood characteristics, as well as mansionization have been of great concern throughout the city.

Councilmember Lowenthal's proposal to require an additional review for demolition of homes over 45 years old not in historic districts was passed onto the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee at an April council meeting. This is due to be discussed at the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee on June 5. The NPC has been asked to participate at this meeting.

At Councilmember Uranga request we met with her on the issue of defining and preserving neighborhood character. While reviewing proposed demolitions is a step in the right direction, that won't be enough to save the defining characteristics of the neighborhoods. We understand there are similar issues to ours occurring in Cal Heights and other parts of the City so Councilmember Uranga may be proposing more comprehensive protections Citywide.

History of the Neighborhood Preservation Committee
Around January 1, 2007, after acknowledging that the number of demolitions and subsequent large-scale replacement housing had accelerated throughout Belmont Heights over the last two years, a group of concerned residents took the issue to the Belmont Heights Community Association. Because continual destruction of our older housing affects the quality of life in the Heights, as well as property values, a committee was formed by a posting to the BHCA website to study the issue, get the facts, and report back to the greater community. This committee of a dozen residents became the Neighborhood Preservation Committee (NPC).

The NPC reviewed demolition data, permit issuances, and did a photographic survey of the neighborhood. The committee met with Councilmember DeLong to discuss what options were available to protect the distinguishing characteristics of Belmont Heights. The committee hosted an open forum on February 28, 2007 at which over 97% of the 100 attendees surveyed tasked the NPC with finding solutions to the “mansionization” of Belmont Heights.

Throughout March and April, the NPC has met with Building and Planning staff to discuss current zoning regulations. The Committee has reviewed examples of how other cities address this issue (it is clearly a trend throughout the United States). The committee has been contacted by various council members to discuss the concerns of the Heights as they relate to other areas in the city.

Once a draft statement has been approved by the Neighborhood Preservation Committee, including various specific zoning changes and policies, there will be another forum to discuss the plan, the next steps and move forward into an implementation phase.