Atherton is facing several challenges in its efforts to adopt Senate Bill 9 housing.
The bill would require that a portion of new housing developments be made available for affordable housing, but Atherton does not have any land near transit that could be used for this purpose. The city's residents are also opposed to new development, which makes it difficult to find support for the bill. Atherton does not have any existing affordable housing, which makes it difficult to meet the bill's requirements.
The first challenge is that the bill would require the town to allow for higher density housing near transit hubs, something that is not currently allowed under the town's zoning regulations.
The second challenge is that the bill would also require the town to set aside a certain percentage of its housing units for low and moderate-income residents, something that is also not currently allowed under the town's zoning regulations.
Finally, the bill would also require the town to provide infrastructure and other support for the new housing developments, something that the town is not currently required to do.
Watch Atherton residents concern at youtu.be/H9o-oDhrNNA?t=3352