Why the RV Lot? It’s realistic

MEMBER COLUMN

by Nick Massetti

SB planning commissioner

The GRF Board had nothing to do with identifying the RV Lot among the land inventory sites in the Seal Beach Housing Element. It was solely my idea.

If you want to understand why, I can tell you. If you just want to join in NIMBYism, don’t bother to read further.

At the root of it, Government Code Section 65583.2(c) requires, as part of the analysis of available sites to be included in a Housing Element, “a local government must demonstrate the projected residential development capacity of the sites identified in the housing element can realistically be achieved.” “Realistically” is defined as a way that demonstrates a sensible and practical idea or alternately a way that is accurate and true to life.

I was keeping those facts in mind when I read the original draft of the Housing Element two years ago just after being appointed to the Seal Beach Planning Commission where I took an oath to “well and faithfully discharge the duties of that office.”

To me, that meant I could not let a lie persist in the Housing Element draft. The City did not know it was a lie, but I did. What was that lie? The Housing Element draft had identified all of Leisure World as a potential site and described it this way: “Parking is scattered throughout the site and contained within carport structures. The 150 units can be accommodated on approximately 5 acres at a density of 30 units to an acre within areas that are currently developed with simple carports. New two-story buildings can accommodate parking on the ground level with units above. Since only 1% of the site is anticipated to be redeveloped with the removal of some carports and the incorporation of the replacement parking within new development, the existing uses will not impede the anticipated amount of residential development.”

I knew it was a lie to say it was even possible and certainly not realistic, to take away resident’s carports to build additional housing units. So, I suggested that the only lot within Leisure World that could accommodate 150 units would be the land currently occupied by the RV Lot.

It met the criteria that it not be a lie and that it be realistic, however improbable.

No one actually expects it to ever be built. I’ll take the blame for honoring my oath.