DEL MAR — The California Department of Housing and Community Development sent the city a letter Oct. 16 warning that it is failing to meet its obligations under state affordable housing laws.
The letter from Melinda Coy, assistant deputy director of the Housing Accountability Unit, directs the city to respond in writing by Nov. 16.
The state contends that the city is currently 54 low-income housing units short of meeting state requirements. The letter specifically cites the collapse of a tentative agreement to pursue affordable housing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state-appointed board that operates the fairgrounds, voted Aug. 18 to terminate the agreement, a decision Del Mar officials have repeatedly asked the board to revisit.
The city is also facing a lawsuit from Carol Lazier, owner of a parcel on North Bluff, over a proposed 259-unit development. The city maintains that the development permit applications for the site are incomplete.
The state’s letter does not mention Lazier’s application but notes that the city has not rezoned the North Bluff area to allow enough housing units to meet state requirements, as the city had proposed as an alternative to housing at the fairgrounds.
In an emailed response to The Coast News, City Manager Ashley Jones wrote, “The City takes our certified Housing Element requirements seriously and will work with HCD to ensure the City remains in compliance. This includes providing a formal and timely response.”
