Sponsored link
Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Sponsored link

OpinionLetters to the EditorAn ethical landlord calls for more social housing

An ethical landlord calls for more social housing

Why the supervisors should approve $64 million in spending with a veto-proof majority

-

I bought a small apartment building (three units) on Roosevelt Way (District 8) in 1994. I lived there for decades, though now I rent the entire building out to my long-term tenants. (One of my tenants recently passed away, after living in his studio apartment since 1964.)

The city has an opportunity to fight evictions.

I could have done an OMI eviction on my below-market-rate tenants, pretending that I wanted their flat for my own use, but I strongly believe that landlords have an ethical obligation to provide decent and affordable housing. If I wanted to speculate, I would invest in tech stocks.

I realize there are not that many ethical landlords left in San Francisco. The market will not provide enough affordable units for our residents, and government must take up the baton. It is good public policy to have affordable housing for the displaced homeless population, the working poor, and our service sector workers, teachers and public servants.

Now, the city has an opportunity to stop complaining about the lack of affordable housing and the loss of our artists and blue-collar workers. We have an opportunity to provide funding to the small sites program, to retain our affordable housing units, avoiding displacement of our residents. It is cost effective to rehab existing housing, rather than build new units after the tenants were displaced, never to return.  

I have personally provided Mission Economic Development Agency with gap-loan financing to purchase small-site units and land bank. I have put my money where my mouth is. It is time for you to do the same. 

Please vote to approve the $64 million for small sites. Your vote assures the mayor won’t be able to veto this important legislation.

This is an open letter to Sup. Rafael Mandelman.

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Sponsored link

Featured

Lurie is trying to fire an independent police commissioner; maybe the chief is next

Mayor wants the supes to let him remove Max Carter-Oberstone, one of the best members of the oversight panel, for no good reason except power

Good Taste: Donuts without a rotten surprise in the middle

A trendy new sinker shop’s co-owner donated to the regime. Our tried and true favorites didn’t do that.

Live Shots: Dark whimsy and baroque frivolity at 2025 Edwardian Ball

Edward Gorey's spirit haunted the artful affair, which took inspiration from his pop-up book—adding some SF energy.

More by this author

Sponsored link
Sponsored link

You might also likeRELATED