Housing and environment need our help

By Sandra (Gore) Nielsen

We need proactive efforts to protect the hillsides and coast and provide housing opportunities for all ages.

We need to understand some basic scientific facts about erosion, its inherent causes, both natural and man-made, and that there are steps we can take to diminish impacts to our coastal bluffs. Erosion is the way of nature, but we can minimize the man-made participation in the process. We need to address drainage issues, careful use of water and intrusive construction near the fragile bluffs, and impacts on beaches and cliffs by seawalls. We are stewards of our environment and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the hillsides and coastline for ourselves and future generations.

The gentrification of our neighborhoods is eroding the stock of lower cost rentals for young people. The cost of purchasing a home in our community is prohibitive. Many of us could not afford to live here if forced to purchase a home today. A diverse socio-economic population of all ages is essential for the vitality of our community. It's what makes Pismo Beach a great place to live. Let's recognize there is a problem and accept that market forces alone won't provide adequate opportunities. We are not doing enough. Let's get serious about finding solutions for seniors and workforce housing, both rentals and purchase. I want to see a proactive taskforce to pursue funding, non-profit collaboration and uses of city-owned property. We must push aggressively for mixed use in the commercial zones to provide both condos and rentals. We can re-zone for higher density, re-examine the level of in-lieu fees, and negotiate future annexations for higher yield inclusionary housing.