Two community groups sign up to create housing element maps

Two community groups recently formed to each submit an alternative housing element map.

Last week, the Encinitas City Council approved environmental review for three maps, which show potential spots that could accommodate the housing element’s 1,300 units. One or possibly multiple maps will appear on the Encinitas ballot November 2016.

Also, the council in January agreed to invite proposals from any community groups wishing to come forward with maps.

The first group, led by Bob Bonde of the Encinitas Taxpayers Association, announced its formation Feb. 1 via a news release. And Bonde notified the council at its Feb. 3 meeting that the group will soon begin gathering public input for its alternative map.

“Anyone interested in knowing more about the city’s low-income housing plans or wanting to participate in developing alternative solutions can reach me at my email address rbonde007@gmail.com,” Bonde said in the release.

Residents Kevin Cummins, Tom Frank and Ed Wagner are leading the second group, which held its first meeting Feb. 8 at the Encinitas Library. The contact information: encinitasproject@gmail.com.

The city has said it’s looking to have all maps finalized for environmental review by April. Thus, the groups have until mid-March to present their maps to the council for consideration.

Councilman Mark Muir first proposed the idea of community maps. Muir said in January that residents who felt disenfranchised by E-Town Hall, the online service the city used to collect housing element input, could draft community maps.