3. Overall Housing Objectives
Reviewed color-coded grid that outlines committee’s work.
We are getting support from Dept of Environment to have their consultant help develop fact sheets for consumers about what is in their homes (Fulfills first yellow box)
Focus of this meeting is in the green area: Providing policy makers with a guidance on healthy housing in San Francisco (public and private)
Neil suggested that we not lose sight of issues around furnishings and chemicals used.
No update on guidance development yet.
Re: Article 11 - smoking in common areas: Supv. Mirkarimi wants exceptions for reductions in services and evictions.
Karen indicated that she is researching the feasibility of a proposal where tenant and owner share burden of fines.
Article 11 is continued to Oct 16th
Will list as an Action Item on Oct 23rd agenda
- Vote related to healthy housing and landlords; Required Training for repeat violators
- Vote to go on record that smoking in common areas section be reconsidered when going before board
Ray spoke with Chris Chan. There is a checklist re: new construction that is available on Dept of Environment website.
LEADS is an architecture certification that indicated healthy buildings.
CHPS – Collaborative for High Performance Schools. Neil worked with them to get SFUSD to adopt High Performance Design Guidelines. 3rd Party Commissioning is also a priority that we may want to consider.
Karen and her Dept are continuing to get calls from tenants who are having housing issues
Discussed avenues for promoting public awareness of tenants rights and resources and also informing professionals.
Neil announced the PSR is training physicians about environmental triggers.
Alison Lum from SFHP contacted Karen requesting book marks on environmental triggers. She will send to their whole database of asthmatics and also update the guides in various languages.
Gloria suggested incorporating this information into the next SF Asthma Network Meeting being coordinated by ATF Clinical Committee. Linking the work of ATF.
What do we mean when we say least healthy housing? (Brainstorm)
People living in garages
Temporary housing/illegal housing
Below grade units
SF Housing Authority*
Redevelopment financed projects in Western Addition (Marcus Garvey, etc.)
SROs*
Section 8 –varies
Older rentals (pre-’79)/Older Victorians
Faulty new construction
*Get most public attention
Possible asks:
- Prioritized Code enforcement scheme – changing housing inspection to look like restaurant grading system
- Requirements before you get permit/Raise the bar with criteria for accessing public monies
- DBI make a permit requirement
Issues BIN:
Fly by night contractors
Working with private banks
Bernie suggested having a team using thermographic cameras for exterior assessment.
à Strategy would be to record against the property.
Timeline considerations:
Neil suggested we complete this recommendation by Jan 07 so we can promote it for the following 6 months to ensure there is buy in for long term
Need to work with potentially affected stakeholders to get their feedback and buy-in
Incentives:
Keeping property value up
Health Values
Liability
Janan New – SF Apartment Association
Brooke Turner – Coalition for Better Housing
Short-term goal – have enough info to be able to have dialogue with key players
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