House approves HB 3071, Senate to vote next. NE District Council’s letter urging a no vote.

The House recently passed HB3071, which would change the ownership percentage from 100 to 80 required to terminate a condo building. Here is a letter from the NE District Council outlining their point of view on the subject.

RE: Vote NO on HB 3071

Dear Speaker Chopp and Representatives Pedersen, Kenney and McIntire:

At its January 7th meeting, the Northeast District Council, representing 20 community and business organizations in the 43rd and 46th legislative districts, voted to oppose House Bill 3071. The bill purports to merely harmonize statutes that address the termination of condominiums. In reality, the bill would ultimately result in the loss of a substantial segment of irreplaceable affordable housing in our area. We urge you to vote no on this bill and do all you can to kill it.

The prime sponsor of the bill states that it is intended to make it easier for Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center to acquire the 136-unit Laurelon Terrace condominium complex, located adjacent to its property, for its expansion plans. But, at what cost? It would mean the loss of 21 percent of the moderate income housing in our area as documented in the preliminary draft environmental impact statement. This housing cannot be replaced. Where will all the seniors and others go? Many purchased the condominiums with the expectation that they could live there for their remaining years. They were assured this because the condominium law would not allow termination of the condominium agreement without their consent. There is no similarly situated affordable housing in the area, and many purchased their homes to be near their kids.

Children’s is in the process of acquiring Laurelon Terrace condominium units—20 units so far. HB 3071 would give Children’s the power to terminate the condominium with only 80 percent of ownership, instead of the 100 percent that is now required under the law which regulates condominiums prior to 1990. Please do not provide the tool to allow Children’s to acquire and demolish this much needed affordable housing.

The Northeast District Council urges you to do all you can to defeat HB 3071. Thank you for considering our views.
Please help us stop HB3071!