On Wednesday, VICA advocated strongly against a proposal to add a new one percent fee on major developments in unincorporated Los Angeles County, including residential developments with five or more units, exacerbating the housing crisis when most agencies are trying to make housing less expensive to build. The revenue raised would be used for a poorly-defined list of arts projects. Developers would have the option to provide an on-site art installation but community benefits such as innovative architecture or attractive landscaping would not count towards the art fee. Commissioners raised the possibility of also subjecting affordable housing development to the fee. VICA is relieved that commissioners voted to continue the item until February to allow staff to work with VICA and others in the business community to address these concerns.
|